Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (f-ESWT)

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy uses high-energy shock waves to treat, among other things, chronic tendon issues (e.g. overuse injuries).

ESWT not only has an analgaesic effect, it also stimulates tendon repair and breaks apart calcifications in the tendon.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a safe, effective and cost-effective alternative to surgery. Furthermore, it does not cause anatomical damage; therefore, it does not affect any subsequent surgical procedure.

ESWT may be indicated for chronic tendon problems where ordinary treatments (medication, infiltrations, physiotherapy, arch supports, braces, etc.) do not yield the desired result. For example:

• overuse of the shoulder tendon, hip tendon, patella tendon (kneecap) or Achilles tendon
• other conditions, such as tennis elbow, heel spur, etc.

ESWT is not indicated if:

• ... if there is a growth plate in the area to be treated (as in children)
• ... treatment would involve the rib cage (risk of collapsed lung)
• ... there are bone tumours

For optimal treatment, it is important that no anti-inflammatories are taken from the start of treatment up until six weeks afterwards. For optimal results, the treatment will be performed three times. Each session will be spaced out between two weeks. The final result can only be assessed three months after the initial treatment.

The treatment will be regularly combined with exercise therapy at the physical therapist’s. That usually leads to a more satisfactory result.

More information can be found in the leaflet below.

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Latest publication date: 13/08/2024