Shock Med SP - the smart shockwave device
The Shock Med SP from EME Physio is an innovative shockwave device developed for rehabilitation clinics, physiotherapy practices, and orthopedic surgeons. This compact shockwave therapy device is also used by the medical departments of Bundesliga soccer teams, cycling teams like BORA hansgrohe, and various other professional teams. The Shock Med SP is intuitive to use, and the treatment protocols are sorted by anatomical region and can be accessed on the large color touchscreen display.
The device's integrated software allows you to choose from 31 different programs, divided into anatomical areas. In addition, an additional 200 customized programs can be saved.
The new handpiece is characterized by its outstanding ergonomics and functionality. Depending on the type of treatment, two different grip positions can be used: at the upper part of the barrel, in a double grip, and at the lower end, like a pen. The new pneumatic system generates a stronger and more effective impact.
With the EME Shock Med shock wave therapy device, we offer an even more powerful alternative with 5 bar power and a frequency range of 1-20 Hz for demanding users such as rehabilitation clinics and larger orthopedic practices.
Shock wave therapy – what is it all about?
From a physical perspective, shock waves can be described as high-energy sound waves. They are pressure pulses that generate a direct mechanical force to stimulate healing processes by transmitting energy to the body's tissue.
Shock waves should not be confused with ultrasound waves, which are typically used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Unlike ultrasound, shock waves are pulsed and deliver a much higher pressure, on average about 1,000 times higher than that of ultrasound.
The shockwaves used in shockwave therapy are specific sound waves with internationally defined properties (DIGEST). To help therapists make reliable assessments for therapy and research, the most representative parameters were selected and agreed upon by the International Society for Medical Shockwave Therapy (ISMST) and shockwave device manufacturers:
- the pressure (measured in MPa, 1MPa = 10 bar, which corresponds approximately to 10 atmospheres): the SHOCK MED SP can generate up to 4 bar of pressure;
- the energy (measured in mJ);
- the energy flux density (measured in mJ / mm2);
- the dimensions of the focal point, usually determined at 50% of the maximum pressure.
As with any sound wave, the propagation speed of shock waves depends primarily on the means of transmission and the intensity of the shock wave. Biological structures such as cell walls, whose thickness is comparable to a few molecular layers, are subject to very high pressure gradients during shock waves.
The mechanical properties of the tissue types hit by the shock wave, as well as the elastic and compressible properties, influence the transmission of the shock wave and determine the propagation speed.
When shock waves penetrate a fluid, they create pressure differentials that generate gas bubbles. The next shock wave that impacts this bubble creates a powerful implosion, flooding the entire treated tissue with fluid. As a result of these lesions, several biological events occur that vary depending on the tissue impacted.
Specifically, osteogenic and vascular reactions were observed in bone tissue, while anti-inflammatory, antalgic and vascular reactions occurred in soft tissue.
The propagation of sound waves through tissue follows the laws of sound wave physics, which govern reflection, transmission, and absorption. These laws are tied to the properties of the medium and are inevitably influenced by the varying density and impedance values of skin, fat, muscle, and bone.
Strengths of EME shock wave devices
Customized operating modes : The parameters used during treatments can be customized in three operating modes.
1. Continuous operation : Intensity and frequency can be varied by the therapist.
2. Shock mode : The therapist can change the intensity, frequency and number of shock waves during an activation, as well as the time between two activations.
3. Single operation : Only the shock intensity can be varied.
One Touch System : The One Touch System can be used in continuous and pulse mode. The shockwaves are delivered automatically and continuously. The therapist simply presses the button on the probe once to start and pause the treatment. The shockwaves are automatically stopped at the end of the therapy.
Soft Rebound System : The probe is equipped with a special shock absorber that allows for the effective delivery of a large amount of energy without dispersion, thereby reducing the rebound to the therapist.
Possible applications of shock wave therapy
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for chronic insertional tendinopathies characterized by poor vascularization of the osteotendinous junction. Shockwave therapy is always recommended as a complementary therapy when physiotherapy (infiltrations and laser therapy) have proven ineffective. The following are the main pathologies that can be treated with shockwaves:
• Tennis elbow (epicondylitis), epitrocleitis.
• Tendinopathies of the shoulder joint, impingement syndrome.
• Knee, patellar, and goose foot tendinopathies.
• Adductor tendinopathy (pubalgia).
• Achilles tendinopathy, calcaneal apophysitis.
The main areas of application of shock wave therapy: Orthopaedics / Physical rehabilitation / Sports medicine / Aesthetic medicine
Possible therapeutic effects
Pain relief: Improved distribution of substance P (a neurotransmitter from the neurokinin family, whose reduced concentration can relieve pain in the affected area and reduce the risk of edema development) and a reduction in muscle tone.
Shortening recovery times : The use of shock wave therapy is said to contribute to an improvement in collagen production, a stimulation of metabolism and microcirculation (increases tissue oxygenation and reduces nociceptive metabolites).
Restoration of mobility : Improvement of the resorption of calcium deposits and the dissolution of calcified fibroblasts.
Are you interested in the Shock Med SP shockwave device? Please contact us, and we will be happy to provide you with a customized quote. Leasing of our shockwave devices is also possible. Our leasing partner, Vet Leasing, will be happy to provide you with a suitable offer.