Focused Shock Wave Therapy: The "Energy Healing" Secret of LGT-2520GP

Focused Shock Wave Therapy: The "Energy Healing" Secret of LGT-2520GP

I. The core working principle of LGT-2520GP

The core operation of the LGT-2520GP is to generate precisely focused, high-energy shock waves through controlled circuitry and energy conversion. This process involves three key stages:
First, Energy Generation: High-voltage capacitors within the device discharge as controlled, creating LC oscillations with a spiral coil to produce a strong magnetic field.
Second, Energy Conversion and Focusing: The magnetic field drives an aluminum diaphragm to vibrate, generating the initial shock wave. This wave is then directed to a specific focal point via a precision focusing design.
Third, Energy Transmission and Effect: The focused shock wave is transmitted to the target area of the human body, capable of penetrating tissues at depths ranging from 0 to 70 mm. Energy remains concentrated within the focal zone, and both energy flux density and frequency can be flexibly adjusted as needed.

II. The physiological and pathological mechanism of shock wave action on the human body

Focused shock wave therapy achieves its therapeutic effects through multiple physical and physiological impacts on human tissues, primarily encompassing the following five mechanisms:

(1) Cavitation Effect: Disintegrating Adhesions and Lesions

The shock wave induces a rapid pressure change in the medium, forming "cavitation bubbles." Upon collapsing, these bubbles generate instantaneous high pressure and micro-jets. This action can precisely loosen tendon and ligament adhesions, break down calcified foci (e.g., calcium salt deposits), and pulverize bone spurs into tiny particles that facilitate metabolic clearance. This mechanism shows significant efficacy for conditions such as shoulder periarthritis and tennis elbow, producing effects comparable to some invasive surgical release procedures.

(2) Mechanical Stress Effect: Activating Tissue Repair

Shock waves exert direct mechanical stress on tissues. The tensile component of this stress aids in tissue relaxation and promotes microcirculation. This mechanical stress also stimulates cellular mechanoreceptors, thereby activating key signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K, and Akt. This cascade promotes the proliferation and differentiation of critical cells, including fibroblasts—which accelerate collagen synthesis and connective tissue repair—and osteoblasts—which stimulate bone callus formation and facilitate the healing of nonunion fractures. Moreover, shock waves improve tissue permeability, which enhances nutrient delivery and metabolic waste removal.

(3) Pain Modulation Effect: Dual Mechanism of Pain Relief

Immediate Pain Relief: Shock waves achieve immediate analgesia by acting on nerve endings, altering their polarization state to block pain signal transmission and inhibiting the release of pain mediators such as Substance P.

Long-term Pain Relief: For sustained therapeutic effects, the therapy reduces nerve ending sensitivity while promoting the secretion of endogenous endorphins. Typically, patients with chronic pain conditions (e.g., affecting the neck, shoulder, lower back, or legs) show a significant reduction in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores after 3 to 5 treatment sessions.

(4) Vascular regeneration effect:Improving blood supply

The mechanical stimulation provided by shock waves upregulates the expression of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and FGF. This promotes capillary formation and the development of new vascular networks. The resulting improved blood supply delivers essential energy and oxygen to ischemic or necrotic tissues (e.g., in avascular necrosis of the femoral head or chronic tendinitis). This process helps alleviate ischemia, halt the progression of the lesion, and ultimately promote tissue repair.

(5) Anti-inflammatory Effect: Inhibiting Chronic Inflammation

Shock waves exert their anti-inflammatory effects via multiple pathways. They modulate the activity of inflammatory cells (e.g., macrophages), reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors like TNF-α while promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10. Furthermore, by enhancing local microcirculation, they accelerate the clearance of inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating associated symptoms like swelling and redness. Consequently, the therapy demonstrates particular efficacy in treating inflammatory conditions such as tenosynovitis and arthritis. In certain clinical scenarios, it may serve as a viable alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory medications, helping to minimize potential drug-related adverse effects.

III. Indications and Contraindications of LGT-2520GP

(1) Indications

This clinical-grade device provides non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tendonitis), trigger points, and specific disorders like arthritis, tenosynovitis, and bone non-unions.

(2)Contraindications

Absolute:

Untreated coagulation disorders; lung tissue in treatment area; tumors; aneurysms; or unidentified pathologies in the shockwave path.

Relative (require risk-benefit assessment):

Coagulation disorders/anticoagulation; local infection; pediatric growth plates; spinal treatment areas; cardiac arrhythmias/implants; polyneuropathy; polyarthritis; pregnancy.

IV. Design Features and Clinical Adaptability of LGT-2520GP for Indications

As a clinical-grade device dedicated to treating musculoskeletal disorders, the LGT-2520GP features a human-centered and precise core design tailored to the therapeutic requirements of diverse indications. It is effective for managing chronic pain, myofascial trigger points, and specific bone and soft tissue pathologies. Adaptable to various clinical settings such as outpatient clinics and hospitals, it provides patients with a safe and efficient non-invasive treatment option.

