What does a Shockwave do to Your Body?

In the realm of modern medicine, shockwave therapy has emerged as a revolutionary treatment modality, with the shock wave therapy eswt machine at its core. Understanding what shockwaves do to the body is crucial for both patients considering this treatment and healthcare professionals administering it. This blog will take you on an in - depth exploration of the multifaceted effects of shockwaves on the human body, highlighting the role of the shock wave therapy  machine every step of the way.

The Basics of Shockwaves and the shock wave therapy  machine

How the shock wave therapy  machine Works

The shock wave therapy  machine is a sophisticated device designed to generate and deliver shockwaves to specific areas of the body. There are primarily three types of technologies used in these machines: electromagnetic, electrohydraulic,​​​​​​​ and piezoelectric.

Electromagnetic shock wave therapy eswt machines operate by passing an electrical current through a coil. This creates a magnetic field that causes a metal membrane to vibrate. The vibrations generate shockwaves, which are then directed towards the treatment area. Electrohydraulic machines, on the other hand, produce shockwaves through an electrical spark underwater. The spark creates a shockwave that is focused and delivered to the target site. Piezoelectric shock wave therapy eswt machines utilize piezoelectric crystals. When an electrical voltage is applied to these crystals, they expand and contract rapidly, generating shockwaves.

The Nature of Shockwaves

Shockwaves are high - energy acoustic waves that travel through the body's tissues at a speed much faster than the speed of sound in that medium. These waves have a unique waveform, characterized by a sharp rise in pressure followed by a rapid decay. When generated by the shock wave therapy eswt machine, they can penetrate deep into the body, reaching tissues such as bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Effects of Shockwaves on Different Body Tissues

Bone Tissue

Promoting Bone Healing

One of the most well - studied effects of shockwaves on the body is their ability to promote bone healing. In cases of non - union fractures, where a bone fails to heal properly after a break, the shock wave therapy  machine can be used to deliver shockwaves to the fracture site. The shockwaves stimulate the cells involved in bone repair, known as osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Osteoblasts are responsible for building new bone tissue, while osteoclasts break down old or damaged bone. Shockwaves increase the activity of these cells, leading to an enhanced bone - healing process. Research published in the [Journal of Orthopedic Research] found that in a significant number of patients with non - union fractures, treatment with a shock wave therapy  machine led to successful bone union. The shockwaves also improve blood circulation to the fracture site, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that are necessary for bone repair.

Bone Remodeling

Shockwaves can also induce bone remodeling. In conditions such as osteoporosis, where the bone density decreases, shockwave therapy may help to stimulate the remodeling process. By delivering shockwaves to the bones, the shock wave therapy  machine can trigger a series of biological responses that lead to an increase in bone density. This is because the shockwaves stimulate the production of growth factors and cytokines that are involved in bone metabolism.

Tendon and Ligament Tissue

Treating Tendonitis and Ligament Injuries

Tendonitis and ligament injuries are common musculoskeletal problems, and shockwave therapy has shown great promise in treating these conditions. When a shock wave therapy  machine is used to deliver shockwaves to a damaged tendon or ligament, it causes micro - traumas to the tissue. These micro - traumas trigger the body's natural healing response.

The shockwaves break down scar tissue and abnormal collagen fibers in the tendon or ligament. This allows for the growth of new, healthy tissue. For example, in the case of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), which is a form of tendonitis, shockwave therapy using a shock wave therapy  machine has been shown to reduce pain and improve function. Multiple clinical studies have reported that patients who underwent shockwave therapy experienced a significant reduction in pain levels and an improvement in their ability to perform daily activities.

Improving Tendon and Ligament Strength

In addition to treating injuries, shockwaves can also improve the strength of tendons and ligaments. By stimulating the production of collagen, the main structural protein in these tissues, shockwaves help to increase their tensile strength. This can be beneficial for athletes and individuals who engage in activities that place a high stress on their tendons and ligaments.

Muscle Tissue

Reducing Muscle Spasms

Shockwaves can be effective in reducing muscle spasms. When a shock wave therapy eswt machine is used to deliver shockwaves to a muscle experiencing spasms, it helps to relax the muscle. The shockwaves stimulate the nerves in the muscle, which in turn sends signals to the brain to reduce the spasm. This can provide immediate relief to patients suffering from muscle spasms.

Enhancing Muscle Recovery

Shockwave therapy can also enhance muscle recovery after exercise or injury. The shockwaves improve blood circulation to the muscles, which helps to remove waste products and deliver oxygen and nutrients. This promotes the repair and regeneration of muscle tissue. Athletes often use shockwave therapy to speed up their recovery time after intense training or competition.

Systemic Effects of Shockwaves

Immune System Response

Shockwaves can have an impact on the body's immune system. When shockwaves are delivered to the body by a shock wave therapy  machine, they can stimulate the immune system to produce a variety of immune cells and cytokines. Some of these cytokines are involved in the body's inflammatory response, while others help to regulate the immune system.

In the initial stages of shockwave treatment, there may be a mild inflammatory response. This is a normal part of the body's healing process. However, over time, the immune system adapts, and the inflammatory response subsides. The shockwaves can also help to modulate the immune system in cases where it is overactive, such as in autoimmune diseases.

Pain Modulation

One of the most significant effects of shockwaves on the body is pain modulation. Shockwave therapy using a shock wave therapy eswt machine has been shown to reduce pain in a variety of conditions. The exact mechanism by which shockwaves modulate pain is not fully understood, but several theories have been proposed.

One theory suggests that shockwaves stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain - killing chemicals. Endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. Another theory is that shockwaves disrupt the pain signals being transmitted from the damaged tissue to the brain. By interfering with these signals, shockwaves can provide pain relief.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Discomfort During and After Treatment

While shockwave therapy is generally well - tolerated, patients may experience some discomfort during and after treatment with a shock wave therapy  machine. During the treatment, patients may feel a sensation of pressure or a tapping feeling as the shockwaves are delivered. At higher intensities, this can be uncomfortable.

After the treatment, some patients may experience mild bruising, swelling, or soreness at the treatment site. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days. However, in some cases, patients may require pain medication to manage the discomfort.

Tissue Damage

There is a potential risk of tissue damage associated with shockwave therapy. If the shock wave therapy machine is not used correctly, the shockwaves may cause damage to healthy tissues. For example, if the shockwaves are directed at a nerve, it can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. Similarly, if the shockwaves are not focused properly, they may cause damage to blood vessels, leading to bleeding or hematoma formation.

Shaanxi Miaokang Medical Technology Co., Ltd had R&d and produce shock wave therapy eswt machine
 is a comprehensive integrator engaged in medical instrument research and development, sales, medical technology research and promotion, and investment in medical institutions. The main research and development of medical ozone therapy equipment, extracorporeal shock wave therapy equipment and other products. 

If you had any questions,feel free to contact us:Cathy@miaokang.ltd

Conclusion

In conclusion, shockwaves, when delivered by a shock wave therapy machine, have a wide range of effects on the body. They can promote bone healing, treat tendon and ligament injuries, reduce muscle spasms, modulate the immune system, and relieve pain. However, like any medical treatment, shockwave therapy also has potential risks and side effects. It is essential for patients to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing shockwave therapy. The healthcare professional can assess the patient's condition, determine the appropriate treatment plan, and ensure that the shock wave therapy machine is used safely and effectively. By understanding the effects of shockwaves on the body, patients and healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about the use of shockwave therapy as a treatment option.