A pioneering study captures the experience of patients undergoing radial shock wave therapy as a non-invasive treatment to reduce hypertonia and improve motor functionality.
Applied research with a clinical and human perspective
The Aspace Catalonia Foundation has participated in a innovative qualitative study published in the scientific journal Rehabilitation (Elsevier, 2025), focused on the experience of people with cerebral palsy undergoing radial shock wave treatments to address hypertension.
Hypertonia is one of the main clinical challenges in the treatment of cerebral palsy, and this study explores how the patient experiences this therapeutic intervention, asserting their voice, pain perception, mobility and quality of life. Through semi-structured interviews with 27 patients selected from a total of 79 treated, their condition is evaluated before, after and six months after treatment.
Promising results: less spasticity, less pain
The results indicate that patients perceive a reduction in spasticity, muscle tension and pain, especially in the lower limbs. It has also been observed functional improvements in gait, although the effect on the upper limbs has been more limited. In the long term, some participants have experienced a partial reappearance of symptoms, which opens up new lines for the evaluation of its sustained effectiveness.
In paraules of Tamara Biederman, director of the Health Area of Aspace Catalunya:
“This study allows us to incorporate the voice of patients into clinical assessment and validate emerging therapeutic options that can mark a turning point in the treatment of hypertension.”
Clinical innovation with a vision for the future
La radial shock wave therapy, used in this study as a non-invasive tool, has been well tolerated by most patients and is perceived as a useful and innovative path. This commitment to applied research confirms Aspace Catalunya's commitment to the continuous improvement of clinical practice, the incorporation of therapeutic technology and personalized care in contexts of high neurological complexity.
Scientific reference
"Experiences with shock waves in the treatment of hypertension in people with cerebral palsy: a qualitative perspective"
(I.e. Article: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1lOqpB4scyadW
