In principle, all visits to our private practice for orthopaedics & traumatology in Frankfurt are based on a detailed discussion about the cause, course, treatment options, etc. as well as a thorough physical examination. Only when the patient understands their clinical picture correctly can they support the treatment path with conviction.
Dr. med. Nader Tabrizi
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery
In the case of numerous acute or chronic overload syndromes in the tendons or connective tissue between tendon/ligament and bone, shockwave therapy achieves a blood-free, chemical-free improvement to remove symptoms. The best known examples are the “calcareous shoulder”, the “heel spur” or the “Achilles tendonitis”. There are numerous other applications (ie tennis elbow, knee-cap ligament tendonitis, trochanteric inflammation, etc.). The principle is based on the activating and regeneration of the affected tissues by mechanical stimulation.
Shock waves are mechanical and acoustic pressure impulses with high energy. They are generated by special devices, so-called sound probes, and directed directly at the tissue to be treated.
The shock waves spread out as pressure waves and penetrate deep into your tissue. We can adjust the intensity of the shock waves depending on the area of application or the tissue to be treated.
Shock wave therapy, as we offer it in our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, has various effects. These include:
- Improvement of blood circulation
Shock waves can dilate the blood vessels in the treatment area and thus improve blood circulation. This allows more nutrients and oxygen to reach the affected tissue. This promotes healing. - Stimulation of the metabolism
In addition, the shock waves can stimulate your metabolism in the affected tissue. This allows new blood vessels and fresh collagen to form. Collagen is an important component of connective tissue and can help tendon and muscle injuries heal. - Reducing inflammation
Shockwave therapy can also encourage your body to release anti-inflammatory substances such as nitric oxide (NO). This process can reduce the extent of any existing inflammation. - Pain relief
Another function of shockwave therapy at our practice in Frankfurt is pain relief. The treatment affects the pain receptors in the treated area and promotes the release of pain-inhibiting substances such as endorphins.
Overall, shock wave therapy can help speed up the healing of injuries and diseases of your musculoskeletal system, reduce pain and restore your mobility.
Shock wave therapy is most commonly used to treat calcified shoulder. It has been scientifically proven that the treatment is effective for this shoulder condition. However, it is not suitable for all forms of calcified shoulder. You should only consider it as a last measure before surgery.
Shockwave therapy can also be used for inflammation of the sole of the foot. The treatment is similarly effective to local cortisone treatment, but without the side effects of the drug. In contrast to cortisone treatment, shock wave therapy does not affect the fat pad on the heel.
Shock wave therapy can also be particularly effective for tennis elbow. We often recommend the treatment for tendon insertion disorders, bursitis of the elbow (bursitis) and similar areas of inflammation. The treatment is also promising for painful Achilles tendonitis and patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee).
First we examine the affected area, for example with X-rays or ultrasound. This allows us to determine the exact location of the disease. Then we mark it.
Now we set up the shock wave therapy device. It generates pressure waves that are transmitted to the affected tissue via a hand-held device (transducer). To do this, we position the transducer at the marked spot. The device shoots the shock waves into the tissue at high pressure. The first shock waves may be uncomfortable for you, but the pain usually subsides during the treatment. We make sure that the pain is bearable for you in any case.
A typical shock wave therapy session lasts between 5 and 15 minutes. Depending on the condition, the entire treatment usually consists of 1 to a maximum of 5 sessions.
In most cases, you will not need any aftercare. Should the pain temporarily increase shortly after the treatment, commercially available painkillers will help. After a calcified shoulder treatment, it is advisable to rest the shoulder for one to two days. Avoid activities that require you to hold your arms above your head. In most professions, you will not be unable to work after a shock wave treatment.
If you schedule your treatment appointment on a Friday, you can use the weekend to recover. A final assessment of the success of the treatment should not be made until three months after the treatment at the earliest. The effect of shock wave therapy is long-lasting. Further improvement can also occur with a time delay.