PHYSIO &
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY CENTRE 
 NAMBOUR  

SWT uses sound waves that are characterised by high pressure amplitudes in comparison to the ambient pressure. Sound waves used for medical applications are generated extracorporeally and introduced into the effective areas without causing skin lesions. 

Not uncommon to many other life-changing inventions, SWT for Cellulite  and skin tightening was discovered by accident.  It was during treatment for torn and strained hamstrings with SWT that it was revealed to the practitioner that the lady patients were noticing a remarkable improvement in the appearance of cellulite and skin tightening.

Cellulite, or sometimes referred to as orange peel skin, is a widespread female problem affecting almost only women. Cellulite is mainly caused by the increase of the fat deposits around the buttocks and thighs and the skin’s aging process that causes the collagen layers to become thinner and thinner. This predisposition is genetic and lies in the structure of the connective tissue of women and the higher number of fat cells stored in the female fatty tissue: women have 21 to 22 billion fat cells, men only 17 to 18. Cellulite occurs in most post-pubescent females. A review gives a prevalence of 85%-98% of women, indicating that it is physiologic rather than pathologic. It can result from a complex combination of factors ranging from hormones to heredity.

Cellulite is normally categorised into 3 grades. The grades are important as several studies have shown patients can normally be improved by 1 grade. The grades are (grade 0 is no dimpling even with pressure applied):

• Dimpling when pressure applied

• Dimpling visible standing but not lying down

• Dimpling visible even when lying

Enlarged fat cells bulge upwards towards the skin surface, giving the skin the typical orange peel often bumpy appearance. The inelastic vertical connective tissue fibres do not stretch along with the surrounding adipose tissue, which leads to the undesirable dimpling. Local blood circulation is significantly reduced. While applying SWT, oscillating acoustic waves are introduced into the body. The connective tissue relaxes, and the firmness of the epidermis increases. Blood circulation in the tissue is significantly enhanced. Collagen production is then stimulate which  strengthens the dermis and epidermis. The results of SWT are improved firmness and restored natural elasticity of the skin and connective tissue along with a visible and long-lasting improvement in skin texture. Unlike many cosmetic treatments SWT does not destroy any tissue, but allows the body’s natural healing process to accelerate the recovery from the multi-fold problems which are the contributing factors of Cellulite.