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Richard Pearson

Uncovering the benefits of Osteoarthritis Focused Shockwave Treatment Therapy.

Updated: Nov 15

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that impacts millions of people globally. It is marked by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and diminished mobility and is the most common form of arthritis. Traditional treatments such as medications and physical therapy often fall short of providing relief. There is only so much these treatments are able to do.


OA is a disease that will only deteriorate over time. The disease cannot be reversed and improved, only prevented and paused from becoming even more severe. Focused Shockwave therapy can alleviate the pain and the condition worsening, which is why this clever technology (which is scientifically proven) is very important to administer as early on as possible, once OA is established. This non-invasive approach can manage the osteoarthritis symptoms and stop it deteriorating to the point where the disease becomes unmanageable - leading to the last resort of having to go through the rigorous process of knee replacement surgery and all the tough long recovery process that would entail.


Focused Shockwave therapy cleverly employs sound waves to initiate healing and alleviate pain. In this post, we will break down how Focused Shockwave therapy works, its specific benefits for Osteoarthritis patients, and what you can expect during the treatment process.


Osteoarthritis degeneration treated with Focused Shockwave Therapy
Stages of Osteoarthritis degeneration

Understanding Osteoarthritis Focused Shockwave Treatment.


Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is frequently referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis due to its gradual onset and progression. This condition typically develops over an extended period as joints experience repetitive stress and strain over many years. The wear and tear on the joints lead to the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones and allows them to glide smoothly against each other. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones start to rub against each other, and this is what causes the pain, stiffness and inflammation in the affected joints.


The prevalence of osteoarthritis is significantly higher in older people because the cumulative effects of wear and tear on the joints increase with age. Factors such as genetics, obesity, joint injuries, high impact sports over many years and certain occupations that involve repetitive movements can also be a contributing factor to the development of osteoarthritis.


While aging is obviously a huge factor for OA development, it is not an inevitable part of getting older. Proper management strategies, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and protecting the joints from excessive stress, can definitely help to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis or alleviating the symptoms once OA has been established. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential in managing osteoarthritis and improving the quality of life for those affected by this chronic condition. Focused Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective available treatments on the market today for the treatment of OA and is most effective in the early stages of the condition developing and symptoms first presenting.


OA can significantly hinder daily activities and even everyday life. Just walking up and down the stairs can suddenly become a really stressful and painful everyday common experience to the point where an individual will become fearful of having to do just an everyday normal activity that should be done easily without worry. It can even get to the extreme extent where a person may have to pre plan life activities where they have concern about going out to places where thought has to be considered about walking and stairs which may well affect their enjoyment and capabilities that will really start to have a negative impact on their quality of life.


An estimated 10 million people (6 million women, 4 million men) in the UK currently suffer with OA, with an estimated 5.4 million people affected by knee OA and 3.2 million by hip OA. An estimated 350,000 people are diagnosed with OA each year. The median age of symptom onset is 55 years.


Osteoarthritis causing pain and discomfort

What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?


Focused Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive method that uses high-energy acoustic waves, where energy is transmitted into the injured tissue so targets specific damaged and injured areas within the body. In contrast with an ultrasound wave, a shockwave is uniphasic, with a peak pressure as high as 500 bars - 1000 times the pressure of an ultrasound wave. The differences between shockwave therapy and ultrasound therapy lie in the frequency of the sound waves, the depth of wave penetration, and whether the waves generate force or heat. Focus Shockwave therapy massively enhances tissue repair and relieves pain by boosting blood flow and metabolic activity.


In contrast to Radial Shockwave therapy, which disperses energy over a broader surface area, Focused Shockwave therapy hones in on specific targeted sites. This precision is invaluable for Osteoarthritis patients, where pain and inflammation is confined to specific focused areas within and around the Patella.



How Does Focused Shockwave Therapy Work?


The process of Focused Shockwave therapy leads to:


  1. Increased Blood Flow: Microtraumas boost local blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients crucial for recovery.

  2. Collagen Production: The therapy promotes collagen synthesis, which is essential for joint health and maintaining cartilage structure.

