Shockwave is a device that delivers sound waves using mechanical methods. These sound waves penetrate soft and hard tissue superficially or deep depending on the applicator being used. The sound waves create a cavitation within the targeted tissues, which refers to the rapid formation, expansion, and subsequent implosion of air bubbles due to the negative pressure. This is the hallmark of shockwave technology. The cavitation of the tissue through acoustic sound waves targets the cell membrane allowing permeability of free gases and solid particles to occur. This permits the cell to flush material from outside the space of the cell while shunting the material waste out of the inside of the cell thereby increasing microcirculation at the cellular level.
The technology originated from lithotripsy in Germany during the 1960’s, which breaks up kidney and ureter stones that are too large for individuals to pass naturally. The shockwave devices use the same acoustic technology, but with a lighter application than conventional lithotripsy. Currently, shockwave devices are used by numerous chiropractic physicians and physical therapists to target lesions of a tendon, joint capsule, ligament, muscle, and or bone.
Benefits of Shockwave
- promotes healing by increasing cellular metabolism within the treated area
- breaks down calcific deposits embedded in soft tissue
- stimulates osteoblast cells, which heal and regenerate bone
- stimulates fibroblast cells, which heal and regenerate connective tissue such as tendon, ligament, or joint capsule
- stimulates myoblast cells, which heal and regenerate muscle
- stimulates apoptosis, a method the body uses to rid itself of unneeded, deceased, or abnormal cell lines
- stimulates anti-inflammatory biomarkers and regulates immune responses at the target site
- stimulates angiogenesis, which increases blood flow to the target area
- stimulates Schwann cell production, which regenerates and repairs nerves
- stimulates stem cell production
- reduces pain production by closing the neural channels responsible
