Dr. Rikke Johansen is excited to be one of the FIRST clinicians in the Palo Alto area that has the PiezoWave2T technology!

Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT) describes the use of acoustic waves to target tissue at varying depths to compress and manipulate the tissue to facilitate the body’s natural healing response. Through the use of the PiezoWave2T technology, MyACT is used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and joints.

The PiezoWave2T, developed by Richard Wolf, combines orthopedic applications of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) with the applications of Trigger Point Shock Wave Therapy (TPST), which are highly efficient, non-surgical treatments for chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system.

The PiezoWave2T offers a significant expansion of the range of applications for myofascial pain syndrome. The extracorporeal, focused shock wave allows precise diagnosis and therapy of active and latent trigger points that are thickened, pain-sensitive points within a usually tense muscle.

How it Works:

The PiezoWave2T delivers mechanical energy in the form of sound waves to a target tissue, including tenocytes in tendons, fibroblasts in ligaments and skin, osteocytes in bone, chondrocytes in articular cartilage, and endothelial cells in blood vessels, which are all highly responsive to mechanical energy. The PiezoWave2T then localizes trigger points, delivering highly focused acoustic pulses that penetrate precisely to the desired depth. Penetration depths of between 0.5mm and 3 cm are possible, depending on the therapy source. This facilitates cellular repair by increasing blood flow and reducing pain.

Extracorporeal shock waves have been used successfully in the treatment of chronic pain since the early ’90s in Europe. MyACT/PiezoWave2 has been used in Germany for the past 26 years. New to the United States only 6 years ago, the PiezoWave2 is now an FDA Registered Class 1 Modality.

 

In all situations, the PiezoWave2T is considered the non-invasive alternative to surgery. Shockwave treatments have been employed for several different musculoskeletal conditions including but not limited to:

  • Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
  • Medial (Golfer’s) and Lateral (Tennis) Epicondylitis
  • Tendonitis / Calcifying Tendonitis / Tendonopathy
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Peri-articular shoulder calcification
  • Trigger Points
  • Myofascial Dysfunction
  • Stress fractures, non-unions, and Avascular Necrosis
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Soft Tissue Strains
  • Neck, Hip and Back Pain

 

What to expect:

  • A typical PiezoWave2T treatment takes between 8 to 15 minutes.
  • Normally, 1-2 treatments per week are performed.
  • A total of 4-6 treatments may be necessary before lasting improvements are achieved.
  • With acute pain, a single session is often successful.

 

Dr. Rikke Johansen is one of the FIRST clinicians in the Palo Alto area that has the PiezoWave2T technology and is now offering treatments in her office.  If you are dealing with an acute or chronic injury or are looking for a new treatment approach, please send the office of RiKKE® Chiropractic a message to schedule an initial PiezoWave2T appointment at (650) 484-0110. Or, simply use the online scheduling tool. Book Now!

Some Research and Resources (more will be added):

http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/3165
http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/rehabilitation/1-extracorporeal-shockwave-therapy