I am a :
You are here
02 - DolorClast® Radial Shock Waves
SEE ALL
CHAPTERS
DolorClast® Radial Shock Waves
Radial shock wave therapy is an effective, safe, and non-invasive method. For this reason, it is suitable to be used as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatments or more invasive options such as orthopedic surgery, which are both associated with potentially severe side effects.
What makes DolorClast® Radial Shock Waves so effective?
- By decreasing substance P concentration, RSWT® effectively alleviates pain. It also reduces neurogenic inflammation. One study showed that RSWT® is a superior method of treating chronic plantar fasciopathy and significantly relieves pain on both a short-term basis (-72% on the VAS) and a long-term basis (at 12-month follow-up) [7].
- RSWT® stimulates the release of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen), and eNOS (Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase), substantially accelerating healing. According to a meta-analysis of thirteen trials consisting of 1,185 patients with PF, shock wave therapy was associated with better responses and fewer complications when compared to other modalities [8].
Recommended settings
| Recommended settings | Treatment |
| Number of treatment sessions | 3 to 5 |
| Interval between two sessions | 1 week |
| Positive energy flux density | up to 0.16 mJ/mm2 |
| Impulses | 2,000 on the painful spot |
| Applicator | 15mm |
| Skin pressure | Moderate to high |
Following this protocol will deliver favorable results.
How to obtain the best therapeutic results?
The best therapeutic results are obtained by delivering as much energy to the tissue as the patient can tolerate. This requires the operator to have the skills to optimize the device settings. These skills can be acquired on an SDCA course and by following Guided DolorClast® Therapy.
Bibliography
+
[7] Gerdesmeyer L, Frey C, Vester J, Maier M, Weil L Jr, Weil L Sr, Russlies M, Stienstra J, Scurran B, Fedder K, Diehl P, Lohrer H, Henne M, Gollwitzer H. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: results of a confirmatory randomized placebo-controlled multicenter study. Am J Sports Med. 2008 Nov;36(11):2100-9. doi: 10.1177/0363546508324176. Epub 2008 Oct 1. PMID: 18832341.
[8] Sun K, Zhou H, Jiang W. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus other therapeutic methods for chronic plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Surg. 2020 Jan;26(1):33-38. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2018.11.002. Epub 2018 Nov 13. PMID: 30502222.