  3. Pain Signal Reduction: Focused shockwaves desensitize nerve endings in the treated area, leading to decreased pain signals sent to the brain.

  4. Enhanced Tissue Regeneration: The therapy accelerates regeneration, aiding in the repair of damaged cartilage and surrounding tissues.


The protocol for OA followed is set by Storz medical, which has been tried and tested and clinically proven to have the most effective benefit for this condition. For OA, this requires six sessions, once per week for six weeks and generally after the third session (this is the average time), patients start noticing a significant reduction in their pain but also a huge difference in an increase of their mobility, which can be life-changing for those really suffering from OA.

Focused Shockwave Therapy to help OA
Storz Focused Shockwave Therapy for the treatment of OA

Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy for Osteoarthritis


Key advantages that Focused Shockwave therapy offers OA sufferers:


Non-Invasive Treatment


One of the standout attributes of Focused Shockwave therapy is that it avoids invasive procedures. it is very safe and there are no needles involved, and no foreign fluids manually injected into the site of pain. Patients are able to sidestep surgery, which is often associated with some significant risks and extended recovery periods. Shockwave therapy is of use to people before they have replacement procedures, such as knee replacement surgery. The general idea behind Shockwave for OA is for preventative purposes - to pause the condition, so it doesn't develop to a worse stage and to try and prevent surgery from being required.


Minimal Side Effects


Compared to medications and injections, Focused Shockwave therapy generally has very few side effects. Most patients experience only a very mild discomfort or temporary redness, which usually resolves quickly. There is no downtime required. Patients are just generally advised to refrain from anti-inflammatory medication after their sessions for 48hrs minimum and to carry on as normal. The pros of Focused Shockwave massively outweigh the negatives.


Short Treatment Duration


Sessions typically last roughly 25 minutes, which is seen as a positive to allow patients to conveniently fit treatment therapy into their busy schedules, without a hefty time commitment over their 6 week course of Shockwave Therapy.


Long-lasting Results


Numerous patients have noticed lasting improvements after only a few sessions. While results differ from person to person, the long-term regenerative effects often continue to provide relief even after treatment has ended. promotion of neovascularization, which could increase the blood supply and repair inflamed tissues via tissue regeneration


Improved Mobility


As pain subsides and joint functionality enhances, patients often find that they can re-engage in activities that they once enjoyed, whether it's gardening, dancing, or playing with grandchildren.



Evidence Supporting Focused Shockwave Therapy


Research and early clinical trials are beginning to illuminate the effectiveness of focused shockwave therapy in OA treatment. A systematic review published in the Journal of Pain Research found that patients experienced substantial pain relief and improved joint function post-treatment.


The review also noted that Focused Shockwave therapy possesses anti-inflammatory properties and promotes healing responses, making it a valuable addition to OA management strategies. Although more rigorous studies are necessary to solidify treatment protocols and long-term effects, early findings are extremely encouraging.


Storz Medical (based in Switzerland, who are the biggest manufactures of Shockwave machines worldwide) have invested vast amounts of money into clinical trials for many different MSK ailments. They are setting new standards in treatment procedures with technical innovations and top of the range, gold standard machines. More information from Storz can be found by visiting Storz at this link - STORZ MEDICAL – Shock wave devices and lithotripters for lithotripsy, urology, orthopaedics, cardiology, neurology, aesthetics and veterinary medicine.



Final Thoughts


Focused Shockwave therapy offers an extremely good option for those individuals who are struggling with Osteoarthritis. As we touched on earlier, OA cannot be repaired but we can manage the condition and pause it from progressing to a worse state. With Focused Shockwave therapy, OA can be managed effectively with its non-invasive approach, low side effects, and potential for lasting relief, render it a very viable alternative to conventional medications and surgical interventions.


If Osteoarthritis pain and limitations in restricted mobility are affecting your life, then it's maybe time to consider exploring Focused Shockwave therapy and how it can help you to reduce your pain and regain your mobility back again, giving you a renewed lease of life and get moving onwards and upwards - including the stairs.


Written by Rich Pearson.

The Shockwave Therapy Clinic UK.

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