What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes an array of low energy acoustic wave pulsations that are administered through the skin of the injured area. The idea originated from the conclusion that focused soundwaves were able to dismantle kidney stones and gallstones. Quite a few scientific studies have successfully established generated shockwaves’ ability to treat chronic conditions. Shockwave therapy is a standalone treatment for an injury or illness-induced pain, meaning one isn’t required to use painkillers with it. The point of the procedure is to activate the body’s natural healing response.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
Requiring a significantly reduced energy than in medical applications, shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is utilized in the treatment of several musculoskeletal conditions, especially those that involve connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons. A fitting candidate for shockwave therapy has chronic (i.e. longer than six weeks) tendinopathies (usually called tendinitis) and any treatment they received has proven unsuccessful. The following conditions could be caused by a sport, overuse, or repetitive strain:
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles
- Rotator cuff
- Plantar fasciitis
- Jumper’s knee
- Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
The Process
During your first visit, you will be evaluated to ensure that you are a proper candidate for the procedure. We will make sure that you have sufficient knowledge regarding your condition and that you are aware of the types of activities and/or exercises you can partake in in conjunction with the treatment, as well as determining other relevant issues that may include posture, muscle group tightness/weakness, etc.
Shockwave treatment is often performed once a week for a period of 3-6 weeks, depending on results. The treatment can elicit some discomfort, but that doesn’t last very long—usually 4-5 minutes, and the intensity can be altered so that you experience a higher level of comfort.
Conditions Shockwave Therapy has determined to effectively treat include:
- Feet – heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis
- Elbow – tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Shoulder – calcific tendinosis of rotator cuff muscles
- Knee – patellar tendonitis
- Hip – bursitis
- Lower leg – shin splints
- Upper leg – Iliotibial band friction syndrome
- Back pain – lumbar and cervical spine regions and chronic muscular pain
Here are a few of the benefits:
- The treatment is non-surgical.
- Anesthesia is not needed, and neither are drugs.
- After the treatment is finished, you can go back to your normal routine almost immediately.