Los Altos, CA
Recently, we introduced Shockwave Regenerative Medicine to our services, and with it comes a few things you will want to know when considering getting Shockwave. The first is that there are three main parts of this technology. Each is used for different types of injuries in areas of your body. It is important to note that only with proper training do we witness professionals knowing exactly which piece to use, at what level, and for how long to get effective results.
What are the three parts of Shockwave?
#1 “Radial Shock Wave” (also known as “EPAT”)
Radial Shock Wave therapy targets depths up to 6 cm, fostering unparalleled repair across soft tissues like tendons, muscles, and ligaments. It effectively addresses scars, adhesions, and pelvic floor issues such as pain, sexual dysfunction, and bladder or bowel problems. Additionally, it offers body sculpting benefits in specific treatment areas.
This wave type gets into your soft tissues easily without getting too deep or causing discomfort. The waves that come from this device send pulses through your body targeting a specific region we want to make less painful. Typically, you will feel any previous pain subside during treatment but the real magic is after. After just the second treatment within 10 days of your first treatment, you will feel a difference in better mobility and the ability to use the treated area of your body better. These effects last longer and become permanent as you continue treatments.
#2 “Focused Shock Wave” (also known as “ESWT”)
Focused Shock Wave therapy delivers high-energy shockwaves that penetrate up to 12.5 cm, effectively treating deep tissue, joint, bone, and calcification issues. Perfect for anyone with deep achy pains or tightness that exercise and physical therapy can’t touch. It’s also widely beneficial for addressing pelvic floor problems such as pain, sexual dysfunction, and bladder or bowel issues.
Similar to EPAT this wave type targets a specific region but we can get much more precise and much deeper. This device works more like a laser than a pulse (comparing it to EPAT above) allowing it to get to the deeper areas that are inflamed or just causing you pain. You may feel a little sore like you worked out a bit after receiving this wave type – depending on where in your body you get it. Overall, the goal is to heal deep tissues to aid in better and faster overall recovery.
#3 “Extracorporeal Magneto-Transduction Therapy” (also known as “EMTT”)
Magneto-Transduction Therapy uses electromagnetic fields to penetrate up to treat deep pain, and inflammation while facilitating cellular repair of soft tissue, joints, and bones. It effectively addresses fractures, osteoarthritis, herniated discs, carpal tunnel, and pelvic floor issues like pain, sexual dysfunction, and bladder/bowel problems.
This is a fan favorite at PhysioFit Physical Therapy and Wellness. This wave type is the least invasive by far and oftentimes has the same success rate – if this option is something we think you will benefit from without needing EPAT or ESWT we will suggest this as a first step. The EMTT device’s magnetic waves gently enter your body and activate tissues to help facilitate bloodflow allowing for more blood to get into the parts of your body that are healing damaged tissues. This increase in blood flow helps a higher number of red blood cells reach those tissues than normal giving the tissue what it needs to heal faster.
So, how do I pick what’s best for me?
After reading the above you probably have a good idea of which wave type is best for you, but if you don’t, no worries!! We want to talk to you to determine whether we are signing you up for the best service possible for the symptoms you are feeling. Give us a call at (650) 947-8500 or you can select a time below that works best for us to give you a call!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Gladfelter, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Kim Gladfelter is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, educator, author, and co-founder of PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is known as a keen, well-rounded expert of healing through movement and women’s health specialist in the Silicon Valley area.
Kim has helped men and women of all ages to stay active and feel their best. She also writes about managing pain in her health columns, blogs and the local Los Altos Town Crier newspaper as well as reaches out to the local community, support groups, schools, libraries, and sports centers to advise and educate on body awareness and therapeutic exercise.