Understanding shockwave therapy and conditions that it can treat.
Depending on the location being treated, shockwave therapy has several benefits. Acoustic sound waves that transmit high energy to tender areas of bodily tissue are used as part of the therapy. Bones, tendons, and other soft tissues can regenerate thanks to the waves’ energy.
Defying shockwave therapy
To apply a series of low-energy acoustic wave pulsations to an injurious part via a person’s skin using a gel medium, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure. Focused sound waves’ ability to dissolve renal and gallstones led to the development of both the idea and the technology. Numerous scientific investigations have shown that using generated shockwaves in treating chronic illnesses is effective.
Shockwave therapy in Calgary is a stand-alone treatment for persistent pain from a disease or accident. The therapy’s goal is to start the body’s natural healing process, so you don’t need painkillers with it. After the initial treatment, many clients claim that their pain has decreased and their mobility has improved.
How does shockwave therapy work?
A technique that is increasingly used in physical therapy is shockwave treatment. Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is used to treat various musculoskeletal problems, mainly those involving connective tissues like ligaments and tendons, using much less energy than in medical applications. Physiotherapists now have another option to treat recalcitrant, persistent tendinopathy and that is shockwave treatment.
Shockwave therapy gives physiotherapists another weapon in their toolbox since some tendon issues don’t appear to respond to conventional types of treatment. Tennis elbow, Achilles, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, jumper’s knee, and calcific tendinitis of the shoulder are among the tendinopathies (often referred to as tendinitis) that are best treated with shockwave therapy since they are chronic (i.e. lasting more than six weeks). These could be brought on by repetitive stress, overuse, or physical activity. If you are looking to receive treatment for plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy helps in treating plantar fasciitis.
At your initial appointment, the physiotherapist will evaluate you to determine whether you are a good candidate for shockwave therapy. The physiotherapist will ensure you are informed about your illness and what you can do to help with treatment, such as activity modification and targeted exercises, as well as assessing any additional problems that may be contributing, such as posture or tightness or weakness of other muscle groups.
Depending on the findings, shockwave therapy is often administered once per week for 3-6 weeks. The actual procedure may be a little uncomfortable, but it only lasts 5-6 minutes, and the intensity can be adjusted to maintain comfort.
Shockwave therapy can treat the following;
Physiotherapists have a powerful tool for treating persistent and chronic pain conditions: shockwave. Many tendon disorders do not improve with conventional therapies (heating, icing & massage). A further benefit for physiotherapists is having this choice for therapy.
The following conditions have proven successful with shockwave therapy;
Feet – Heel Spurs, Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis
Back pain – in Lumbar & Cervical Spine
Elbow – Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Upper leg – Iliotibial Band Friction syndrome
Hip – Bursitis
Chronic muscular pain
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff muscles
Lower leg – Shin Splints
Knee – Patellar Tendonitis
Benefits of shockwave therapy
A person’s ability to engage in daily activities due to an injury may reduce the quality of their life. An injury is frequently linked to chronic pain. Modern physiotherapy techniques like shockwave treatment assist in swiftly curing soft tissue injuries and joint discomfort.
Effective treatment
Independent research has demonstrated that shockwave therapy is highly effective for various illnesses involving damaged bone and muscle tissue. Between 60 and 90 percent of shockwave treatment patients will recover from their damage.
Breaks up calcification
The wounded region of a tendon injury may develop calcified fibroblasts. Chronic discomfort from calcified fibroblasts reduces movement. Shockwave pulses remove the calcification from the injured region once it has been reduced to tiny, easily-absorbed particles. This improves function and lessens discomfort.
It works mostly
Shockwave therapy is an option to think about if you have tried simpler, less expensive kinds of treatment with limited success. Remember that these additional treatments could take time, so you shouldn’t rule them out unless you’ve tried them regularly for a long period and seen no progress.
Enhances collagen production
One of the components of the body needed to repair an injury is collagen. Collagen synthesis is increased with the use of shockwave treatment. When exposed to energy pulses, tissue fibres can more easily form longitudinal structures inside tendons or ligaments. Tissue strengthening is used to repair damaged or weak regions.
Non-evasive
Although certain problems are deemed severe enough to warrant surgery, the procedure has risks and drawbacks. The healing period is protracted, and there is no assurance that the operation will be effective. Patients are frequently intimidated by the idea of undergoing surgery or any other invasive operation and generally want to avoid it. Patients who want to avoid surgery have a good option in shockwave treatment.
Long-lasting effects
Six months following therapy, patients with plantar fascia, elbow, and shoulder chronic tendinopathy reported no discomfort.
Are there any side effects associated with shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy should not be performed if there is a bone tumour, a metabolic bone problem, an infection, or a circulation or nerve disorder. Additionally, shockwave treatment should not be applied to open sores, tumours, or pregnant women. Using blood thinners or serious circulatory diseases may also exclude someone from receiving therapy.
You can have brief discomfort, tightness, or swelling after the surgery for a few days because the shockwaves cause an inflammatory reaction. But in this case, the body will start to recuperate itself quickly. Therefore, avoiding anti-inflammatory medications following treatment is crucial because doing so might delay the effects.
You can nearly immediately resume most of your usual activities after your treatment is over.
Conclusion
Before receiving shockwave therapy, like any treatment, you should speak with your doctor, and before your first appointment, the physiotherapist will ask about all of your medical issues. However, if you’re curious to learn if you’re a good candidate for the therapy, feel free to book a consultation with a knowledgeable team member.