Focused Shockwave

Shock waves are high energy acoustic waves. In Extracorporeal Focused Shock Wave Therapy, this wave is focused through a lens and transmitted into the body, up to a depth of about 4.7 inches. In the body, the acoustic waves stimulate the cells and the body's intrinsic healing mechanism. 

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Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on the body include:

     -Temporary increased blood flow

     -Relieve pain from trigger points (hard knots in a muscle)

     -Decreased pain

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Benefits include:

     -Short treatment time (minutes)

     -Precise & targeted application

     -Results in a few treatments

     -Non-invasive and no known significant side effects

     -Deep tissues can be reached

     -Alternative to medication

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Exclusive to Fortis Healthcare in the San Antonio area!

Plantar fasciitis is a painful and often debilitating condition of the feet that occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. It is often characterized as heel pain, especially worse in the mornings or after prolonged activity.

 

Shockwaves promote tenocyte proliferation (the creation of tendon cells) resulting in tendon regeneration and remodeling. Shockwaves can also interfere with the nervous system and yield neurophysiological responses producing analgesic effects.

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Treatment of plantar fasciitis with Focused Shockwave typically involved an ultrasound guided regional nerve block performed by a medical doctor. After the nerve block, the focused shockwave is performed. Treatment visits last approximately 15-20 minutes and there is little to no down time - through it is recommended that patients don't engage in physical activity 48 hours after treatment.

A skin wound that doesn't heal, heals slowly or heals but tends to recur is known as a chronic wound. Some of the many causes of chronic (ongoing) skin wounds can include trauma, burns, skin cancers, infection or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Wounds that take a long time to heal need special care.

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Shockwaves appear to act as pro-inflammatory, especially in chronic conditions where the healing process has stalled. Shockwave therapy is effectively "rebooting" the healing process. 

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Treatment of hard to heal and chronic wounds with the Focused Shockwave is customized for each wound and each patient. Proper cleaning, dressing, and sometimes allograft tissues are used in addition to Shockwave Therapy to promote healing and the regeneration of healthy tissue.

It is estimated that roughly 30 million men suffer with erectile dysfunction in the United States - that is almost the population of Texas! Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Causes can arise from a number of things including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, depression, smoking, or alcohol abuse. 

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Where medication, exercise, smoking and alcohol cessation fail, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy may offer a solution. Studies show that shock waves can promote blood flow to tissues and induce Nitric Oxide production. This Nitric Oxide (NOS) release promotes vasodilation and neovascularization (the formation of new blood vessels.)

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Focused Shockwave Treatments for erectile dysfunction are judgement free and are performed in private rooms by licensed medical providers. Treatment times typically last only 10-15 minutes.