Shockwave Therapy Treatment for Pain Relief and Faster Healing

Shockwave therapy is a relatively new and increasingly popular treatment for a range of conditions. It involves the use of high-energy shockwaves to promote healing and relieve pain in various parts of the body. Shockwave therapy has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to its effectiveness in treating chronic conditions and promoting faster healing without the need for surgery or medication.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of shockwave therapy, its benefits, and potential risks. Understanding the therapy is crucial for individuals seeking pain relief and faster healing, as it can be a game-changer for those who have exhausted traditional treatment options. Let’s explore what shockwave therapy is and how it can help individuals get back to their daily activities pain-free.

II. What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to promote healing and pain relief in various parts of the body. These waves are delivered through a hand-held device that is placed on the skin, sending targeted pressure waves to the affected area.

There are two main types of shockwave therapy: focused and radial. Focused shockwave therapy is more intense and penetrates deeper into the tissues. It is often used for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tendonitis. Radial shockwave therapy is less intense and more widely dispersed. It is typically used for conditions such as muscle pain and trigger points.

The science behind shockwave therapy lies in its ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. The high-energy waves cause microtrauma to the affected tissues, triggering an inflammatory response that promotes healing. This process also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and cells, which helps to repair damaged tissue.

Additionally, shockwave therapy can help to desensitize pain receptors, providing relief from chronic pain. It also increases blood flow to the affected area, which can help to speed up the healing process. Overall, shockwave therapy can be an effective and non-invasive way to treat a variety of conditions and promote faster healing.

shockwave therapy machine Oakville Burlington

III. How is Shockwave Therapy Performed?

Shockwave therapy is typically performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or chiropractor. Before the therapy, the healthcare professional will evaluate the patient’s medical history and current condition to determine if they are a good candidate for the treatment.

During the therapy, the patient will lie down or sit in a comfortable position, and the healthcare professional will apply the shockwave device to the affected area. The device will emit high-energy waves that penetrate the skin and reach the deeper tissues.

The duration and frequency of the therapy sessions depend on the patient’s condition and the severity of their symptoms. Typically, each session lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, and patients may need anywhere from three to six sessions for optimal results.

After the therapy, patients may experience some mild discomfort or soreness in the treated area. This is normal and usually goes away within a few days. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days after the therapy to allow the body to heal.

The expected results and recovery time will depend on the patient’s condition and their individual response to the therapy. Some patients may experience immediate relief from their symptoms, while others may need a few sessions before they start to notice an improvement. Overall, shockwave therapy can be an effective way to reduce pain, promote healing, and improve function in various parts of the body.

IV. What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits for patients with various injuries and conditions. Some of the benefits include:

Pain relief: Shockwave therapy can provide relief for chronic pain conditions such as Achilles injuries, plantar fasciitis tears, calcification, tendinitis of the shoulder and tennis elbow among other injuries. The high-energy waves produced by the device help to reduce inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which can lead to a reduction in pain and discomfort.
Improved healing of fractures and bone injuries: Shockwave therapy can help to stimulate the growth of new bone tissue and accelerate the healing of fractures and other bone injuries. This can result in faster recovery times and improved outcomes for patients with these types of injuries.
Enhanced recovery from soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains can also benefit from shockwave therapy. The therapy can help to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and promote the growth of new tissue, which can lead to faster healing and improved function.
Increased circulation and regeneration of tissues: Shockwave therapy can help to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can promote the regeneration of tissues and speed up the healing process. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions or injuries that have been slow to heal.
Reduction of scar tissue: Shockwave therapy can help to break down scar tissue and promote the growth of new, healthy tissue in its place. This can improve the function of the affected area and reduce pain and discomfort.
Minimal side effects compared to other treatments: Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment that typically has minimal side effects. Unlike some other treatments, it does not require medication or prolonged periods of rest and can be performed in a relatively short amount of time.

Overall, shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of injuries and conditions. Patients who are considering the therapy should consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for their specific needs.

V. Who can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy has shown promising results in various populations with different types of injuries and conditions. Below are some groups of people who can benefit from shockwave therapy:

Athletes: Athletes often experience injuries such as muscle tears, sprains, and tendonitis. Shockwave therapy can help accelerate the healing process and reduce pain, allowing them to return to their sport faster.
Individuals with chronic pain conditions: Shockwave therapy has been found to be effective in reducing pain caused by chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis, and tennis elbow, among others.
Patients recovering from surgery: Shockwave therapy has been shown to improve healing and reduce pain after surgeries such as rotator cuff repair, spinal surgery, and joint replacements.
Individuals with bone injuries and fractures: Shockwave therapy can help stimulate bone growth and accelerate healing in cases of non-union fractures or delayed union fractures.
Elderly individuals with reduced healing ability: As we age, our body’s ability to heal slows down. Shockwave therapy can help improve circulation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and reduce pain in elderly individuals with injuries or chronic conditions.

It is important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for shockwave therapy. It is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific needs.

VI. What are the Potential Risks of Shockwave Therapy?

While shockwave therapy is generally considered safe, there are certain risks and contraindications to consider. It is important to have a trained professional perform the therapy and monitor the patient during the therapy to minimize the risks.

Some potential risks of shockwave therapy include:

Bruising, swelling, or redness at the treatment site
Numbness or tingling sensation in the treated area
Pain or discomfort during the therapy
Rarely, skin damage or blistering

Individuals who are pregnant, have a pacemaker or other electrical implant, or have a history of blood clotting disorders should not undergo shockwave therapy. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cancer or nerve disorders, should consult with their doctor before considering shockwave therapy.

It is important to inform the therapist of any medical conditions or medications before undergoing shockwave therapy. The therapist can determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for the individual and adjust the treatment accordingly to minimize any risks.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, shockwave therapy has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in treating various injuries and conditions. The therapy works by delivering acoustic shockwaves to the affected area, which promotes healing and reduces pain.

There are several benefits associated with shockwave therapy, including pain relief for chronic conditions, improved healing of fractures and bone injuries, enhanced recovery from soft tissue injuries, increased circulation and regeneration of tissues, and reduction of scar tissue.

Various populations can benefit from shockwave therapy, including athletes, individuals with chronic pain conditions, patients recovering from surgery, individuals with bone injuries and fractures, and elderly individuals with reduced healing ability.

However, it is essential to note that shockwave therapy may have potential risks and contraindications. It is crucial to have a trained professional perform the therapy and monitor the patient during the therapy to minimize the risks associated with the therapy.

Therefore, individuals seeking pain relief and faster healing should discuss shockwave therapy with a trained professional to determine if it is appropriate for their needs.

Contact our trained therapists in Oakville and Burlington Clinics to get answers to your questions or book an appointment now.

The Burlington physio clinic is located only 5 min west of Spencer Smith Park and 6 min north-west of Burlington Beach, on Plains Rd East.