Guided DolorClast Therapy (GDT)
Evidence-based high-energy therapies, from the inventors of radial shock waves
A method, not just a device
Guided DolorClast Therapy (GDT) is an evidence-based clinical application of high-energy therapies that targets the root cause of pain and inflammation to promote self-healing. According to EMS, it offers non-invasive, fast and effective solutions for acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
Instead of following a one-size-fits-all formula, the professional assesses the patient, delivers the highest energy dose they can safely tolerate and chooses the right applicators and frequencies.
- Evidence-based
- Non-invasive
- Guided dose
- Radial, focused and laser
The Guided Therapy compass: four steps
The EMS method takes the practitioner from assessment to sustainable recovery.
01Assess
Assess your patient's pathology with key questions and tests.
02Engage
Offer your patients a high-energy, efficient and drug-free solution to:
- Relieve pain
- Treat inflammation
- Stimulate natural healing
Radial shock waves
Focused shock waves
High power laserTreat
Choose the appropriate high-energy DolorClast therapy to treat your patient's pathology:
04Rehabilitate
Rehabilitate with complementary exercises to increase function and sustainable recovery.
Steps of the Guided DolorClast Therapy method, according to EMS.
The three effects of GDT
According to EMS, natural healing is blocked by the interaction between pain and inflammation. GDT treats both and gets the patient moving.
Relieve pain
It overwhelms C nerve fibres to inhibit the release of substance P, inhibits sensory neurons at nerve endings and has a strong analgesic effect after 5 minutes of treatment.
Treat inflammation
It reduces substance P, inhibiting neurogenic inflammation and allowing scleraxis expression, and decreases prostaglandin E2, mimicking the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects.
Stimulate natural healing
It improves angiogenesis and circulation, activates the repair of damaged muscle fibres, stimulates tendon remodelling and the repair of cartilage and bone.
Recovery within a few weeks
According to EMS, GDT gets patients moving and leads them to recovery within a few weeks.
The three pillars of the method
The Swiss DolorClast method rests on technology, education and clinical evidence.
Technology
Radial, focused and high-energy laser, with preset protocols.
Education
Therapist training to apply the method with confidence.
Clinical evidence
Scientific library with clinical trials, reviews and basic science.
Principles EMS supports with studies
According to EMS, more energy generates more pressure and more cavitation, and cavitation activates biological responses; more impulses do not make up for low energy.
Laboratory study (Hochstrasser, 2016): dose- and cell type-specific effects, with stimulation of human fibroblast proliferation.
Microdialysis study (Shah and Gilliams, 2008): myofascial trigger points contain high levels of substance P and other pain mediators.
Selected studies from the EMS scientific library. Results refer to the conditions, devices and protocols of each study.
Safety and use
- Devices for use by healthcare professionals with appropriate training.
- Energy, frequency, number of impulses and interval between sessions are set by the professional, according to the patient assessment and the manufacturer's instructions.
- Contraindications and precautions are listed in the instructions for use of each device and must be checked before every treatment.
General information that does not replace medical advice. The right protocol depends on each patient and must be defined by a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
What does guided mean?
It means the professional is guided to adapt the energy dose, modes and applicators to each patient and condition, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all formula.
Does GDT include only shock waves?
No. It includes radial and focused shock waves and the high power laser, which can be combined.
Is there material to consult?
Yes. You can download the method brochure on the brand page and read our guide to shock wave therapy in physiotherapy.
Does Sausport help with training?
Sausport supports clinics at start-up, including team training. Contact us to learn about the options.