Shockwave Therapy

A shockwave has two physical effects: the direct generation of mechanical forces (primary effect), and the indirect generation of mechanical forces by cavitation (secondary effect).

The primary effect is created by a sharp rise in positive pressure and the secondary effect during the resulting negative phase (tensile phase).

Secondary effect : INDIRECT MECHANICAL FORCE, the CAVITATION - the rapid formation, expansion, and subsequent implosion of air bubbles due to the negative pressure. The process in which the growth and collapse of acoustic waves including shock waves induce bubbles in liquid is called acoustic cavitation. Acoustic cavitation not only breaks calcific deposits, but also excites nerves, stimulates axons, and reduces pain. The energy released from the bubble during its collapse (implosion) create micro jets of water with high temperatures. This action has a damaging effect, which at low energy will cause micro tissue damage that will also instigate the healing process.

Cells react to these pressure changes in a process known as Mechanotransduction. Mechanotransduction, by definition, is the “mechanism by which cells convert mechanical stimuli into cellular responses to a variety of mechanical loads”. As a result, we find increased cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, increased expression of TGF-1 and MMP (Matrix metalloproteinases) molecules all assisting to expedite the healing process.