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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
 What Is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) can be helpful in the treatment of tendonopathies and other specific types of localized painful musculoskeletal conditions. ESWT is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and is also shown to be quite effective for painful musculoskeletal disorders such as , calcific tendonitis, patellar tendonitis and . We have included a glossary of terms for your convenience.
Acoustic energy, in the form of shock waves, has been used for over twenty years for the treatment of kidney stones. This was called “Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy”, or ESWL. Over the past several years, very similar shock wave energy has been found to be effective for painful musculoskeletal conditions. The use of shock waves for this purpose is called ESWT or “Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy”.
Who makes a good candidate for ESWT?
ESWT is indicated for individuals who have been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal tendonopathy, and who have failed to improve their function through conventional therapies such as:
- At least 4 weeks of physical or occupational therapy
- At least 4 week course of supportive medication
- Local steroid injection
 Who is not a good candidate for ESWT?
There are a few reasons that might exclude an individual from receiving ESWT treatment. For more details click ESWT contraindications.
How is ESWT treatment administered?
Treatment consists of low energy shock waves delivered to the focal point of pain. Shock waves are created by strong acoustic (sound) energy pulses. The shock waves stimulate the nerves through a complicated pathway, which inhibits the pain sensation transmission. Additionally, the shock waves stimulate increased blood supply to the affected area, resulting in reduced inflammation and pain. Treatment is usually given over a minimum of three sessions and administered once a week for three weeks. Click about the treatment for more information, or to view our ESWT brochure.
Many individuals will notice that their condition 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. Click treatment procedure to learn more about preparing for your ESWT treatments. If you are interested in learning about instructions following your ESWT treatments, visit ESWT post-treatment instructions.
Does Insurance cover ESWT?
In many cases the treatment will be covered. Because this is new technology, however, there is often an initial period when coverage is not uniform and some insurance companies may deny authorization or payment. If your doctor feels that ESWT will help your condition, please ask for an ESWT referral and we will work with you, your physician and insurance company to obtain authorization.
Which CROM location offers ESWT?
LITTLETON
8246 W. Bowles, Suite T
Littleton, CO 80123
Lisa Schauer, Certified Technician
Missy Caldwell, Certified Technician
Stacey Koehler, Certified Technician |
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To schedule an appointment or to make a referral, call 303-685-CROM (2766)
or outside Metropolitan Denver call us toll free at 1-866-300-7326 |
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