Here are some answers to the most frequently asked shockwave questions we receive. If you don’t see your question and answer here, feel free to call or contact us.
Q: Why is Shockwave Therapy better than other forms of treatment ?
Q: What is Mechanotransduction?
Q: What does “Extracorporeal” mean?
Q: Are there any side effects to ESWT?
Q: Does this treatment require anesthesia?
Q: What if a patient cannot tolerate the treatment due to it being too painful for them?
Q: Which transmitter tip is to be used for which areas?
Q: What is required to set up the MASTERPULS series units?
Q: What is required to set up the DUOLITH unit?
Q: Do you offer training sessions on the use of the shock wave units?
Q: How long does it take to complete a treatment session?
Q: What happens after each treatment session?
Q: What is trigger point therapy and how does the D-ACTOR technology address this?
Q: Why is Shockwave Therapy better than other forms of treatment ?
A: Shockwave therapy does not require the use of drugs or surgery and there are virtually no side effects and risks. Studies have shown that it is equal to or more effective than any other form of physical therapy, while being quicker and much more convenient. Mechanotransduction is the specific effect of shockwaves that causes all the biological reaction in the cells and tissue and is the important factor that differentiate SWT to ultrasound, laser, radiation, and any other therapy forms.
Q: What is Mechanotransduction?
A: Mechanotransduction refers to the many mechanisms by which cells convert mechanical stimulus into chemical activity. This chemical activity, in turn, causes a healing effect in the area.
Q: What does “Extracorporeal” mean?
A: Extracorporeal simply means “outside of the body” and refers to medical procedures conducted outside the body. For example, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure in which a device held outside the body is used to break up kidney stones inside the body, thus termed extracorporeal.
Q: Are there any side effects to ESWT?
A: Only a small number of patients have shown skin redness, minor bruising, and soreness at the treatment site which was found to subside within hours or a few days post-treatment.
Q: Does this treatment require anesthesia?
A: No sedation or anesthesia of any type is necessary for radial ESWT treatment. Sometimes, the veterinarian will use sedation in the area if the patient is high-stressed to prevent kicking or other aggressive reactions. The STORZ MEDICAL units are not as noisy as most on the market, but the sound can sometimes aggravate the patient. We recommend local, regional or general anesthesia or sedation when treating with high energy shock waves.
Q: What if a patient cannot tolerate the treatment due to it being too painful for them?
A: When treating animals, it is difficult sometimes to interpret whether it is painful for them. We have found that when administering ESWT on horses for example, they actually seem to enjoy the treatment, especially when it is on sore backs and other muscle areas. When the treatment applicator makes contact with the affected area, the horse will actually lean into the hand piece to make the shock waves go deeper. In general, because the shock wave intensity can be adjusted up or down to accommodate any patient tolerance, we recommend simply starting at a lower intensity setting and administering the treatment at a low pulse per second rate. The patient will adapt quickly to this intensity setting and will be able to tolerate a higher setting. At this point, slowly increase the intensity to complete the treatment. If needed, you may increase the total number of pulses per second while staying at a very low intensity setting in order to complete the treatment.
Q: Which transmitter tip is to be used for which areas?
A: The shockwave transmitter tips for the MASTERPULS series units and the areas they treat are:
Ø6mm Acupressure – simulate acupuncture
High Precision – very painful, tense small defined areas close to bone
Ø15mm Standard – tendons, ligaments, bone, joints
Ø20mm D-ACTOR I – muscle and tissue areas; trigger point therapy
Ø35mm D-ACTOR II – large muscle and tissue areas
The DUOLITH focus hand piece is complete with two stand-offs which treat all areas at different depths. They are:
No stand off attached (50mm): focal area is 35-65mm and therapeutic efficacy is 0-125mm
30mm stand off: focal area is 15-45mm and therapeutic efficacy is 0-105mm
15mm stand off: focal area is 0-30mm and therapeutic efficacy is 0-90mm
Q: What is required to set up the MASTERPULS series units?
A: All STORZ MASTERPULS series units plug into a standard wall outlet and can be operated on any table top or equipment cart. They are also easily portable with the assistance of an equipment cart or transportation case or custom shoulder bag.
Q: What is required to set up the DUOLITH unit?
A: The STORZ DUOLITH unit plugs into a standard wall outlet and can be operated on any table top or equipment cart. It is also available in a Tower unit. The DUOLITH is easily portable with the assistance of a transportation case or equipment cart.
Q: Do you offer training sessions on the use of the shock wave units?
A: FOCUS-IT, LLC will provide on-site professional training for qualified personnel at each location that enters into an agreement to obtain a shock wave unit.
A: FOCUS-IT, LLC offers a wide range of financing options for you from numerous leasing and financing companies. Some companies offer deferred monthly payment plans where you pay no money up front on approved credit. Speak to us to determine which program is best for you.
Q: How long does it take to complete a treatment session?
A: The time to treat each painful area takes between 5 to 10 minutes depending on how many impulses are applied per area. Typically, 3-5 treatment sessions are scheduled with 5-10 days in between sessions. The number of sessions may vary depending upon the location and severity of the condition being treated.
Q: What happens after each treatment session?
A: It is important for the patient to rest (hand walking 2x daily for 20 minutes is suggested) for a couple of days or weeks depending on the injury and subsequently restart with a controlled rehabilitation protocol. Increase the exercise/training continually depending on the soundness of the patient. This will ensure the best possible therapeutic results, will avoid further injuries and enable the patient to return to full work more quickly.
Q: What is trigger point therapy and how does the D-ACTOR technology address this?
A: Trigger point therapy involves applying concentrated pressure to trigger points (or painful irritated areas in the muscle) in order to break the cycle of pain in the affected area. The D-ACTOR technology is designed to apply a unique bio mechanical deep pressure (hyper-stimulation) to these areas in order to release the latent trigger points and relieve the pain in the area.
