What is Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT™) used for?

Shock waves are acoustic waves that are characterized by high pressure amplitudes in comparison with surrounding pressure. Medical shock waves are created outside of the body and applied to targeted points within the body without injuring the body's surface. Since 1980, shock waves have been successfully used to disintegrate kidney stones. Shock waves were later used to resolve calcifications in the shoulder and for the treatment of tendon and muscle disorders. This revealed a new mechanism of shock waves: the initiation of healing processes due to improved metabolism and increased circulation.

How Does AWT™ Work for Cellulite?

Women, in general, have considerably more fat cells than men do, because they serve as an energy reservoir during pregnancy. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations result in a shift of the lipometabolism toward lipogenesis. The enlarged or enlarging fat cells could also lead to increased pressure in the tissue, thus diminishing local microcirculation; this result in decreasing lipolysis. Thus the fat cells become further enlarged and the cellulite increasing - a vicious circle arises. As a result, advanced stage cellulite displays typical fibrotic nodules.

The goal of treating cellulite with acoustic waves is the stimulation of metabolic hindrances in subcutaneous fatty tissue and the improvement of local microcirculation in order to interrupt the vicious circle of insufficient supply, increasing pressure and reduced lipolysis. The procedure leads to improved lymphatic drainage, breakdown of fat deposits, reduction of the dimpling and improved appearance of the skin leading to overall reduced circumference of affected body regions.

A study conducted in Switzerland has shown a 110% improvement in skin elasticity in the female patients treated. All patients participating in the study were highly satisfied with AWT™.

AWT™ Treatment Programme

On average, each cellulite therapy session takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on size of the affected area. Contact gel is applied to the therapy area to ensure that the acoustic sound waves are introduced into the body without energy loss. The treatment is painless.

Depending on the degree of cellulite, 6 to 10 sessions at 3 to 4 days intervals may be necessary. Furthermore, AWTT treatment should be accompanied by a low fat diet, regular physical exercise and 2 to 3 litres of liquid per day to ensure rapid elimination of waste products.

Contra-indication and Precautions

(i) Unregulated high blood pressure and hypertensions are precautions that should be checked before beginning a course of AWT™ as treatment can be quite vigorous.

(ii) Skin conditions such as eruptions, open wounds or sores, haematomas, keloids, hypersensitive skin and unexplained discolourations are contraindications over the affected areas only. Localised problems can be avoided during the massage itself.

(iii) Cancer patients should be avoided and also cancer patients in remission should not be treated.

(iv) Hernias are of special concern since any ruptures in the abdominal wall might be aggravated if treated directly. Varicose veins should be avoided.

(v) Phlebitis and blood clots are entirely contraindications as they are diseases directly linked to blood circulation, which is greatly stimulated during AWT™.

(vi) Pregnancy and lactating women are contraindicated.

(vii) Anti-coagulant drugs may cause patients to bruise extremely easily. People taking small doses of aspirin on a daily dose are, however, not contraindicated.

(viii). Diabetics often bruise easily and should receive special attention before beginning the treatment. Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetic should not be treated without the doctor's permission. Type II diabetics whose diets are under control can be treated to their comfort level but may not get good results. They are too sensitive and they have poor circulation.

(ix). Pseudo-atropy is a localized condition that occurs after injections, such as cortisone. Avoid the area where an injection has been administered.

How much does it cost?

Prices start from £80* per treatment when a package is purchased and depend on the area and treatment time needed.

* These prices are a guideline only and do not form a contractual relationship between The Body Clinic and the client. They may vary according to the treatment area, time of the day and during promotional campaigns.