If you’re dealing with chronic pain or a stubborn injury, you may have heard about shockwave therapy as a potential treatment option. But what exactly is shockwave therapy, and how does it work? Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves to help stimulate healing in the body. Originally developed to treat kidney stones, shockwave therapy is now used in physical therapy and sports medicine to help treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area. When these sound waves reach the target tissue, they create small vibrations and stress, which encourages the body to repair itself by increasing blood flow and promoting the regeneration of tissue.
The sound waves create a series of microtraumas in the tissue, triggering a healing response that can lead to:
- Increased blood flow — Improved blood flow to the area helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen, promoting healing.
- Reduced inflammation — Shockwave therapy helps reduce inflammation that can contribute to pain and stiffness.
- Stimulation of collagen production — Collagen is a protein that helps repair and rebuild tissue. Shockwave therapy can stimulate collagen production, which can support tissue regeneration.
- Breaking up scar tissue — Shockwave therapy helps break up scar tissue that can restrict movement and cause pain.
There are two types of shockwave therapy:
- Focused — Focused shockwave therapy delivers energy more deeply into the tissue. This can make it ideal to help treat deep-seated issues like tendinopathy.
- Radial — Radial shockwave therapy disperses energy over a broader area, which can be used to help treat more superficial conditions.
What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy offers several benefits, including:
- Noninvasive treatment — Shockwave therapy doesn’t require surgery, which means there’s no need for anesthesia, incisions or long recovery times.
- Accelerated healing — By boosting blood flow and stimulating tissue healing, shockwave therapy may help speed up the healing process for a wide range of conditions.
- Pain relief — Shockwave therapy can reduce pain by decreasing inflammation and breaking up scar tissue or calcified deposits.
- Minimal side effects — Shockwave therapy is generally considered safe and well tolerated, with few side effects. If you experience any discomfort during treatment, it typically subsides quickly, and you should have little to no downtime.
- Versatility — Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from tendon injuries to plantar fasciitis and chronic muscle pain.
What does shockwave therapy feel like?
During a shockwave therapy session, your physical therapist will apply a gel to the skin over the affected area to help conduct the sound waves. Then, they will use a handheld device to send the sound waves through your skin and into your tissue.
During shockwave therapy, you may feel a sensation like a series of fast, repetitive taps or pulses. The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted based on your tolerance level. Your session length will be determined by the area being treated and the severity of your condition. You may feel some soreness or tenderness in the treated area after the session, but this should fade within a few days.
What conditions can shockwave therapy help?
Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries across different parts of the body, including:
- Rotator cuff injury
- Biceps injury
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Hip bursitis
- Hip flexor tendinosis
- Gluteal muscle strain
- Quadriceps injury
- Hamstring strain
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Jumper’s knee (patella tendinopathy)
- Medial collateral ligament or lateral collateral ligament strain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis
- Gastrocnemius muscle strain or injury
- Chronic ankle pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Nerve impingement
- Stress fracture
- Fracture nonunion (a broken bone that hasn’t healed)
- Osteoarthritis
How effective is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy has proven to be effective for many people, particularly those who are dealing with chronic pain or conditions that haven’t responded to other forms of treatment. While results can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition, many people can experience significant improvement after just a few sessions.
In general, shockwave therapy may work best for people dealing with chronic conditions or injuries, especially in areas with limited blood flow, like tendons or ligaments. It may not provide you with immediate relief. However, with continued treatment, you may experience reduced pain, improved function and increased mobility.
Who should not have shockwave therapy?
While shockwave therapy can help with numerous conditions, there are some instances where it may not be the right treatment option. It’s crucial to consult with your health care provider before starting any treatment, including shockwave therapy. This may not be a suitable treatment option for people who:
- Are pregnant
- Have a blood clotting disorder or are on blood thinners
- Have nerve damage or certain neurological conditions
- Have a pacemaker
- Have an active infection, open wound, or tumor
- Experienced a complete tendon rupture
- Have open growth plates
Shockwave therapy is a powerful tool for treating various musculoskeletal conditions, especially if you haven’t found relief through more conventional methods. With its noninvasive nature and proven effectiveness, it offers a promising solution for chronic pain and injuries. If you’re curious about whether shockwave therapy is right for you, consult a health care professional, such as a physical therapist, to discuss your specific needs and condition.
Experience relief through shockwave therapy at REPAIR SI
At REPAIR SI, we are dedicated to providing personalized care, and shockwave therapy is one of the many treatments we offer to help relieve pain and promote healing. Our holistic and comprehensive approach ensures that we address not only your symptoms, but also the underlying causes of your discomfort. By integrating shockwave therapy into your customized treatment plan, we aim to support your recovery and improve your overall well-being. Our team of experts is committed to helping you regain mobility, reduce pain, and live a healthier, more active life.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.