Shock-Wave Therapy In Kingwood
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
At Impact Physical Therapy Wellness and Performance, we are committed to innovation, constantly seeking to provide our patients with the latest, evidence-based treatment options for musculoskeletal health. As part of this commitment, we are excited to offer Radial Shock Wave (RSW), also known as EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), as well as Focused Shock Wave (FSW) therapy. These advanced, non-invasive treatments are highly effective for addressing a variety of orthopedic injuries and conditions, promoting faster tissue healing and regeneration.
We are proud to utilize cutting-edge shock wave therapy technologies from STORZ Medical, based in Switzerland, and CURAMEDIX, the U.S. distributor of Storz products, to offer relief to individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Focused Shock Wave
Radial Shock Wave
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a cutting-edge treatment that comes in various forms and energy delivery methods.
The term “extracorporeal” means “outside the body,” and this technology allows us to deliver controlled energy to a specific area of the body without the need for needles, incisions, or injections. By targeting the injured or dysfunctional tissue, ESWT stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging the migration of growth factors and the activation of stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged areas.
ESWT represents one of the most advanced, non-invasive regenerative treatments available today. Storz Medical, a pioneer and global leader in shockwave and regenerative technologies, has played a crucial role in its development.
Two of the most widely used and evidence-supported forms of shock wave therapy are Radial Shock Wave (RSW), also known as EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), and Focused Shock Wave (FSW). When used together, these therapies create a powerful combination for treating musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, both acute and chronic.
FDA-cleared and evidence-based, shock wave therapy uses unique acoustic or electromagnetic waves to stimulate metabolism, improve blood circulation, and speed up the healing process. This technology promotes the migration of growth factors and activates the body’s natural stem cells, leading to the gradual regeneration and healing of damaged tissue.
What does it treat and how can it help me?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, both acute and chronic. Its growing body of evidence supports its use not only in orthopedics, but also in fields like aesthetics, urology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, and even veterinary medicine.
ESWT boasts an impressive success rate of around 90%, making it effective for treating various strains, sprains, aches, pains, and musculoskeletal dysfunctions, including non-union fractures and Bone Marrow Lesions (BMLs)/Bone Edema.
Incorporating ESWT into your treatment plan can lead to faster pain relief and functional improvement. Many patients experience a 40-50% acceleration in healing, resulting in less downtime and a quicker recovery, allowing you to return to your daily activities and passions sooner.
For athletes, ESWT has shown remarkable potential in reducing recovery times, enabling them to spend less time off the field or court. In our clinic, we’ve seen significant improvements in severe ankle injuries, with patients returning to their sport in just 2-3 weeks instead of the typical 5-6 week recovery period.
Not only does ESWT help reduce pain rapidly—sometimes even providing immediate relief—but it also supports faster strength gains, enabling us to target weak areas more effectively. This leads to a more accelerated and robust recovery process, helping you get stronger and back to your normal activities faster.
Common Conditions Treated:
Back Pain (Lumbar, Cervical, Thoracic, Sacro-Iliac Joint)
- Strains/Sprains of the Back
- SI Joint Dysfunction
- Sciatica
- Radiating Pain aka Radiculopathy
- Disc Herniations
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Stenosis
- Bone Marrow Lesions or Bone Edema
- Non-Union Non-Displaced Fractures
Shoulder Pain
- Rotator Cuff Strain/Tendinitis
- Calcific Tendinitis
- Biceps Tendinitis
- Labrum Pathology
- AC Joint Sprain
- Frozen Shoulder aka Adhesive Capsulitis
- Arthritis
- Non-Union Non-Displaced Fractures
Knee Pain
- Sprain/Strain of Knee
- Tendinitis (Quad, Hamstrings, Calf)
- Patellar Tendinitis (“Runner’s Knee or Jumper’s Knee”)
- ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Sprain or Injury
- Arthritis
- Bone Marrow Edema or Lesion
- Non-Union Non-Displaced Fractures
Elbow Pain
- Tendinitis (Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow)
- Ligament Sprains (UCL/Tommy John Ligament Injury)
- Nerve Entrapment
- Non-Union Non-Displaced Fractures
Hand/Wrist Pain
- Tendinitis of the Wrist (DeQuervain’s)
- Sprains/Strains
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Non-Union Non-Displaced Fractures
Hip Pain
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Non-Union Non-Displaced Fractures
Foot and Ankle Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Non-Union Non-Displaced Fractures
WHAT ARE THE BIOLOGIC EFFECTS OF ESWT?
