You may have heard of shockwave therapy before and imagined scary equipment and additional pain, wondering how that could possibly help. But it’s not what you’re imagining! Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive and pain-free treatment that may offer pain relief results. If you’re tired of pain from musculoskeletal issues, you could benefit greatly from shockwave therapy.
This blog explores what shock therapy is, the conditions it’s used to treat, and its benefits. To find out more or to book an appointment, contact our team at Atlas Chiropractic today.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, relatively new method of pain relief. It has been extensively studied and determined as safe and effective for pain in the musculoskeletal system.
Typically, shockwave therapy is used when traditional pain relief methods such as rest, ice, and therapeutic exercise haven’t produced the desired effects. However, as it’s non-invasive, it’s not surgery either and so doesn’t require anaesthesia or any other requirements that come along with surgery.
Shockwave therapy is used for pain involving tendons and bones, such as:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Jumper’s knee
- Achilles tendonitis
- Heel spurs
- Hip pain
It can sometimes have very minimal side effects, which are tolerable and mild. If you do experience side effects, you may have light bruising or mild discomfort during the procedure or for several hours afterwards.
Research shows just how effective shockwave therapy is, and how long the results last for. A study on knee osteoarthritis patients found that shockwave therapy decreased pain and improved knee joint function simultaneously. Additionally, patients with plantar fascia, shoulder, and elbow pain reported they no longer felt that pain six months after treatment.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave is an acoustic wave which carries energy to the affected area. This energy then encourages regeneration of the painful bone, tendon, or soft tissue.
Shockwave therapy works by delivering shock waves to the injured area through the shockwave applicator, which makes a small and continuous clicking sound. The treatment typically takes between 5 and 30 minutes, and the intensity can be adjusted throughout the session if required.
The treatment is culminative, meaning its effects build up over time. Most people will need 3-5 sessions, but in many cases, one session is enough to reduce pain considerably.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy comes with many benefits, including:
- Formation of new blood vessels— this improves blood supply and oxygen in the affected area, and is necessary to promote repair of damaged tissue.
- Release of trigger points— these are mainly found in the back, neck, shoulder, and limbs, and tight trigger points in these areas can cause pain.
- Reversal of chronic inflammation— this occurs when mast cell activity increases, assisting in wound healing.
- Breaks down calcium build-up— calcium can build up due to micro-tears or other trauma to a tendon.
- Lowering of Substance P— this is a neurotransmitter which is typically associated with intense, chronic pain.
Sometimes patients notice a reduction in pain immediately after the procedure, and sometimes it can take a few days. It’s recommended that you refrain from physical activity for 48 hours after the procedure.
Interested in Shockwave Therapy?
If you’re suffering from pain and are looking for a safe and effective new treatment, we hope this article has helped you realise the benefits of shockwave therapy.
At Atlas Chiropractic we offer quality chiropractic care, including shockwave therapy, to local residents in Northcote and surrounding suburbs. To get back on your feet, book an appointment with one of our experienced team members today!