The radial & focused shock wave therapy at the Alpentherme

The radial & focused shock wave therapy at the Alpentherme Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive, conservative pain therapy that has been successfully used for decades in orthopedic conditions. This innovative method not only improves circulation but also stimulates healing processes and effectively relieves pain without the need for surgical intervention. It is clinically proven that when pressure waves encounter injured tissue, they stimulate metabolic reactions. Calcifications or chronic inflammations are not "shattered"; rather, biological tissue reactions are induced, leading to a resolution of the calcification deposits or a reduction in inflammation.

This leads to:

• Reduction of pain sensitivity of nerve fibers
• Increase in blood circulation in the surrounding soft tissues
• Initiation of the healing process, triggered by the activation of stem cells

What is shock wave therapy?

Shock waves are electromagnetic pressure waves, similar to sound waves, whose positive effects have been intensively researched.

How does shock wave therapy work?

They stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, promote blood circulation, and break down dead tissue substances. Additionally, they activate the body's own pain-relieving messenger substances through the brief pain stimulus.

Forms of shock wave therapy: radial vs. focused

There are two main forms of shock wave therapy: radial and focused shock waves. The focused variant allows for the treatment of deeper tissue layers, while radial shock wave therapy is better suited for superficial applications.

Noteworthy about shock wave therapy:

Shock waves are generated extracorporeally and targeted at the damaged tissue. The therapy helps dissolve inflammatory adhesions, promotes blood circulation, and inhibits inflammation. Tissue regeneration is stimulated. Following the therapy, there may be a temporary increase in discomfort, especially after the initial treatment, which typically subsides within a few days.

How does shock wave treatment proceed?

After a detailed discussion with our doctor, shock wave therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis. The patient can leave the practice immediately afterward. During the treatment, the patient sits or lies down, and ultrasound gel is applied to the area to be treated. The doctor treats the pain zone and the surrounding tissue with the therapy head of the handpiece, delivering 1500-2000 shocks for focused therapy or 3000 impulses for radial therapy, depending on the indication.

How long does shock wave therapy take and how often should it be performed?

The therapy is tailored to the individual patient's condition. Whether radial or focused therapy is used is decided in consultation with the doctor.

How soon after therapy do symptoms improve?

Depending on the intensity of shock wave therapy, a significant improvement in pain is usually noticeable after one to two sessions (with focused shock wave therapy) or three sessions (with radial shock wave therapy). However, depending on the condition, multiple sessions may be necessary. Shock wave therapy lasts only a few minutes.

When should shock wave therapy not be used?

• In cases of blood clotting disorders
• In cases of malignant tumors in the focus of the shock waves
• Patients with pacemakers
• Pregnant women

Additionally, shock waves must not penetrate soft tissue or bone infections, open growth plates, lung tissue, the intestines, major blood vessels, nerves, the brain, or the spinal cord.

What does shock wave therapy cost?

Shock wave therapy is an additional service. It is performed in the private practice offices of Dr. Heiko Rychlowski and Dr. Sophie Hetzmannseder (focused therapy only) at our health center. A private medical invoice will be issued for shock wave therapy, which is to be paid for out of pocket. Please inquire with your respective insurance provider to determine if any cost reimbursements apply in your case. If you have supplementary insurance, please also inquire with them to see if the costs of shock wave therapy are covered.

Contact & Appointment Booking:

Alpentherme Gastein Health Center
Private Practice of Dr. Heiko Rychlowski
Specialist in Orthopedics, Traumatology, Sports Medicine, and Chiropractic
Private Practice of Dr. Sophie Hetzmannseder
Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology
Tel.: +43 (0)6432 / 8293-204