What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. By enhancing blood circulation and promoting tissue regeneration, ESWT is highly effective in reducing pain from injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Commonly treated conditions include plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and Achilles tendinitis. The shockwaves are directed at the affected area to break down scar tissue and accelerate cell repair. Most individuals typically need 6 to 8 shockwave therapy sessions, scheduled at 2 sessions a week for 3 weeks. However, the exact number of sessions may vary based on the severity of your condition and your personal response to treatment.
Key Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:
- How It Works: Acoustic waves trigger a localized inflammatory response, activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
- Conditions Treated: Shockwave therapy is ideal for musculoskeletal pain, including tendon, ligament, muscle injuries, sports injuries, chronic pain, and some bone issues.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: No surgery or anesthesia is required, making it a safe, non-surgical option.
- Treatment Process: Shockwaves are applied to the targeted area using a specialized device with a gel-coated applicator.
- Side Effects: Mild discomfort, bruising, or temporary soreness at the treatment site may occur, but these are typically short-lived.
Clinical Effectiveness:
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has been proven to be an effective treatment for chronic tendon disorders. It is a trusted second-line therapy for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy.
Additional Benefits of ESWT:
Shockwave therapy offers numerous advantages, including:
- Enhanced mobility
- Reduced musculoskeletal pain
- Faster recovery from injuries
- Non-invasive and drug-free treatment option
Is Shockwave Treatment Painful?
While shockwave therapy may cause some minor discomfort, most individuals find it manageable. If you experience significant pain, inform your medical practitioner, as adjustments can be made to reduce discomfort.
Will I Experience Pain After Treatment?
After your shockwave therapy session, you may feel reduced soreness or no discomfort at all immediately. However, mild, diffuse soreness can occur a few hours later and typically lasts a day or so.
What to Do if Pain Occurs After Treatment:
If you experience pain after treatment, it's important to know that shockwave therapy induces a pro-inflammatory condition in the treated tissue. You may use over-the-counter painkillers if needed, but avoid anti-inflammatory medications and ice, as they can interfere with your body's healing process.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave therapy can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Shoulder Tendinitis
- Calcific Tendinitis (Shoulder)
- Frozen Shoulder
- Radial and Ulnar Epicondylitis (Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow)
- Patellar Tendinitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Heel Spurs
- Dupuytren’s Disease
- Shin Splints
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Calf Pain
- Bursitis
- Myofascial Trigger Points
- Trigger Finger
- DeQuervain’s Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Facet Joint Pain
By targeting specific injuries, shockwave therapy can help you heal faster, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Contact us today to learn how shockwave therapy can benefit you!