- Power On machine (back, right)
- Ensure correct wand (pinpoint/linear) is plugged in (front, left)
- Remove black ring on pinpoint wand if using
- Apply a moderate amount of gel to the wand(pinpoint/linear)
- Select the ordered gel pad, apply to the wand wiggling/turning/sliding it to ensure there are no air bubbles in the gel.
- Apply black ring to pinpoint wand or close clasp if using linear wand to secure gel pad onto wand
- Set ordered frequency (6 or 8)
- Set intensity according to previous visit or if new patient, start low
- For new shockwave patients, explain the shockwave process – (steps 12-16).
- Position patient comfortably with treatment area being easy to access. Reveal entire marked area tucking wash cloths in surrounding clothing to help hold clothing out of the way and to prevent gel from getting on clothing. The patient may have to remove clothing or change into shorts if necessary to reveal the entire marked area.
- Apply gel to gel pad
- Scan the marked area & surrounding area
- Instruct patient to let you know when you hit a painful area
- When a painful area is found, stop and ask the patient their pain level (goal is 6-7 out of 10). Adjust intensity as needed to reach the goal. If pain level is below a 6, slowly increase the intensity. If pain level is above 7, decrease the intensity.
- Stay on the painful area until pain fades away or for 500-1000 pulses
- Continue scanning area to find painful areas and repeat previous steps for each painful area.
- Maximum 4000 pulses per area
- At the end of the day, clean wands with water and washcloth, clean gel off gel pads with washcloth and put in appropriate spot in container, shut gel bottles and return them to the holder on the wall, power off machine.
*Communication with the patient is key throughout the whole treatment. Also watch for non-verbal pain indicators-facial grimace, muscle tightening, instinctive pulling away. Instruct patient to let you know if feeling lightheaded or dizzy. If any reports of either, let Dr. Kyle know and switch to laser.
Updated 7-31-2024