Pathology
It is also colloquially referred to as an unusual tightness, stiffness, or "pull" of muscles.
Clinically, spasticity results from the loss of inhibition of motor neurons, causing excessive muscle contraction. This ultimately leads to hyperreflexia, an exaggerated deep tendon reflex.
An effective alternative for spasticity treatment is radial shock wave therapy.
Side effects of Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT) using the Swiss DolorClast®.
When performed properly, RSWT with the Swiss DolorClast® has only minimal risks. Typical device-related non-serious adverse events are:
- Pain and discomfort during and after treatment (anaesthesia is not necessary)
- Reddening of the skin
- Petechia
- Swelling and numbness of the skin over the treatment area
These device-related non-serious adverse events usually disappear within 36h after the treatment.
Treatment Procedure
Palpate
Locate the area of pain through palpation and biofeedback.
Mark
Mark the area of pain.
Apply gel
Apply coupling gel to transmit shock waves to the tissue.
Apply shock waves
Deliver Radial or Focused Shock Waves to the area of pain while keeping the applicator firmly in place on the skin.
Recommended Settings
| Recommended Settings | Treatment | Myofascial Therapy |
| Number of treatment sessions | 3 to 5 | 3 to 5 |
| Interval between two sessions | 1 week | 1 week |
| Air pressure Evo Blue® | 1.5 to 3 bar | 3 to 4 bar |
| Air pressure Power+ | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Impulses | 2000 on the painful spot |
2000
|
| Frequency | 8Hz to 12Hz | 12Hz to 20Hz |
| Applicator | 15mm | 36mm |
| Skin pressure | Light | Light to moderate |
Contraindications
The following contraindications of RSWT using the Swiss DolorClast® must be considered:
- Treatment over air-filled tissue (lung, gut)
- Treatment of pre-ruptured tendons
- Treatment of pregnant women
- Treatment of patients under the age of 18 years (except for Osgood-Schlatter disease and muscular dysfunction in children with spastic movement disorders)
- Treatment of patients with blood-clotting disorders (including local thrombosis)
- Treatment of patients treated with oral anticoagulants
- Treatment of tissue with local tumors or local bacterial and/or viral infections
- Treatment of patients treated with cortisone
Some indications may not be approved in the United States of America, under regulation by the US FDA. Please refer to the respective Instructions for Use.