“Is this the same as shock therapy?” This is one of most common questions we get asked by our patients when they see this huge piece of technology being rolled into their treatment room.
Nope! Shockwave therapy is a form of treatment that is commonly used by physiotherapists to treat chronic pain in tendons, muscle, ligaments, bones, and joints.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in the body. Originally developed to disintegrate kidney stones, shockwave therapy has evolved to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions effectively.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
During a shockwave therapy session, a specialized device delivers acoustic waves to the targeted area of the body. These waves penetrate deep into the tissue, stimulating cellular repair processes, increasing blood flow, and promoting the formation of new blood vessels. This influx of nutrients and oxygen accelerates healing and reduces pain and inflammation.
Why Should I Choose Shockwave Therapy?
Most people with chronic pain are faced with 2 choices: injections or surgery. Shockwave is a safe and non-invasive solution to chronic, lingering pain.
Think about a stubborn area of your body that’s taking forever to heal. Specifically, an overuse or repetitive injury of tendons, muscle, joints, and ligaments that have been sprained or injured. Shockwave can be used for the following conditions:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating this common foot condition by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing pain.
- Tendinitis: Whether it’s Achilles tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, or elbow tendinitis, shockwave therapy can provide significant relief by stimulating healing in the affected tendon.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Shockwave therapy targets the damaged tissue in the elbow, alleviating pain and restoring function.
- Muscle Strains: Shockwave therapy accelerates the healing of muscle strains by promoting collagen production and tissue regeneration.
- Chronic Pain: For individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions like low back pain or neck pain, shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive alternative for pain relief and improved mobility.
- Scar Tissue Remodeling: Scar tissue formation following surgery or injury can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Shockwave therapy helps break down scar tissue and remodel collagen fibers, restoring elasticity and flexibility to the affected area. This results in improved range of motion and reduced pain, facilitating a smoother recovery process.
Did you know? Shockwave has shown benefit in treating spasticity in neurological conditions, such as:
- Stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:
- Non-invasive: Shockwave therapy eliminates the need for surgery or pharmaceutical interventions, reducing the risk of complications and side effects.
- Fast and Effective: Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after just a few sessions of shockwave therapy.
- Minimal Downtime: Unlike surgical procedures, shockwave therapy requires minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities quickly.
- Long-lasting Results: By stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, shockwave therapy provides long-lasting relief from chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain or struggling with a musculoskeletal condition, shockwave therapy may offer the relief you need. We will thoroughly assess your condition to determine if shockwave therapy is suitable for your specific condition and medical history.