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ABOUT THE TREATMENT
 Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is an innovative non-surgical method developed for the treatment of localized musculoskeletal pain, using low energy shock wave therapy. Since the early 1990's, investigators have studied the use of shock waves for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal disorders.
Chronic pain associated with tendinitis of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and foot was first treated in Europe. 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 waves.
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 musculoskeletal pain. These findings led to the development of the SonocurŪ Basic, a variable energy shock wave machine made specifically for the treatment of tendinopathies and other specific types of localized painful musculoskeletal conditions.
CRITERIA
The following is a guide to ESWT treatment. Prior to any treatment however, it is essential that your physician first confirm a correct diagnosis. This will require the following:- Your physician will evaluate your complaints and ask questions to find out how you developed the pain and how long your symptoms have persisted. He or she will need to know what medications you have taken, and whether or not you have had physical therapy or steroid injections.
- Your physician will perform an examination and will try to pinpoint the painful area.
- An imaging study such as an x-ray, CT scan, diagnostic muculoskeletal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed.
- In some cases, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out a systemic disorder such as arthritis, gout, or diabetes.
ESWT is used to treat a very specific area of pain that can be identified by pressing your finger against the painful area.
It is generally very safe. Studies show that, in appropriately selected patients, ESWT treatment has a good success rate. It is not, however, a "miracle cure" for everyone, and its pain relieving and healing effects also may need to be combined with other forms of treatment (i.e. physical or occupational therapy, braces, splints, etc).
For more information, please click to see our ESWT brochure.
Back to ESWT Home Page
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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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