References
The effects of shock waves and deep oscillations on lipoedema
Abstract
Lipoedema is characterised by abnormal subcutaneous fat deposition associated with oedema. Given its complexity, different treatments, including shock waves and deep oscillation therapy, are used in its treatment. Objective: To investigate the effects of shock waves and deep oscillations on lipoedema. Methodology: This is an experimental study. Thirty-three women were evaluated using anthropometric analysis (perimetry and bioimpedance) and ultrasonography of the lower limb region. The volunteers were divided into three groups: G1 received the treatment with deep oscillations, G2 with shock waves, and G3 with shock waves and deep oscillations. The intervention was unilateral on the right lower limb, while the left lower limb was considered a control. The duration of treatment was five sessions, being performed once a week. The shockwave treatment followed the parameters: variation of 1, 8, and 2, 5 Bar; 12 Hz; 500 pulses in the ankle area; 500 pulses in the inner knee area (upper third). For deep oscillations, 150 to 70 Hz was used for 3 min; 30 to 10 Hz for 4 min; and 75 to 50 Hz for 3 min, for a total of 10 min on a single limb. Reassessment was done after the last session was performed.
Lipoedema is a common adipose tissue disease that affects about 11% of adult women worldwide (Buck and Herbst 2016). It results from abnormal subcutaneous fat deposition with associated oedema, affecting some body parts such as the buttocks, lower extremities, and arms (Harwood et al. 1996). The cause is unknown, but it is suggested that female hormones play an important role in lipoedema formation (Reich-Schupke et al. 2017). There are currently four reported stages of lipoedema: stage 1 involves a uniform skin surface with an enlarged hypodermis; stage 2 involves an irregular skin pattern with the development of a nodular or mass-like appearance of subcutaneous fat, lipomas and/or angiolipomas; stage 3 involves large nodular fat growths that cause severe contour deformities of the thighs and around the knee, and stage 4 involves the presence of lipolymphedema (Herbst et al. 2021). One of the characteristics of lipoedema is the painful manifestation, which is accentuated by the evolution of the stage of the pathology, reducing the quality of life of women who have it. There is difficulty in treating this pathology because there is a constant inflammatory process besides the uneven fat deposition. Some surgical alternatives have been developed; however, the clinical approaches still need a scientific basis and observation of the significant results (Buck and Herbst 2016; Reich-Schupke et al. 2017; Herbst et al. 2021).
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