Shockwave therapy is frequently used when other traditional treatment methods have failed to work. Yet, shockwave therapy has proved successful for a variety of chronic injuries. So, when should you consider shockwave therapy? And what does it involve exactly?
In this article, we’re going to explore what shockwave therapy is and what conditions it can help treat. Let’s take a look!
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that increases blood flow to the affected area, breaks up calcium deposits, accelerates healing, relieves pain, stimulates collagen repair, eliminates trigger points, and reduces inflammation.
So, how does it do this? Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves, which are transmitted from the shockwave device into the tissue of the body, to regenerate injured tissue and enhance blood flow. In fact, treatment only takes a few minutes.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave therapy has been explored in many different pain situations and injuries. In particular, research shows the effectiveness of shockwave therapy when treating tendinopathies, such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, swelling and irritation of the Achilles tendon just to name a few.
However, it can be used for a variety of other pain instances and injuries, including:
- Heel spurs
- Shoulder pain
- Jumper’s knee
- Muscle insertion pain or irritation
- Medial tibial stress syndrome (Shin splints)
- Calcifications
- Hip pain
- Myofascial trigger points
- Plantar fasciitis
Yet, the use of shockwave therapy isn’t limited to the above list. If you’re curious, ask your doctor or contact us at Turramurra Physiotherapy for more information.
What to Expect
80% of individuals who have tried shockwave therapy have had success. However, if you’ve never had a shockwave therapy treatment before, you might be curious as to what you should expect.
Generally, most individuals report only slight discomfort during treatment, with about three to five treatment sessions required. Surprisingly, most individuals also notice some relief after their first treatment.
These treatment sessions often take place about 3 to 10 days apart. Immediately following treatment, you may also experience some soreness, but this is nothing to worry about and completely normal.
So, what does a typical session look like? As previously stated, most sessions don’t last longer than a few minutes. A shockwave therapy treatment session begins by identifying the pain area. Once identified, gel is applied to the affected area. This gel is necessary to properly transfer the acoustic waves into the body tissue. The device is then applied to the area, delivering the shockwave treatment.
While this technology is relatively new, many studies prove its effectiveness and safety in treating various injuries and pain. At the same time, certain individuals should avoid this type of treatment, including those with blood clotting disorders, those with nerve disorders, and those who are pregnant.
Book Your Shockwave Therapy Session Today!
At Turramurra Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, our team is proud to offer shockwave therapy as part of our holistic services. Experience the incredible healing benefits of shockwave therapy by booking your appointment today! Our professional and expert team can help you find relief from your pain and guide you back toward your normal.