Core Design Features: Engineered to Match Clinical Indications

(1) Adjustable Water Bag Coupling: Adapts to Both Superficial and Deep Lesions

The treatment head incorporates an adjustable water bag coupling interface. By regulating the water volume within the bag, the effective treatment depth can be precisely controlled, allowing the device to accommodate lesions at varying tissue depths.For Superficial Conditions (e.g., tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, tenosynovitis): Increasing the water volume focuses the shock wave energy onto superficial soft tissue lesions. The water bag conforms closely to the skin contours of areas like the elbow or heel, eliminating air gaps to ensure efficient energy transfer and effectively alleviate chronic pain associated with tendinitis and fasciitis.For Deep-Seated Conditions (e.g., avascular necrosis of the femoral head, nonunion of the femur or tibia): Reducing the water volume extends the focal depth of the shockwaves, enabling them to reach deep osseous and soft tissue lesions. This delivers precise energy to promote revascularization in osteonecrosis and stimulate bone repair in nonunions, while minimizing unnecessary energy exposure to overlying superficial tissues.

(2) Multi-dimensional Adjustable Parameters: Personalized Protocols for Diverse Conditions

The device features three core adjustable parameters—energy (Levels 1-20, equivalent to 0.01-0.35 mJ/mm²), frequency (0.5-20 Hz), and pulse count (100-9900 pulses). These can be finely customized according to the specific indication and individual patient condition, enabling truly personalized treatment plans.

For Chronic Pain (e.g., neck, shoulder, back, leg pain; knee/ankle osteoarthritis): Applying low to medium energy (Levels 1-15) with a flexible frequency (0.5-10 Hz) and appropriate pulse count effectively alleviates pain while protecting fragile periarticular tissues from high-energy damage. This approach is particularly suitable for elderly or frail patients.

For Bone Nonunion (e.g., metatarsal, tibial, femoral): Utilizing high energy (Levels 16-20, post-confirmation), medium-high frequency (10-20 Hz), and sufficient pulses delivers the intensive stimulation necessary to promote bone tissue repair and accelerate the healing process.

For Trigger Point Therapy (myofascial tension nodules): A protocol of medium energy and low frequency (0.5-5 Hz) allows for gentle, precise shock wave application, gradually relieving muscle spasms and improving associated pain and movement restrictions in areas like the neck, shoulder, and back.

(3) Intelligent Operation & Safety Protections: Ensuring Efficient and Safe Treatment

A 10.1-inch touchscreen, integrated NRS/ROM/MAS assessment systems, and multiple safeguard designs provide comprehensive support for the clinical management of various indications.

For Conditions Requiring Multiple Sessions (e.g., shoulder periarthritis, tendinitis): The patient file management function stores all treatment parameters and assessment results (e.g., NRS pain scores, ROM measurements), facilitating progress tracking and timely plan adjustments to ensure optimal rehabilitation outcomes.

For Pediatric Patients or Sensitive Areas (e.g., ankle osteoarthritis): Safety features such as applicator temperature monitoring (with auto-shutdown at 41°C) and an emergency stop function prevent skin burns and treatment discomfort, significantly enhancing treatment safety.

For High-Throughput Clinical Environments: The intuitive touchscreen interface simplifies operation, enabling medical staff in busy hospitals or clinics to quickly set parameters for common conditions (e.g., neck/shoulder/back/leg pain), thereby improving overall treatment efficiency.

(4) Durability and Ease of Maintenance: Supporting High-Frequency Clinical Use

Designed for reliability in demanding settings, the device's robust construction and simple upkeep ensure continuous treatment delivery.

High Durability: Core components are built to last (main unit: 10-year lifespan; high-voltage capacitor: 10 million pulses; treatment head: 200,000 pulses), making it ideal for high-volume departments (e.g., pain management, rehabilitation) that regularly treat common conditions without frequent maintenance interruptions.

Simple Maintenance: Daily care involves only wiping the main unit, disinfecting the treatment head with alcohol, and user-replaceable fuses, minimizing operational complexity.

Ensured Treatment Continuity: The device's stable performance and real-time status monitoring help prevent treatment interruptions due to equipment failure. This is crucial for long-term therapies (e.g., femoral osteonecrosis, bone nonunion), ensuring treatment course completion and improving patient recovery rates.

V. Conclusion

The LGT-2520GP focused shock wave therapy device offers a safe, efficient, and non-invasive solution for musculoskeletal disorders. It incorporates precise energy control, an adjustable water bladder coupling head, multi-parameter adjustment, and integrated safety features to ensure clinical accuracy while reducing operational complexity and risk. Note: This device must only be used by qualified medical professionals in clinical settings, following strict assessment of patient indications and contraindications to ensure safety and efficacy. With ongoing advancements in shock wave technology, such precise, safe, and user-friendly devices are poised to play an increasingly important role in pain management and rehabilitation.

Reference

[1] Liang Haojun, Jia Haiguang, Zhu Junyu, et al. Guidelines for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Musculoskeletal Diseases (2023 Edition)[J]. Chinese Journal of the Frontiers of Medical Science (Electronic Version), 2023, 15(09): 1-20.

[2] Wang CJ. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal disorders. J Orthop Surg Res. 2012 Mar 20;7:11. doi: 10.1186/1749-799X-7-11. PMID: 22433113; PMCID: PMC3342893.

[3] Stania M, Juras G, Chmielewska D, Polak A, Kucio C, Król P. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy. Biomed Res Int. 2019 Dec 26;2019:3086910. doi: 10.1155/2019/3086910. PMID: 31950037; PMCID: PMC6948318.

[4] Tang P, Wen T, Lu W, Jin H, Pan L, Li H, Zeng B, Zhou Y, Xiao W, Li Y. The efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for knee osteoarthritis : an umbrella review. Int J Surg. 2024 Apr 1;110(4):2389-2395. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001116. PMID: 38668665; PMCID: PMC11020044.