Trusted Non-invasive Source of Energy
Can Treat the Following Areas of the Body Including: The Epidermis, Dermis, Connective Tissue, Adiposity Tissue, Muscle Tissue, Tendons, Bone
Promotes Regenerative and Repairing Actions
Has Depth Capacity to Treat Structures Up To 6.0 cm Into The Tissue With RSW and 12.5 cm With FSW
Provides Visible and Immediate Results with Long Lasting Effects
Blood and Lymphatic Circulation Improvement
Tissue Oxygenation Improvement
Cell Membrane Permeability Temporarily Increases (Leading to Reduced Swelling/Inflammation)
Lipase Activation
Modification of the Volume and the Shape of the Fat Cells
Fat and Adiposity Reduction
Relaxation of Reticular Fibers
Improvement of Substance Exchanges Between the Cells and Surrounding Environment
Improvement of the Cell Waste Elimination by the Lymphatic System
Improvement of Cell Turnover
What Are the Benefits of EswT?
As an alternative to traditional treatment methods like surgery, ESWT enhances the body’s regenerative abilities rather than causing additional damage to areas weakened by poor circulation, tissue degeneration, or injury from overuse. ESWT has a proven success rate that matches or even exceeds that of conventional treatments, but without the risks, complications, or lengthy recovery times often associated with surgical options.
When performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as one of our skilled physical therapists, ESWT offers significant benefits for individuals dealing with both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
For patients who combine ESWT with other therapeutic techniques, such as EMTT and physical therapy exercises, the results are often even more impressive and quicker to achieve.
Beyond providing pain relief or reduction, ESWT also delivers the following additional benefits:
Accelerates the healing process
Improves blood flow and circulation
Restores mobility
Stimulates the metabolism for tissue regeneration
Treats the source of the pain or injury
Other benefits:
91% success rate (as per clinical studies)
Non-invasive
No anesthesia
No risk of infection
No scarring
No downtime
Over 80% patient satisfaction
Faster, easier healing
Is ESWT Safe?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is an FDA-approved treatment that is safe and effective when administered by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a licensed physical therapist. It carries minimal risk, with no significant side effects, and does not pose a risk of infection or scarring. Extensive clinical research has validated its safety and effectiveness, and it is widely utilized in medical practices worldwide.
What Is an ESWT Treatment Session Like?
The application of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is quick, typically lasting 5 to 10 minutes, although the duration can vary depending on the specific musculoskeletal condition being treated.
During the procedure, a clinician applies a coupling gel to the treatment area. A handheld device is then used to deliver Radial Shock Wave (RSW) or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) pressure waves to the painful area and surrounding tissues. If available, Focused Shock Waves (FSW) may also be administered directly to the targeted pain site to provide higher energy stimulation, enhancing the tissue’s regenerative capacity.
The intensity of the pulses gradually increases to reach a comfortable and tolerable energy level. EPAT is generally well-tolerated and does not require anesthesia.
Following the session, patients can immediately bear weight and resume their regular activities without significant downtime.
ESWT is typically performed once a week for 3 to 6 sessions, though the exact number may vary depending on the condition being treated. While many patients notice significant improvements after three sessions, individual responses differ. Some may experience pain relief immediately, while others may take up to four weeks to feel noticeable benefits.
Is ESWT Right for You?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a versatile treatment used for a broad range of conditions. Studies show that over 80% of patients experience either complete pain relief or a significant reduction in pain after treatment. ESWT is highly effective for managing both chronic and acute pain and is commonly utilized to treat athletes and sports-related injuries.