Learn About Therapeutic Treatments Using Shockwave Therapy

We are excited to offer SoftWave (shockwave) therapy at both our Sherman Oaks and Beverly Hills offices

Shockwave has been increasingly utilized in rehabilitation environments. Shockwave is often marketed under the name StemWave, but both are the same technology. Shockwave therapy has well-researched applications not only for conditions like wound healing, but is also useful for general orthopedic conditions including joint inflammation, sprains and strains. It can also help create angiogenesis and activate healing in the body.

There are two primary types of shockwave therapy, low intensity and high intensity. High intensity focused shockwave would be the type used in lithotripsy for kidney stones, for example. This type of energy wave can break up tissue and be very precise. Low intensity shockwave has a therapeutic effect and is the one we utilize in rehabilitation. Focused, low intensity shockwave is believed to create microtrauma to then stimulate healing. Unfocused (now termed  Broad focused) shockwave does not cause microtrauma and is believed to stimulate healing through mechanotransduction. We use the SoftWave OrthoGold® and UroGold® Broad Focused, low-intensity device in our offices. Shockwave is marketed under different names, and not all machines are the same. SoftWave specifically does not create microtrauma and therefore does not damage the tissue.Broad focused, low-intensity device in our offices. 

There are three types of low intensity shockwave therapy: electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric. Applicators can deliver focused or unfocused energy. The electrohydraulic technology comes in both focused (microtrauma) and broad focused. The broad focused electrohydraulic shockwave penetrates the deepest, and with the patented broad focused applicator created by SoftWave Technologies, covers the most surface area in the least amount of time or shocks. Electromagnetic shockwave only has a focused version and has moderate penetration. Piezoelectric shock wave has the lowest energy with minimal to moderate penetration of tissues.

The SoftWave patented broad focused applicator design makes it possible to spread energy to a large area of both superficial and deep tissue soliciting a biological response to the target area to initiate the body’s natural healing process.

The Softwave Technologies OrthoGold and UroGold100 and 350 units are designed in Germany. It delivers an unfocused shockwave by an electrohydraulic process. The body of the unit has an attached applicator through which the shocks are applied to the body.

Frequency of treatment is typically one time per week, up to two times a week for very acute conditions, and treatment is usually provided 3-7 days apart. Some patients benefit from as little as 1- 3 sessions, but more typically are seen for 6-9 sessions, with some patients returning for care once per month.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Research supports that ESWT promotes healing by promoting an anti-inflammatory environment and by angiogenesis or the forming of new blood vessels. More details on the research and technology of the device we are using can be accessed at the company website.

How does StemWave (Shockwave) Therapy work?

An electrode inside a dome full of water sends short, frequent sparks of mechanical energy (true shockwaves) which when contacting the skin penetrate and create soundwaves traveling through the affected tissue. The soundwaves travel faster than the speed of sound and result in an increased blood flow and decreased inflammation.

Click here for more information on how the Softwave shockwave machine works.

What does it feel like?

Over an area without inflammation, it feels like a rubber band gently snapping on your skin. Over a "hot spot" or sensitive area patients report a deeper discomfort, often replicating the discomfort for which they are being treated.

How long does it take?/ How many sessions?

A treatment lasts 5–15 minutes depending on the number of shocks used. Some patients notice a dramatic improvement after 3 to 4 sessions, while more chronic issues may require 6 to 10 sessions of shockwave to note significant changes.

Is it covered by insurance?

StemWave (shockwave) is currently not covered under insurance. Physicians have a CPT code in some cases for billing high intensity shockwave, but there is not a code for rehabilitation at this time.

Common pelvic health conditions treated:

• Erectile Dysfunction Pelvic Pain
• Penile Pain
• Testicular Pain
• Persistant Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
• Rectal Pain
• Sacroiliac/SIJ Pain
• Tailbone Pain
• Vulvodynia/Vestibulodynia

Other conditions treated:

• Arthritis/Joint Pain
• Low Back Pain
• Musculoskeletal Pain
• Neck Pain
• Non-healing Wounds
• Plantar fasciitis
• Scars
• Sciatica
• Tendonitis

For more information on our use of shockwave therapy, call us or use our contact form here. 

Go here if you are ready to schedule an appointment with one our licensed physical therapists.