Shockwave therapy is a treatment method for a variety of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. It is often used for individuals who have issues with medium to large-sized tendons and how they meet the bone. Shockwave therapy utilizes acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and make it easier for people to get back to enjoying their lives with more mobility and less pain.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) involves the application of high-energy acoustic waves to specific areas of the body. The device generates these waves with a device the produces a controlled explosion, creating a shockwave that is transmitted through a medium (typically a gel or oil) and directed towards the targeted tissue.
This treatment method was originally developed to treat kidney stones. However, researchers found that shockwave therapy can address musculoskeletal issues. Today, medical professionals use it to alleviate pain and promote healing in conditions ranging from tendonitis and plantar fascitis to calcific shoulder tendinopathy and stress fractures.
Shockwave therapy operates on the principle of mechanotransduction, where mechanical energy is converted into biochemical signals within the body. When applied to injured or damaged tissue, shockwaves stimulate cellular responses, enhancing blood flow, cellular repair, and regeneration. The therapy also triggers the release of growth factors, which is an important part of natural tissue healing. This cascade of events ultimately promotes the body's innate ability to repair itself, accelerating the recovery process.
A single treatment usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes. Over several weeks, a patient will usually receive three to five treatments, depending on the severity of their injury. The treatment sessions may be uncomfortable, but most do not find it painful. However, this discomfort depends on the nature and location of the injury; treatments delivered closer to a bone are typically more uncomfortable. As soon as treatment is over, the discomfort usually starts.
Shockwave therapy is often more effective when combined with other therapies, such as physical therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. It is also important to remember that the results of shockwave therapy may take time to appear. However, patients should experience increased relief as their injured tissues heal.
One of the most significant advantages of shockwave therapy is that medical professionals can target specific areas of the body. The focused application allows them to make precise movements and ensure maximum effectiveness with a minimally invasive approach. It also protects surrounding healthy tissue from being affected by the treatment, minimizing any potential side effects or discomfort.
Shockwave therapy can treat a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Some of these include:
Before undergoing any medical procedure, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess the patient's specific condition, medical history, and overall health to determine if shockwave therapy is right for them. While this treatment is typically safe and effective for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. Shockwave therapy may be inappropriate in the following situations:
Complications of shockwave therapy are rare. However, it is important that a medical professional assess the patient's injury and health before the start of treatment. If a patient experiences a tendon or ligament that is almost fully torn, shockwave therapy can cause further damage, and the remaining tissue can tear. For patients with low bone density (osteoporosis), shockwave therapy can cause a stress fracture.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, targeted approach to healing that can give you relief from various musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment provides a faster, more effective recovery by harnessing the body's natural ability to heal itself. If you are struggling with chronic pain or a musculoskeletal issue, it may be time to explore the potential benefits of shockwave therapy under the guidance of a skilled healthcare provider. Call our office to learn more about this treatment or schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office
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