History: The theory of using shock waves in medicine dates back to the 1940s, but the first demonstration of its clinical use in humans occurred in 1980, when Professor Christian Chaussy, MD used shockwaves to disintegrate pelvic stones in humans. He found that 20 of the 21 patients could successfully pass the stones without surgical intervention. In the following decades shock wave technologies have continued to evolve and have been clinically proven to be powerful in treating chronic pains. The first orthopedic indication(s) approved by the FDA occurred in 2000 for the treatment of plantar fasciitis (foot pain), followed by lateral epicondylitis (elbow pain) in 2002.
Two main types of shock waves are used in medicine: Focused Shock Waves (F-SW), and Radial Pressure Waves (R-PW).
Focused Shock Waves are unique sets of acoustic pressure waves that pass through tissue, fat, bone, and muscle. Shockwaves cause micro-traumas that promote blood circulation, increase oxygen levels in cells, and relax tissues. These activities stimulate cell regeneration which repairs damaged tissues, slows down the deterioration of your tissues, and makes your tissues and bones stronger. Additionally, shockwaves promote the secretion of pain-reducing chemicals that inhibit the release of pain factors, reduce nerve sensitivity, and increase pain threshold levels.
F-SW applications are beneficial for deeper issues that include soft tissue, bone, and vascular structures. They have a smaller focal zone than radial pressure waves, allowing for precise targeting of deeper tissue structures.
Radial Pressure Waves, like focused shock waves, are sound waves. However, R-PWs have a much smaller amplitude and a much longer duration.
Focused shock waves target deeper-sited pathologies (soft tissue or bone), while radial pressure waves target larger, more superficial areas.
F-SW and R-PW are also readily combined with other treatment modalities, including laser therapy, EMTT, ultrasound, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), other regenerative therapies, and physical therapy.
Economics: In the US, shock waves are typically not reimbursed by insurance companies, However, studies have shown that shock waves are as (or more) effective than surgery for plantar fasciitis, and patients often spend less money. In fact, one study determined that the patient’s costs associated with surgery are 5-7 times higher than for shock waves when including lost function, productivity, and wages during recovery.
Source: https://www.curamedix.com/hubfs/Documents/What%20is%20ShockWave%20Final.pdf
