Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is high power ultrasound produced by a specialized machine.
The waves are transmitted through a head and conducted to the skin through a specific gel.
Shock waves are widely used in different disciplines, from urology to physiotherapy and, recently, in aesthetics.
Before reaching the world of aesthetics, shock waves have been used as a treatment for pathologies and ailments of the locomotor system.
Depending on the depth level they reach, shock waves can be focal or radial. Depending on the desired result, one or a combination of both will be used:
- Focal shock waves: focal shock waves act on a single point of action and at the cellular level. In this case there is low energy dispersion and choose the depth of action.
- Radial shock waves: radial shock waves only act up to a depth of 40 mm. They are indicated for application to soft tissue.
Use of shock waves
This method can solve ailments that, until then, could only be treated by surgery. They are mainly indicated for calcifications and chronic joint inflammatory processes.
The shocks or impacts on the organism cause general analgesic effects at low energy, metabolic at medium energy and cavitation at high energy.
These characteristics help to combat tendonitis, reduce muscle and joint ailments, treat contractures and combat varicose veins.
Shock waves in esthetics
In the field of aesthetic medicine, shock waves are known for the production of collagen and elastin in the skin cells, as well as for activating circulation thanks to the impact on fat cells.
Shockwave treatment is usually performed on the legs, thighs, arms and buttocks. It is indicated for people with cellulite and localized fat.
It can be used to remove scars, stretch marks and skin marks. As well as combating flaccidity and improving muscle tone. It has also proven to be effective in eliminating localized and persistent fat, thanks to its body shaping effect.
In addition, it is used to boost blood and lymphatic circulation, which helps eliminate toxins and fluids to reduce volume.
Contraindications
It should not be used in pregnant women, children, people with tumors or pacemakers and if there are infections in the area to be treated or coagulation problems.
Commitment to quality
This text on shock waves has been written by professional editors and reviewed by Sisneo’s medical-aesthetic team. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following references:
- Angehrn F, Kuhn C, Voss A. «Can cellulite be treated with low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy?» en Clin Interv Aging. 2007;2(4):623-30. doi: 10.2147/cia.s1721. PMID: 18225463; PMCID: PMC2686339.
