Unfocused
Radial Shock Wave Therapy
Another type of shock wave treatment available in British Columbia is one known as
Unfocused Radial
Shock Wave
Therapy, or RSWT.
RSWT is not the same as ESWT (Extra-corporeal shock wave therapy) because the
treatment works in a different way.
Unlike Extra-Corporeal
Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) which can pass the energy wave through undamaged
tissues like skin and muscles, Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT) uses a
pneumatic generator to physically deliver the shock wave to the skin, (which may
cause some bruising), and from there it passes into the body. It is
perhaps
most analogous to a
tiny pneumatic jackhammer striking the skin to create the shock wave.
Because the
force of the energy of unfocused RSWT is applied directly to the skin, the energy
waves begin to dissipate as soon as it hits the skin. This makes it
impossible to focus the depth of RSWT shock waves, making it much more
difficult to ensure the shock waves are being delivered at the proper strength
and to the proper depth of
tissue inflammation and damage. This limits RSWT's applications and
effectiveness to superficial structures.
It's generally up to the patient to make certain of which technology is being
offered, as the difference may not be made clear without your asking.
At present, ours
is the only site in all of western Canada offering Piezoson 100 ESWT.
How much does
ESWT cost?
In the United
States, a course of the previous-generation ESWT frequently run in the $4,000 USD range, but
it can run up to $9,000 USD, depending upon the technology and location.
So we're pleased to say that by
acquiring the latest in ESWT technology, the Piezoson 100, we can now offer ESWT for significantly less expense. In fact, patients may
now have a series of treatments for under $1,000 Cdn. for a course (which may
require several visits).
ESWT is a
particularly inexpensive when compared to alternative treatments such as
surgery-- and the cost is well worth the
expense for those whose pain is otherwise unresponsive to alternative treatments.
ESWT is not currently covered by the
Medical Services Plan (MSP)--though some government agencies (WCB, ICBC, RCMP)
and many extended plans may cover the cost. Usually this is on a
case-by-case basis.
We accept a variety of
forms of payment including Visa, Mastercard, Interac, Cash, Cheques, and
Travelers Cheques.
You can also have ESWT (or any other medical expenses
financed through Medicard, a company that finances private medical
expenses. Contact our office for more details.
Because most types of heel pain
can usually be controlled treated and remedied through alternative and less
expensive treatments, ESWT should be reserved for those whose heel pain condition has been
non-responsive to alternative therapies.
And it cannot be
used for pain caused by conditions
such as bone tumours, infections, and some nerve disorders.
But for the most common causes of
heel pain that are chronic and non-responsive to conventional heel pain--like
heel spurs, fasciitis, calcific tendinitis, Achilles tendon pain, and slowly-
or poorly-healing bone (delayed-unions and non-unions)--Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) may be a treatment alternative just
right for you.
To learn more about shockwave
therapy, please visit our partner Shockwave Therapy - BC's website,
www.shockwavetherapy.ca.
|