Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment where a series of low energy acoustic wave pulsations are directly applied to an injury through a person’s skin via a gel and shockwave applicator.
Shockwaves have proven to be successful in a number of scientific studies for the treatment of chronic pain. Shockwave therapy treatment is useful for a lingering injury and pain resulting from an illness. The purpose of the therapy is to trigger the body’s own natural healing response, without the use of medication. Many people report that their pain is reduced and their mobility is improved after the first treatment.
Who Is Shockwave Therapy For?
There are some conditions that don't respond to traditional forms of treatment, and shockwave therapy treatment allows these conditions to be treated better.
For example, shockwave therapy is suited for people who have tendinitis that hasn’t responded to other treatments. You will be assessed at your first visit to confirm that you are an appropriate candidate for shockwave therapy. Depending on the results, shockwave treatment is usually done once a week for 3-6 weeks. The treatment itself only lasts 4-5 minutes, and the intensity of the shockwaves can be adjusted for comfort.
Ailments that shockwave therapy has shown the ability to improve include:
Feet: heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis
Elbow: tennis elbow, golfer's elbow
Shoulder: calcific tendinitis 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, chronic muscular pain
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has an excellent cost to effectiveness ratio.
It is a non-invasive solution for chronic pain.
There is no anesthesia or drugs required.
There are limited side effects.
Proven effectiveness in: orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sport medicine.
Research shows that it can have a positive effect on acute pain.
After treatment, you may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days in the treated area, as shockwaves stimulate an inflammatory response. This is the body healing itself naturally and this will progressively go away over time. Upon completion of treatment you can return to most regular activities quickly with noticeably less pain.
If you're dealing with an injury or pain, contact us today to see if shockwave therapy is the right solution for you.