Back to success stories
Felix Zimmermann und Elina Quirici

Karateka Elena Quirici successfully treated with the EMS DolorClast® shortly before the European Championships

Elena Quirici and her treatment with the EMS DolorClast® before she won gold at the European Karate Championships—a case study created with the kind support of Felix Zimmermann (MAS Sports physiotherapy).

Elena Quirici, hailing from Aargau, Switzerland, claimed her fourth Kumite category title at the European Karate Championships held in Guadalajara. Quirici emerged victorious in a hard-fought final against Irina Zaretska of Azerbaijan, who holds the top spot in the world rankings. The 29-year-old Quirici had previously clinched European Championship gold in the same category in 2016 and 2018 and also won a team Kumite gold in 2018.

Despite her impressive win, Quirici faced numerous physical challenges during her preparation. She had to cope with an overstrained left hip flexor, which is frequently stressed during karate movements like footwork and kicks, causing her pain levels to soar to 8 out of 10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In addition, she experienced an overload on her right foot, with the interphalangeal joint of the 4th ray causing discomfort when standing and jumping off, rated at 8 out of 10 on the VAS. Lastly, Quirici also endured pain in the knuckle between the 2nd and 3rd rays of her right hand, rated at 7 out of 10 on the VAS, when delivering all the punches required in infighting.

 

    Elena Quirici's painful injuries were successfully treated with EMS's DolorClast® Radial Shock Waves, with the hip flexor and finger joint even receiving exclusive radial shock wave therapy (RSWT). To further alleviate pressure on the toe joints, a tape was also utilized for the foot. 

    Twice a week, the following dosages were applied:

    • Hip flexor: RSWT with 4000 pulses locally using a 15mm head and 1.5-2.5 Bar, followed by fascial treatment of the iliopsoas, Sartorius, rectus femoris with RSWT of 5000 pulses using a 35mm head and 2-3 Bar.
    • Interphalangeal joint of the foot (4th ray): RSWT with 4000 pulses locally using a 15mm head and 1.5-2 Bar.
    • Knuckle joint between the 2nd and 3rd rays of the hand: RSWT with 4000 pulses locally using a 15mm head and 1.0-1.5 Bar.

     

    Elena Quirici treated with DolorClast

    Image material courtesy of Felix Zimmermann.

    After undergoing a total of six DolorClast® treatments over the course of three weeks, Elena Quirici experienced significant results just before the European Karate Championships:

    • Her hip was completely pain-free with full mobility, registering a VAS score of 0 out of 10.
    • Her foot was stabilized with appropriate tape and was also completely pain-free, allowing her to bear full weight with a VAS score of 0 out of 10.
    • Her hand was able to bear full weight, with the exception of experiencing pain during repetitive and forceful blows, which registered a VAS score of 3 out of 10.
    felix zimmermann
    The triumph of Elena at the European Championships in Spain was not only impressive, but also highlighted the success of the treatment using DolorClast®, a fundamental tool in the world of high-level sports.
    Felix Zimmermann
    MAS Sportsphysiotherapy, Rheinfelden, Switzerland

    Related products

    Related stories

    Pectinus muscle

    Adductor-related groin pain

    Dr. med. Ralf Doyscher, Hendrik Schreiber

    Chronic groin complaints in professional football players should definitely be considered as one of the most alarming diagnosis, resulting in significant career downtimes or even its possible end. In general, the etiology of inguinal complaints varies, often overlapping with several underlying causes, therefore it should always be carefully diagnosed and treated, in terms of both structure and function. In most cases, the adductor-related groin pain is a multifactorial issue with an intricate diagnosis, followed by prolonged therapy.

    Read this story