What is ESWT?
ESWT is a treatment method abbreviated as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. It is also called “Out of Body Shock Wave Therapy” in Turkish. ESWT is a medical procedure that uses focused shock waves. This method, which is generally used in the treatment of stone breaking, has been used in the treatment of many different medical conditions in recent years.
The basic working principle of ESWT is that high-energy sound waves focus on body tissues, promoting healing in injured or diseased areas. Unlike lithotripsy, ESWT is applied outside the body without the need for a surgical intervention. ESWT therapy is often used to reduce pain, promote tissue healing, and control inflammation.
ESWT can be effective in treating many different conditions. For example:
- Chronic foot pain such as plantar fasciitis (heel spur)
- Tendon problems such as calcific tendinitis (tendon calcification)
- Joint pain such as arthritis (osteoarthritis)
- Tendon inflammations such as elbow epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Pelvic pain conditions such as pelvic pain syndrome
- erection problem
ESWT treatment is usually administered in several sessions and each session usually takes 10-20 minutes. During application, focused shock waves are transmitted to the body through the skin using a gel. A slight discomfort or numbness may usually be felt during treatment.
However, ESWT may not be effective in all situations and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to learn more about ESWT treatment and to assess your suitability.
Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK
Urology Specialist
Istanbul- TURKEY
