Shock Wave Treatments

Shockwave therapy was first created back in the 1970s and was exclusively used as an effective treatment technique for kidney stones. Using shockwaves reduced the need for painful, invasive surgery, and the same goes for musculoskeletal conditions we see today.

Shockwaves are high-energy, audible sound waves and have been used in medicine since the 1980s. In rehabilitation therapy, shockwaves are channeled to the area to accelerate healing. Shockwave therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that is carried out on an outpatient basis.

Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) involves passing short, intense sound waves into damaged tissues, which increases blood flow, has an analgesic effect and stimulates the repair and regeneration process. The treatment puts the cells into repair mode and allows your body to restart its own accelerated healing process.

Is It Clinically Proven?

Absolutely. Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven and well approved by the top orthopedic hospitals, and used by well-established professionals.

It has both NICE guidance and FDA approval for a large number of indications. Shockwave Therapy enforced by qualified therapists is a largely risk-free and side-effect-free process of treating musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain.

  The Many Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy Include:

 What Can Be Treated?

Shockwave Therapy has become widely popular and accessible as it is clinically proven to provide fast and effective results, along with the bonus of no medication and its non-invasive nature.

Many injuries and disorders have been effectively treated with the use of shockwave therapy, including, but not limited to:

Plantar Fasciitis

Calcium deposits on the underside of your heel bone that are associated with the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Both symptoms can cause a limit in your daily activities. Shockwave therapy can treat both problems simultaneously and result in a fast recovery and a return to your daily routine.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Medial tibial stress syndrome typically occurs due to activities placing large amounts of stress through the tibialis anterior muscle. These activities may include fast walking or running. Traditional treatment involves prolonged periods of rest and recovery time, however, with shockwave therapy, the recovery time is significantly shorter.

Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s knee is an inflammation or injury of the patellar tendon that causes pain and reduced range of movement. This condition may interfere with or even end your patient’s sporting career regardless of their age and is difficult to treat. Shockwave therapy offers a simple and immediate solution. Patients feel relief right after the first session and in several treatments the cause and the pain vanish.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

With age and use, muscles and tendons in the hip can get overused, or the cartilage can wear down and become damaged. Any of these conditions can lead to hip pain. Shockwave therapy can enhance the healing process, fight inflammation, eliminate pain and prevent the need for hip replacement surgery.

Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition affecting the musculoskeletal system. It can cause deep pain, knots in muscles and sleep disturbance. Shockwave therapy is effective in relieving pain for sufferers of myofascial pain syndrome after a few sessions.

Musculoskeletal Conditions (you can find specific facts and stats here.)

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect the joints, bones and muscles, and also include rarer autoimmune diseases and back pain. ESWT has proven in studies to be highly effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions with symptoms relieved quite quickly after treatment.

Calcific Tendonitis

Calcific Tendonitis, or Calcific tendinitis, is a chronic pain disorder that is caused by the calcifications of rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and limiting your range of movement. Shockwave therapy stimulates your natural healing process by increasing blood supply and breaks up calcium deposits on the tendon and triggers pain relief.

Chronic Tendinopathy

Cumulated microtraumas from repetitive overloading can result in chronic tendinopathies, such as Achilles Tendinopathy of Hamstring Tendinopathy. Both inflammation of the tendon and damage on the cellular level are successfully treated with Shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common condition and can affect up to 10% of the population. Unfortunately, the traditional treatment of epicondylitis involves medication (painkillers and steroid injections, has a long rest period and often needs follow-up treatments. Shockwave therapy, on the other hand, provides faster pain relief and cure.

 Focused Shockwave VS Radial Shockwave Therapy

Shockwaves can be either focused or radial.

Focused shockwaves are sound waves that are gathered (or focused) into deeper regions of the body, approximately 12cm. It is at this point that they reach their maximum energy. Focused shockwaves are used in the treatment of deep trigger points or areas, whereas radial shockwaves transmit outwards and do not reach as deep into the target area.

Radial shockwaves are performed on greater surface areas of application or larger regions of the body. Your therapist carrying out the procedure will decide which method is best for you, depending on your condition. Some therapists will advise a combination of both for maximum effect.

For more information, call Apex Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center Today for your free consultation with Janice.