about FOCUSED SHOCK WAVE THERAPY

Increase blood flow, improve collagen synthesis and reduce pain

Focused Shock Wave Therapy or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is a non-invasive treatment method that uses acoustic waves to target and stimulate tissues deep within the body. It is commonly used in musculoskeletal conditions, pain management, and rehabilitation.

Treatment involves delivering high-energy sound waves to specific areas of pain or injury. These waves are focused on the target tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. is a non-invasive treatment technique that uses acoustic waves to promote healing and alleviate pain in musculoskeletal conditions. The therapy involves the delivery of high-energy sound waves to targeted areas of the body, specifically focusing on deep tissue structures, such as muscles, tendons, and joints. These shockwaves stimulate blood flow, trigger tissue repair, and reduce inflammation, aiding in the treatment of both acute and chronic injuries.

Focused Shock Wave Therapy utilizes high-energy sound waves that are directed precisely at targeted tissues, causing a variety of physiological effects:

  • Stimulation of collagen production:
    Focused Shock Wave Therapy causes microtrauma to the tissue, which initiates a healing response. This leads to an increase in the production of collagen, which is a key protein in the healing and regeneration of tissues. Collagen helps restore the structural integrity of damaged tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

  • Increased blood circulation:
    Focused Shock Wave Therapy improves blood circulation in the treated area. This enhanced blood flow brings essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissue, promoting healing. The increased circulation also helps in the removal of metabolic waste products and inflammatory markers that may hinder recovery.

  • Pain reduction:
    Focused Shock Wave Therapy can desensitize pain receptors and inhibit the transmission of pain signals. Additionally, it triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances in the body.

  • Reduction of calcifications:
    In conditions where there is a buildup of calcium deposits (such as in calcific tendinopathy), the focused waves help break down these deposits. The mechanical pressure exerted by the shockwaves breaks up the calcium crystals, which are then reabsorbed by the body.

  • Tissue regeneration:
    Focused Shock Wave Therapy also promotes cellular regeneration by stimulating the activity of fibroblasts (cells responsible for collagen production) and osteoblasts (cells involved in bone formation). This helps accelerate the repair of tendons, ligaments, and bones.

  • Reduction of inflammation:
    Focused Shock Wave Therapy helps in modulating inflammatory processes. The therapy can lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, reducing inflammation in damaged tissues.

Focused Shock Wave Therapy is primarily used for conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, myofascial pain syndrome, chronic lower back pain, pelvic pain, and erectile dysfunction. The focused waves create mechanical stress that enhances cellular activity and the regeneration of damaged tissues. It also helps in breaking down calcium deposits in tendons, which is particularly beneficial for conditions like calcifications and scar tissue.

Unlike traditional therapies, Focused Shock Wave Therapy does not require any invasive procedures, making it a popular choice for patients seeking alternative treatments to surgery or injections. The procedure is typically well-tolerated, with minimal side effects such as temporary soreness at the treatment site. Patients often report improvements in pain relief and mobility after several sessions, with noticeable benefits typically seen within 3 to 5 treatments.

Focused Shock Wave Therapy is different from other shockwave therapies, like radial shockwave therapy (RSWT), in that it delivers concentrated energy to a specific point, allowing deeper penetration into tissues—up to 12 cm—making it ideal for treating chronic, deep-seated musculoskeletal conditions. Focused Shock Wave Therapy is highly targeted and precise, offering higher intensity, while radial shock wave disperses energy over a broader area, typically used for more superficial issues like muscle tightness or joint pain.

Focused Shock Wave Therapy can be performed as a stand-alone treatment, or can be added on to any pelvic floor or orthopedic PT session. Please contact us at info@aptophysicaltherapy.com to book.