Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that brings patients back to health sooner. Shockwave Therapy was initially introduced as a way to break down kidney stones without direct contact. It then evolved to treat non-healing bones by activating osteoblasts.
Today, it treats a wide range of medical conditions. Shockwave Therapy produces an acoustic pressure wave delivering strong energy pulses that are applied to the affected area for short periods of time. The shockwave is a physical sound wave “shock”, not an electric one.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
The shockwaves transmit to the body’s tissue which will produce an inflammatory response to accelerate the body’s healing process by stimulating the metabolism and enhancing blood circulation to regenerate damaged tissue. Strong energy pulses are applied to the affected area for short periods of time, creating micro-cavitation bubbles that expand and burst. The force created by these bubbles stimulates cells in the body that are responsible for bone and connective tissue healing.
What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
- Pain Reduction: There often is an immediate reduction of pain.
- Improved Range of Motion: Can be felt after treatment. It breaks down scar tissue and/or calcification.
- Promotes Healing: Shockwave Therapy treatments have proven to be effective in cases where the human body has not been able to heal itself on its own.
- May Eliminate the need for Surgery: Depending on the amount of instability present, you may be able to avoid surgery.
What can Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave Therapy treats a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis)
- Treatment of tendinopathy
- Hamstring muscle injuries
- Myofascial trigger points
- Bursitis
- Stiff big toe (hallux rigidus)
- Non-healing ulcers
- Tendonitis
- Scar tissue
- Calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Broken bones that have failed to heal (nonunions)
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow
- Heel spurs
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Enhancing bone healing
- Muscle and connective tissue injuries
- And More..
How long are the Shockwave Therapy treatments?
For optimal results, most patients require 3 treatments done at weekly intervals using 500 to 2000 shockwaves depending on the treatment. Shockwave Therapy sessions are usually 5-10 minutes long and provide successful relief and restore mobility. You might require additional treatments if the condition is chronic, and/or you have restricted joint range of motion.
Does the Shockwave treatment hurt?
It is a short treatment that may or may not be uncomfortable. However, most people can tolerate the procedure. If you cannot tolerate it, adjustments on the device can decrease the pressure you feel. A shockwave is an intense, but very short, energy wave travelling faster than the speed of sound. Because it is so powerful, most patients who undergo shockwave treatment recover faster.
Chiropractor Dr. William Chan offers Shockwave Therapy. If you would like to learn more about Shockwave Therapy and if it is the right fit for you, feel free to email us at: info@therapylounge.ca
