What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment procedure that essentially involves creating a series of short energy acoustic wave pulsations that are directly applied to an injury. It uses a pneumatic generator to physically deliver the shock wave through the skin, into the body. The short-energy acoustic waves that are transmitted through the surface of the skin are spread spherically into the body and the body responds with increased metabolic activity around the pain area. It is a fast and alternative solution to surgery.
Shockwave Therapy was originally invented for the treatment of kidney stones to blast the rigid tissues into smaller pieces, making it easier to pass. After the effectiveness of that treatment was established, researchers began studying the effects of the machine at different settings and used it to treat calcific tissue and scar tissue in the body. Their findings indicate that this treatment is extremely effective for the treatment of most musculoskeletal conditions in the body.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Success rate up to 90% in the treatment of soft tissue disorders, including:
- calcific tendinitis of the shoulder,
- plantar fasciitis,
- tennis elbow, and
- piriformis muscle.
- It is an excellent cost-effective treatment
- Helpful in the treatment of chronic pain including:
- shoulder,
- back,
- heel,
- knee, or
- elbow
- No anesthesia or drugs are required
- Varied application in many fields including orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sport medicine
- Latest medical research shows that it can have a positive impact on acute pain
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave Therapy is also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy [ESWT]. It is a method that is being used more commonly in physiotherapy. Using much lower energy compared to other medical applications, it is primarily used to treat connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
Your physiotherapist will evaluate your condition and determine if Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you. They will also educate you on your condition and recommend additional activities such as activity modification, tennis elbow exercises, acupuncture, massage, and posture correction to help with your healing process.
During the treatment, the therapist will direct the shockwaves into the affected area through the skin, causing no pain. The therapy is typically performed in several sessions and is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free solution for chronic pain in the shoulder, back, heel, knee, or elbow. The latest medical research also shows that it can have a positive impact on acute pain. Shockwave Therapy is widely used in fields such as orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.
Book an appointment for Shockwave Therapy here.