ABOUT RADIAL PRESSURE WAVE THERAPY
Intelect® RPW
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Radial shock waves (R-SW) are introduced into the body by means
of a freely moved applicator and cover the entire pain region. Radial
shock waves are often referred to as radial pressure waves, which is
the correct definition in physical terms.
The transmitter is a compressed air operated, ballistic shock wave
generator. A projectile is accelerated by compressed air. The
kinetic energy stored in the motion and weight of the projectile
is converted into acoustic energy in the form of long-wave shock
pulses when the projectile strikes a shock transmitter.
Radial shock waves propagate divergently after application and lose
energy as the penetration depth increases. They are characterized
by long wave lengths and cannot be focused on deep target
areas. Penetration depths are between 1 and 3 cm. Their maximum
energy flux density is at the exit point from the shock transmitter.
There are different working hypotheses for the mode of action of
shock waves which can also be applied to radial shock waves:
•
Shock waves destroy cell membranes. Consequently, the
nociceptors are no longer able to produce generator
potential and can thus no longer send out any pain signals.
•
Shock waves stimulate nociceptors which, in turn, release
a high amount of neural pulses. As described by the Gate
Control Theory, transmission of these pulses to the central
nervous system is inhibited.
•
Owing to the mode of action of shock waves, the chemical
environment of the cells is changed by free radicals which
produce pain inhibiting substances.
•
Based on the hypothesis towards associative pain memory
(Wess), afferent pain signals are transmitted through the
central nervous system by multiple synaptic junctions which
eventually cause efferent fibers to control muscle tone. The
reflex mechanism works just like a regulatory circuit.
During shock wave therapy, strong pain signals are conducted
electrically, stimulating chemical processes at the synaptic contact
sites. The complex spatial and time-related stimulus pattern is
stored at the synapses as a memory engram in the form of long-
term modifications. The pathological association between pain and
muscle tone and vascular tone is broken as a result of shock wave
therapy and the strong stimuli it produces, thus enabling natural
movement patterns to be remembered and recalled. In this manner,
a non-pathological condition of the muscle tone can be restored.
OVERVIEW
