NON-INVASIVE SHOCK WAVE THERAPIES

No. Shock waves are acoustic waves (sound impulses, mechanical in nature) characterized by a specific waveform that differentiates them from all others (first phase of positive pressure followed by a rapid phase of negative pressure). Tecar therapy is more of a thermotherapy that exploits the benefits of heat, like laser therapy, ultrasound treatment, and infrared. While in tecar therapy, heat is produced at an endogenous level (inside the body), in the case of other techniques, heat is exogenous (produced by external devices). Tecartherapy uses a medical device capable of causing deep diathermy, or an increase in temperature within the tissues. This phenomenon occurs through the induction of a high-frequency electric current, which acts directly on the body’s electrical charges.

After 3 sessions of 500 shocks each, benefits are typically found approximately 2-3 weeks after the last treatment. In some cases, there is a benefit even after the first session.

No, the treatment – which must always be performed according to codified therapeutic protocols and with appropriate equipment – is not particularly painful, and for soft tissue pathologies such as tendons and ligaments, it is generally well tolerated. In some cases, if the patient experiences particular discomfort, the physician can always adjust the energy intensity to ensure the treatment is better tolerated while remaining effective. In the case of treatments on bone, where higher energies are applied, the pain may be more intense and local anesthesia may be required.

A treatment lasts about 3 minutes. A cycle includes 3 treatments, performed once a week for 3 weeks.

Yes, they can be considered a valid alternative before resorting to surgery.

No, they are not the same. Radial shock waves operate at lower energies; the wave pressure does not exceed 5 bars and there is no negative pressure phase of the wave. Focused shock waves operate at higher energies; the wave pressure reaches 500 bars. The pressure peak, by dropping rapidly, causes the negative phase of the wave and therefore produces a cavitation effect. Treatment with radial shock waves is longer, both in terms of session duration and number of treatments, and the energy used is weaker and more superficial. For this reason, it is not possible to treat all pathologies that are otherwise treated with excellent results using focused shock waves.

Yes, they can be applied in the presence of calcifications. Focused shock waves, in some cases, alongside therapeutic effects, succeed in disrupting calcifications in tendons or near ligaments and joints through a process of “dissolution” (comparable to the action of a descaler).

We cannot use focused shock waves where structures such as the brain, spinal cord, and gonads are located near the focal field. The head area should not be treated, nor in the presence of hollow organs (e.g., lungs and intestine) near the focal field (as the passage of the sound wave from solid to gaseous medium could cause tissue damage). Also contraindicated in cases of anatomical abnormalities, acute inflammation of the tissues to be treated, in the case of tumors and thrombophlebitis, in pregnant women, in the presence of Pace Makers or electrostimulators of different origins, coagulopathies, and cartilage still in the growth phase.

As it is a non-invasive treatment, there are no significant side effects. However, after application of high energies, small hematomas, petechiae, and superficial, short-lived bruising may occur, as well as a temporary exacerbation of painful symptoms. This phenomenon should not be interpreted as an adverse or negative event, but rather as a possible positive response to mechanical stimulation on the tissues.