“Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic.”     – Arthur C. Clarke

Dr. Boaz, Doctor of Physical Therapy, is excited to be the FIRST and ONLY clinician in all of San Diego that has the PiezoWave2 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 PiezoWave2 technology, MyACT is used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons and joints.

The PiezoWave2, 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 PiezoWave2 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 PiezoWave2 delivers mechanical energy in the form of sound waves to 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 PiezoWave2 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. Further, MyACT/PiezoWave2 has been used in Germany for the past 23 years. New to the United States only 4 years ago, the PiezoWave2 is now an FDA Registered Class 1 Modality.

“…emerging research via prospective placebo-controlled, double-blind studies shows that ESWT is effective and should be considered a proven technology.” – Lowell Scott Weil, Jr., DPM, MBA

In all situations, the PiezoWave2 is considered the non-invasive alternative to surgery. Shockwave treatments have been employed for several different musculoskeletal conditions including but not limited to:

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

“Hi Dr. Boaz! I hope it’s not too late to text you. I just wanted to let you know how much better I’m feeling. It’s the first time in days that my elbow and arm/shoulder hasn’t been in intense pain. It’s amazing! Since the treatment earlier today my pain got better throughout the day – especially my elbow. Thank you. I appreciate you!”

What to expect:

• A typical PiezoWave2 treatment takes between 15 to 20 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.

“So I did 3 Wise Men Workout today. Hang snatched 185lbs multiple times. At first warming up, my shoulders were a little tight. After a few warm up sets they felt great. Fastest warm up I’ve had in the past few weeks.”

Dr. Boaz, Doctor of Physical Therapy, is the FIRST and ONLY clinician in all of San Diego that has the PiezoWave2 technology and is now offering treatments in his office.  If you are dealing with an acute or chronic injury or are looking for a new treatment approach, please give the offices of Integrative Health Solutions a call to schedule an initial PiezoWave2 appointment with Dr. Boaz, Doctor of Physical Therapy at 858-254-5433.

Research and Resources:
https://app.hubspot.com/presentations/1745506/view/2268818?accessId=c49c68
https://app.hubspot.com/presentations/1745506/view/2268817?accessId=bc474e
https://app.hubspot.com/presentations/1745506/view/2268831?accessId=b267fd
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/3165
http://www.pctmedicalservices.com/index.php?p=392137
http://www.pctmedicalservices.com/index.php?p=392138
http://www.elvation.de/index.php/en/publications
http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/rehabilitation/1-extracorporeal-shockwave-therapy