Focused Shockwave
STAR Health deploys the power of an amazing technology, as an extension of their regenerative medicine procedures, called focused shockwave to recondition and revitalize connective tissue (such as ligaments and tendons). We have used it to successfully help treat and rehabilitate all joint, tendon and ligament injuries.
What is focused shockwave?
In the body, high energy acoustic waves delivered by our shockwave technology, stimulate the cells and the body’s intrinsic healing mechanisms. During focused shock wave therapy, the wave is focused through a lens and transmitted into the body, up to a depth of about 4.7”. You may have heard of high energy focused shockwave (F-SW) devices that can destroy tissues like kidney stones. The F-SW used in physical therapy offer low and medium energy F-SW that are not capable of destroying any tissue but are helpful in pain therapy treatments.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on two factors: The condition you have or indication for treatment, and how the tissue responds to each treatment. Typically, 4-8 treatments are necessary to help recondition worn out connective tissue (such as tendons or ligaments) and to achieve resolution. While STAR Health typically employs focused shockwave to recondition connective tissue (versus symptom management) treatments may have an analgesic effect for several hours after treatment**
What are the Benefits of Extracorporeal Focused Shock Wave Therapy?
STAR Health is proud to use the Intelect® Focus Shockwave device as it boasts Greater Power & Depth for Better Treatment than its competitors.
In Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), a cylindrical wave is generated underwater inside the handpiece. This wave is focused through the reflector and transmitted into the tissue.
Here are some of the special features:
Chattanooga's Intelect Focus Shockwave device electromagnetically generates an extracorporeal shock wave, which produces a high pressure peak in a very short amount of time (<2μs).
Key features
2 stand-off variations
Enhanced Energy: 0.01 - 0.55 mJ/mm2
Enhanced Energy: 0.01 - 0.55 mJ/mm2
Broad Frequency Range: 1 - 8 Hz Weight - 50 lbs (22.1 kg)
Intuitive and easy to use
The Intelect Focus Shockwave® is operated via a touch screen that displays all essential parameters such as frequency, energy and total number of applied shock waves. Previously stored and customised treatment parameters can be easily retrieved, preventing the need for repetitive manual navigation, and ultimately saving time for the user.
Physiological Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Waves
The acoustic wave positively influences the body's cell functions and intrinsic healing capabilities. The physiological effects of shock waves on the tissue include enhanced neovascularity, accelerated growth factor release, inhibition of molecules that have a role in inflammation, and stimulation of cellular processes that contribute to tissue healing and regeneration.
Benefits
Deep Effects of Focused Shock Waves (F-SW)TM
Focused shock waves are preferably used in the treatment of deep target areas over many other modalities including dry needling. The extracorporeal, focused shock wave permits precise diagnosis and therapy of active latent trigger points or painful areas in muscles. Focused shock waves can provide therapeutic effectiveness up to an impressive depth of 4.7" (12 cm).
Here is some of the feedback from other experts on our shockwave device:
"As Evidence Based Practitioners, clinicians will find it hard to ignore the efficacy of ESWT given the quantity and quality of the research evidence. Once incorporated into patient management for Plantar Fasciitis, clinicians will find the results even more compelling."
Cliff Eaton MSc PGc MSCP SRP
"The Chattanooga® Focus Shockwave treats deeper conditions with good results, such as plantar fasciitis*, rotator cuff pains, gluteal muscles/tendons and deep lying triggerpoints with fewer standoffs than other ESWT devices. The focal zone of 30mm ensures that the targeted area is treated with precision and accuracy making it easier to find the painful spots as well as implement in everyday clinical practice."
Jan Vinding, BSc physiotherapy, Exam OMI