What is Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)?:

Shockwave Therapy is a multidisciplinary device used in Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. It is a non-invasive treatment that involves creating a series of low energy acoustic wave pulsations that are directly applied to an injury through a person’s skin via a gel medium to provide fast pain relief and mobility restoration. There is no need for surgery or painkillers, making it an ideal therapy to speed up recovery and cure various indications causing acute to chronic pain.

Shockwave Therapy is used in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions, primarily those involving connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons. It is an effective treatment method that helps in chronic pain on shoulders, back, heel, knee and elbow that is caused by a sports injury, overuse, or repetitive strain. The beneficial effects are often seen after 1 to 3 sessions.

What are shockwaves?

Shockwaves are audible high-energy soundwaves. They occur in the atmosphere, for example during lightning strikes or when aeroplanes break through the sound barrier. In the medical world, shockwaves have been employed since 1980s to disintegrate kidney stones. In modern pain therapy, shockwave energy is conducted from the place of its generation to painful body regions where it unfolds its healing capabilities.

How does shockwave therapy works in your body?

Shockwaves accelerates the healing process by activating the body’s self-healing powers. They stimulate the metabolism and enhance the blood circulation. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and heals.

How is the RSWT performed?

1. Dr Siow will first localise the painful region by palpation and mark the area of the pain.
2. Gel is then applied to the treatment area to allow conduction of shockwaves into the body.
3. Dr Siow will start the treatment. Shockwaves are generated by the applicator and moved over the painful region in a circular motion.

Benefits of shockwave therapy treatment:

• Cost efficient
• Non-invasive
• No anesthesia or painkillers required
• Minimal risks of side effects
• Helps reduce chronic and acute pain

Shockwave therapy can be administered on the following areas:

• Feet – heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis
• Elbow – tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Shoulder – calcific tendinosis of rotator cuff tendons, frozen shoulder
• Knee – patellar and quadriceps tendonitis
• Hip – bursitis
• Lower leg – shin splints
• Upper leg – Iliotibial band friction syndrome
• Back pain – lumbar and cervical spine regions and chronic muscular pain

How long is one session of Shockwave Therapy?

One session takes about 10-15 minutes depending on your disorder or grade of your condition.

Is the treatment painful? Any downtime?

Most patients find the process very tolerable. After the treatment, you may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days following the procedure, as the shockwaves stimulate an inflammatory response. This is part of the body’s natural healing process, and is usually a good sign.

There is no downtime involved – patients can return to most regular activities almost immediately after treatment.

• Upper leg – Iliotibial band friction syndrome

• Back pain – lumbar and cervical spine regions and chronic muscular pain

How long is one session of Shockwave Therapy?

One session takes about 10-15 minutes depending on your disorder or grade of your condition.

Is the treatment painful? Any downtime?

Most patients find the process very tolerable. After the treatment, you may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days following the procedure, as the shockwaves stimulate an inflammatory response. This is part of the body’s natural healing process, and is usually a good sign.

There is no downtime involved – patients can return to most regular activities almost immediately after treatment.