Allied Medical Elbow Pain EWST Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

EWST, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy , is an innovative non-invasive method for the treatment of localized musculoskeletal pain. Since the early 1990's German investigators have studied the use of shock waves for the treatment of painful musculosketal disorders. Chronic pain associated with tendonitis of the shoulder. elbow, knee and foot was first treated. Initially, these treatments were administered by modified kidney stone lithotripters. However, this was often cumbersome since the kidney stone devices were not designed to treat multiple areas of the body in many different positions. In addition, the kidney stone lithotripters usually delivered relatively high-energy shock wave.

Treatment with these devices therefore was painful and required regional or general anesthesia It soon became apparent that treatment with lower energy shock waves (much lower than those used to treat kidney stones) was effective in the treatment of musculosketal pain. These findings led to the development of the SONOCUR, a low energy shock wave machine made specifically by SIEMENS Medical Systems for the treatment of tendinopathies and other specific types of localized painful musculoskeletal conditions.

In addition, there are several other painful conditions, which may be successfully treated. With variations depending upon the site and condition treated, German studies have shown satisfactory to excellent results in 80% to 90% of patients.

Although the exact mechanism of action shock waves on chronic pain is unknown, the following explanations are postulated:

Hyper stimulation analgesia - the low energy shock waves stimulate the nerves thorough a complicated pathway, which inhibits the pain sensation transmission.

Shock save induced neovascularization - the shock waves stimulate increased blood supply tot he affected area resulting in reduced inflammation and pain.

Chemical alteration- shock waves change or induce the formation of chemical compounds in treated areas resulting in the reduction of pain.

Treatment is usually given over a minimum of three sessions. These will usually be administered once weekly for a minimum of three weeks. Many patients will notice that their condition markedly improves after only one treatment. Others may not improve until several days after their last treatment. In all cases, it is important to complete all treatments ordered. Most patients will notice reddened skin at the treatment site. Some will have a few small pinpoint bleeding sites on the skin. These should resolve within a few days after the final treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns, never hesitant to ask any of the staff members at Allied Medical & Rehabilitation, PC for help.

We are proud to be on the leading edge of conservative management of musculosketal conditions. Please share this information with any friends or family members that may benefit from this excellent treatment modality.

Contact Allied Medical & Rehabilitation, P.C. today to see if you are a candidate for this non-invasive procedure.