Shockwave therapy in Munich
In extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), high-energy sound waves are directed from outside through the skin onto the painful tissue. It is used mainly for persistent complaints affecting tendons and tendon attachments, for example calcific shoulder or heel pain. At our private practice in Munich-Altperlach, Dr. Schettle uses it as part of your treatment plan, together with other measures.
Radial and focused shockwaves
Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Schettle chooses one of the two procedures or combines them.
Radial shockwaves
In this procedure, pressure waves spread from the skin into the tissue. Their energy decreases with increasing depth. They are used mainly for treatment areas that are close to the surface and larger.
Focused shockwaves
The sound pulses are concentrated in a specific target area. This means that deeper structures can also be reached in a targeted way. Which procedure is suitable depends on the findings and the location of the affected tissue.
When might the treatment be considered?
Shockwave therapy may be considered mainly for longer-lasting complaints when other conservative measures have not helped sufficiently. The pulses are intended to reduce pain and stimulate healing processes in the tissue.
How well the effectiveness of the treatment has been studied varies depending on the condition. Dr. Schettle discusses the possible benefits, the limits and other treatment options with you.
Depending on the findings, the treatment may be considered for the following complaints:
- Calcific shoulder (calcific tendinitis)
- Heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, including with a heel spur
- Tennis elbow and other irritated tendon attachments
- Achilles tendon pain (achillodynia)
- Delayed bone healing in selected cases
How the treatment works
- Consultation and examinationDr. Schettle assesses your symptoms and whether shockwave therapy may be considered. If needed, ultrasound or X-ray can show a calcium deposit, for example.
- Locating the treatment siteThe painful spot is located by touch and marked. A gel on the skin conducts the waves into the tissue.
- TreatmentThe applicator is placed on the skin and delivers the pulses. The intensity is adjusted to how you feel. The duration of treatment depends on the procedure and the region treated.
- Further sessionsSeveral sessions at intervals are usually needed. Dr. Schettle reviews with you how the treatment is working.
Frequently asked questions about shockwave therapy
Is the treatment painful?
The pulses may feel unpleasant or painful at the treated site. The intensity is set so that you can tolerate the treatment well.
What side effects are possible?
Redness, swelling, small bruises or temporarily increased pain at the treated site are possible. These usually subside after a short time.
How many sessions are needed?
That depends on your symptoms and the procedure. Dr. Schettle discusses with you beforehand how many sessions he recommends and when the success will be assessed.
Who covers the costs?
Treatment at our private practice is billed privately. Whether your private health insurance reimburses the costs depends on your plan. Please clarify reimbursement before treatment begins.
For chronic heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy may, under certain conditions, be covered by statutory health insurance. Our practice is not licensed to treat patients under statutory health insurance. Patients with statutory health insurance can receive the treatment with us as self-paying patients.
Part of your treatment plan
Shockwave therapy is usually one component of the treatment. Dr. Schettle combines it with movement, targeted exercises and physiotherapy and, depending on the findings, with other conservative procedures.
Book an appointment for shockwave therapy
Online or by phone, at our practice in Munich-Altperlach.