When you feel pain in your joints and muscles, getting physiotherapy or taking painkillers may seem like the best option. However, getting shockwave therapy is also an efficient option to consider. If you don’t know what this therapy means, here’s where you’ll get to know everything about shockwave.
Shockwave therapy is an extracorporeal therapy that works by mechanically stimulating the injured muscles that prompt stem cells to activate and start the healing process. It comprises a multidisciplinary device that is used in physiotherapy, orthopedics, urology, sports medicine, and veterinary medicine. It is an ideal non-surgical treatment for painful disorders that works with no need for painkillers.
The application of this non-invasive treatment is easy and effective that is initiated in four steps:
1) Locating the area: The area to be treated is located using palpation to deliver the therapy correctly.
2) Gel application: A sufficient amount of common ultrasound gel is applied to the located area for smooth and efficient transfer of acoustic waves.
3) Treatment initiation: The Shockwave applicator is slightly pushed against the area to be treated, and the start button is pressed.
4) Impulse flow: The shock waves carry energy impulses to damaged tissue and boost blood flow in the affected area to stimulate regeneration and healing of the cells.
There may be a slight feeling of discomfort during the treatment, depending on the level of pain you are already experiencing in the area. However, since the treatment lasts only about five minutes, you’ll be able to tolerate this discomfort. Additionally, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted throughout the session. The number of treatments varies depending on the indication and tissue response. The effect of the treatment is cumulative, so you will typically need more than one (3–5) treatment.
- Boost Collagen Production – Collagen is one of the body’s building blocks needed to heal an injury.
- Breaks up Calcification – Trauma to the tendons can generate calcified fibroblasts in the injured area. Calcified fibroblasts cause chronic pain which decreases mobility.
- Non-Invasive Solution for Problems – Shockwave therapy is a strong option for patients who want to avoid surgery, prescription medication, and possible side effects.
This therapy treats tendon, joint, and muscle conditions like:
- Heel spur
- Chronic knee tendinitis
- Shoulder rotator cuff pain
- Achilles tendinitis
- Hamstring tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Insertional pain
- Hamstring tears
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic back pain
- Hip pain
- Muscle tightness
- Stress fracture
- Tennis elbow
- Scar tissue
- Calcifications
You should refrain from physical activity, especially one that would involve the treated region, for about 48 hours following each treatment session. To know more about the precautions and after-care of shockwave therapy, get in touch with our therapists. We will be happy to help you with everything you need.