Shockwave sets mechanisms in motion at the cellular level, leading to a change in the cell metabolism and thus changing or blocking the transmission of pain to the spinal cord.

Shock waves entirely or partially destroy the membrane of nociceptive cells, so the cell cannot build up a membrane potential, and the pain signals remain absent.

The therapist treats the diseased area directly with the shock wave head and thus directs the sound waves to the painful region. The treatment is usually painless, so anaesthesia is not necessary. As a rule, between 1,500 and 2,000 shockwave impulses are delivered directly to the diseased or painful area per treatment. This should not be done more than three times a week.

The fields of application are diverse, and new ones are constantly added. Shockwave can even treat psoriasis or chronic wounds to achieve better healing.

However, shock wave therapy is most frequently and successfully used for the following diseases:

• Patellar tendinitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Chronic shoulder pain
• Joint pain
• Tennis/golf elbow
• Non-healing bone fractures
• Heel spur
• Femoral head necrosis or other bone necrosis
• Calcification

Side effects are apparent with shock wave therapy. There may be a slight increase in pain temporarily after the treatment. But this is countered relatively quickly.

Duration of shock wave therapy: 40 min (2 sessions incl. Manual treatment)