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Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), commonly known as shockwave therapy, is a non-surgical procedure used to treat chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
It utilizes mechanical energy to stimulate a change in the tissues and is a safe and effective treatment. A session of shockwave therapy can take as little as 20 minutes, though the initial consultation involves a full discussion of patient history and treatment options.
Shockwave therapy uses an acoustic wave to carry energy to the targeted pain regions of myoskeletal tissues with subacute, subchronic and chronic conditions. The kinetic energy aimed at the body, generated by compressed air, is transferred to the transmitter at the end of the applicator, the application of which activates the regenerative process within the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
This treatment is commonly used for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendonitis, and other tendon problems.
Shockwave therapy forces the treated area to create new tissue cells for several weeks after treatment. Mild discomfort can occur in the treated area, yet some patients report a complete cessation of pain following the first treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Does shockwave therapy break up scar tissue?
Shockwave therapy helps to distrupt abnormal tissues such as scar tissue by promoting the growth of small blood vessels. This helps the regenteration of regular tissues and stops the growth of scar tissue.
How often can you have shockwave therapy?
Most conditions require treatment once a week, with a total of 3-5 treatments. This may vary depending on how chronic and complicated the condition is.
What does shockwave therapy do for muscles?
Shockwave helps to reduce the contractile activity of muscles and reduces pain to the area. This helps to decrease muscle spasm and elimiate trigger points in muscles.
Are there any side effects of shockwave therapy?
Side effects of shockwave therapy are minimal and are limited to mild bruising, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling in the treated area.
Is shockwave therapy the same as TENS therapy?
While both use electrical current, shockwave therapy and TENS therapy are very different. TENS is used to stimulate sensory nerve endings to keep pain signals from reaching the brain. It offers temporary pain relief. Shockwave therapy has been shown to improve the health of the tissue, providing a more permanent healing response.
What should you do after shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy purposly causes an inflammatory response to the affected area. You shouldn't use ice or take an anti-inflammatory after a shockwave treatment, as we don't want to reduce this healing response. It is recommended that you avoid any intense physical activity on the day of treatment.
How do shock waves work?
The shockwaves induce microtrauma to the injured tissues. This initiates the body's healing response. It causes the formation of blood vessels to the area that increases the delivery of nutrients to help repair the tissue and relieve pain.
