Queensland Lithotripsy Services

The results of ESWT vary according to the particular problem being treated. Fortunately, side effects are very rare and are uncommonly reported in articles written on ESWT.

ESWT is not indicated for every patient - you will need an assessment from your Doctor prior to being treated. Please click on the following links to discover more about results of ESWT.

What are the Results?
Contraindications to ESWT
Side Effects


	The results vary according to the particular problem being treated. Below is a table indicating the effectiveness of ESWT and comparing it to other options currently available.

Table indicating effectiveness of ESWT in comparison to other treatments:

	* Usual Non- Operative Treatment	ESWT (Literature study)	Surgery	QLS ESWT Experience
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis	60%	70-75%	75-80%	70-75%
Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)	40-50%	75-80%	80-85%	60-65%
Plantar Fasciitis	70-80%	40-75%	30-40%	65-70%

* This includes rest, physiotherapy, cortisone injections and splints, if necessary.

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ESWT is not indicated for every patient.

You will need an assessment from your Doctor prior to being treated with ESWT.

A number of contraindications are known at present. These include:

treatment of lungs (therefore ribs)

treatment of the spinal column

treatment of the skull

treatment of arteries, veins, nerves

presence of a cardiac pacemaker

infections in the treatment area

blood disorders, including clotting problems

pregnancy

tumours in the treatment area

growing bones in young people

Click Here to view which Conditions can be treated with ESWT

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Fortunately, side effects are very rare and are uncommonly reported in articles written on ESWT.

Treatment can sometimes cause a temporary increase in discomfort which, if it occurs, often develops some 2-4 weeks after completion of treatment. Localised swelling or bruising can also occur but do not create any long term problems.

In QLS experience this increase in pain has remained present in 1-2% of patients at the three month survey. The literature quotes only sporadic cases of complications.

A recent study from the Food and Drug Administration in the USA suggests that the most common complication may be some temporary sensory dysfunction if ESWT is applied near areas of sensory nerves.

The most common potential for this to cause a problem is in the treatment of plantar fascitis where some temporary sensory changes over the lateral aspect of the foot can occur. In the FDA study it was suggested that this may occur in 5% of patients being treated for plantar fasciitis. There is no evidence of this as a permanent problem but obviously there is some potential for this to be the case.

If you have any major concerns about side effects after treatment, you should contact either the treating therapist, or your local Doctor for assessment.

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	Click here to discover more about ESWT Treatments Click here to Contact Us at Queensland Lithotripsy Services

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