Acoustic Wave Therapy
what it is | how it works | clinical benefits
What is an acoustic wave?
An acoustic wave is a strong pressure wave in any elastic medium
that creates significant changes in pressure.
Acoustic waves alter the mechanical, electrical and thermal
properties of solids and thus, have recently been found to aid in
the healing process within the body.
The physics behind Acoustic Wave
Therapy
Rather than the use of light (laser treatment), thermal energy
(ultrasound techniques) or electrical stimulation (PEMF or e-stim),
Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) helps to promote healing by delivering
mechanical energy to an affected area.
AWT vs. ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy is comprised of one continuous wave with a
frequency range of 0.75–3 MHz, which is used to promote deep
healing within the damaged soft tissues of the body.
AWT, however, consists of several continuous sound waves (or
acoustic pulses) which have high amplitude, are very short in
length and place negative tension on the body’s tissues.
AWT vs. laser treatment
Laser therapy is a type of treatment that uses intense beams of
light.
AWT uses sound waves (or acoustic pulses) instead, which are
pressure waves similar in nature to thunder and lightning or an
airplane breaking the sound barrier.
Clinical benefits of AWT
Many physicians who utilize AWT on their patients
have reported post-treatment results such as:
• relaxation of muscle and connective tissue
• improved microcirculation
• noticeably elevated stimulation across the injured
area
• acceleration of metabolic activity
• heightened neurovascular performance
• increased serotonin hormone release
• significant stress reduction as a result of lowered
cortisol levels
• overall revitalization, following a patient’s completed
course of treatment
General details of Acoustic Wave Therapy
Procedures
A non-invasive probe is applied to the skin. An electrical charge
creates an energy wave, which is focused on the injury or area of
concern.
The acoustic waves create a force on the tissues, which can induce
healing.
The origin of Acoustic Wave Therapy
Acoustic Wave Therapy was first developed in the 1960s after first
being discovered during World War II. Its first medical use was to
break down kidney stones (which was a medical breakthrough for its
time), as surgery was extremely invasive to the body.
By the 1980s, after decades of use on kidney stone removal, AWT
technology was fine-tuned to be used therapeutically—by assisting
in the repair of damaged tissues in the body.
Treatment with the use of AWT eventually made its way to Canada in
the late 1990s, and is now widely used in therapy clinics in the
U.S. and across the globe today.
The results of AWT for therapeutic use
Almost immediately upon receiving treatment, many patients may
notice improvements such as a reduction in pain and/or increased
mobility.
These results may generally last for 5-8 days but some slight
discomfort could, in some cases, return prior to a patient’s next
scheduled treatment.
Most patients, however, could become free of discomfort over the
following 2-3 weeks, when the body’s natural healing process begins
to take place.
On average, healthcare providers currently using AWT at their
practices have reported an approximate 75% rate of complete
recovery among their patients.
Why Acoustic Wave Therapy is safe
Acoustic waves are only sound waves, which have never been found to
cause long-lasting side effects or damage. Additionally, AWT does
not alter cell structure, which means acoustic waves have no effect
on nerves, bones or organs in
the body.
Conditions treatable with the use of
AWT
Acoustic Wave Therapy may aid in the treatment of acute, chronic or
painful soft tissue lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
AWT may also be helpful for the following conditions:
Arthritis Heel spurs Diabetic Neuropathy Bone fractures Bunion removal TMJ Bed sores |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Chronic back pain Chronic edema Chronic neck pain Chronic pelvic pain Frozen Shoulder Tennis Elbow |
Knee clicking / grinding Plantar Fasciitis Achilles Tendonitis Sciatica Shin splints Shoulder impingement Sprains |
Muscle / tendon sprains Tendonitis Bursitis ITB Syndrome Rotator cuff pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Scar tissue |