Shockwave Therapy

Are you tired of dealing with pain that just wont go away?

Have you tried “everything” but not gotten results?

Are you hoping to avoid pain medication or invasive procedures like injections or surgery?

Shockwave Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Healing

Shockwave therapy is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment method gaining popularity for its effectiveness in addressing various musculoskeletal and chronic pain conditions. This therapy employs high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing processes, offering relief to patients suffering from stubborn injuries, chronic pain, and degenerative conditions. Whether you’re an athlete looking to accelerate recovery or someone seeking an alternative to surgery, shockwave therapy might be the solution you need.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Initially developed for treating kidney stones through lithotripsy, this technology has evolved into a reliable therapeutic tool in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy.

There are 2 kinds of shockwave therapy: Radial and Focused.

Radial shockwave therapy (also known as Radial Pressure Wave or EPAT) delivers low-energy waves that disperse over a broad area, making it effective for treating superficial conditions such as muscle tension, tendinopathy, or trigger points. This method uses a mechanical approach, targeting larger surface areas with less penetration. It is often employed for less severe or more localized pain and conditions closer to the skin.

Focused shockwave therapy, on the other hand, uses high-energy waves designed to penetrate deeper tissues. It provides precise targeting for deeper conditions like bone injuries, chronic pain, or calcifications. Its accuracy makes it ideal for more complex injuries.

At Forward Physical Therapy we utilize BOTH kinds of shockwave therapy. So whichever one is right for you…we’ve got you covered. Sometimes we even use both in the same session if that is what you need.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

The treatment involves the generation of high-energy sound waves through a handheld device. These waves penetrate the skin and are absorbed by injured or affected tissues. This process initiates several physiological responses, including:

1. Stimulation of Collagen Production: Shockwaves promote the synthesis of collagen, an essential protein for tissue repair and regeneration.

2. Stimulation of Stem Cells: Shockwave therapy activates stem cells by inducing mechanical stress, promoting their migration, proliferation, and differentiation. This accelerates tissue repair and regeneration, aiding recovery in injuries and enhancing musculoskeletal healing.

3. Increased Blood Circulation: Shockwave therapy improves blood flow to the affected area, ensuring better delivery of nutrients and oxygen required for healing.

4. Breakdown of Calcified Deposits: Shockwave therapy helps dissolve calcium deposits in tendons, which are often the root cause of chronic pain and limited mobility.

5. Pain Reduction: The waves inhibit pain signals by overloading the nerve fibers, providing relief for both acute and chronic pain conditions.

Common Applications of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is versatile because it works at a cellular level. It can treat a wide range of conditions, including:

1. Plantar Fasciitis: This is a common condition causing heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Shockwave therapy has shown significant success in reducing pain and promoting healing.

2. Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow: These conditions are characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons of the elbow. Shockwave therapy helps by alleviating pain and enhancing tendon repair.

3. Rotator Cuff Injuries: For those suffering from shoulder pain due to tendon tears or calcifications, shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical alternative for relief.

4. Achilles Tendinitis: Chronic inflammation of the Achilles tendon can be effectively treated with shockwave therapy, accelerating recovery and restoring mobility.

5. Patellar Tendinopathy: Also known as jumper’s knee, this condition can cause severe discomfort in athletes. Shockwave therapy addresses the underlying issues, offering long-term relief.

6. Arthritis: Shockwave therapy treats arthritis by enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating cartilage regeneration. It promotes tissue repair and pain relief, improving joint function and slowing arthritis progression without invasive procedures.

7. Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Shockwave therapy is also effective in releasing tight muscle knots and alleviating referred pain.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

1. Non-Invasive: Shockwave therapy eliminates the need for incisions, anesthesia, or prolonged recovery periods associated with surgery.

2. Quick Sessions: Each session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, making it convenient for busy individuals.

3. Minimal Side Effects: Some patients experience mild discomfort or redness after treatment, which usually subsides within a few days. There are no serious side effects!

4. High Success Rate: Clinical studies demonstrate significant improvement in pain and function for various conditions after just a few sessions.

5. Cost-Effective: By potentially avoiding surgery and reducing downtime, shockwave therapy can save both time and money.

What to Expect During a Session

Shockwave therapy is straightforward and generally well-tolerated. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation: A thorough assessment is conducted to confirm the suitability of shockwave therapy for your condition.

2. Preparation: The treatment area is identified, and a gel is applied to ensure effective transmission of shockwaves.

3. Treatment: The handheld device delivers shockwaves to the targeted area. Patients may feel a tapping sensation or mild discomfort, depending on the intensity of the treatment. This is critical in making sure the problem is treated. You need to feel it to heal it!

4. Post-Treatment Care: You can resume most of your daily activities immediately after the session, though strenuous exercise is typically discouraged for 48 hours.

Who Can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:

• Athletes: Whether you’re a professional or recreational athlete, this therapy can help you recover faster from injuries and improve performance.

• Chronic Pain Sufferers: For those dealing with long-term pain conditions, shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive alternative to medication or surgery.

• Pre/Post-Surgical Patients: Shockwave therapy can complement post-operative recovery by promoting tissue healing and reducing scar tissue formation.

Are There Any Contraindications?

While shockwave therapy is safe for most people, certain conditions may preclude its use, such as:

• Pregnancy

• Blood clotting disorders

• Severe nerve damage

• Tumors in the treatment area

• Infections or open wounds near the targeted region

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for you.

What makes us unique?

Most places that offer shockwave therapy have EITHER Radial or Focused Shockwave. At Forward, we have BOTH. This allows us to tailor your treatment to exactly what will give you the best results. Often, using both in one session is the best treatment approach. When this is the case, we don’t charge you extra! You get the treatment you need.

We also use Diagnostic Ultrasound to help guide your treatment. This allows us to visualize the area that will be treated and measure the depth of the tissue to ensure the shockwaves target the right spot. This makes the treatment more effective, allowing for better and faster results.

Take the Next Step

If you’re tired of living with pain or dealing with injuries that hinder your quality of life, shockwave therapy could be the key to your recovery. Consult with one of our physical therapists to explore how this innovative treatment can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being.

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