Therapeutic applications: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and Pain Trigger Point Therapy with Shock Waves. One of the advantages of Piezoelectric Technology is the focusing that produces a well-defined and more accurate shock wave focus point compared to the other two shock wave generation methods.
Basic principles of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure for the treatment of acute and chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system. Acoustic shock waves are characterized by a pressure rise in an extremely short period of time, which is followed by an exponential pressure decrease and a short negative pressure phase. The shock waves used in ESWT therapy are focused, concentrated and deliver their maximum energy density at the focus point which is also the source point of the pain. They cause an increase in local blood flow and metabolism. The main physiological effects of extracorporeal shock waves on living cells are based on the transformation of the mechanical stimulation they cause into biochemical or biomolecular signals.
