Shockwave Therapy
What is Shockwave?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses acoustic waves to promote healing and relieve pain in various musculoskeletal conditions.
The therapy is typically performed in sport medicine clinics and may involve multiple sessions, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure but generally find it tolerable.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain.
Achilles Tendonitis: Overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, causing pain and inflammation.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain and inflammation around the elbow joint due to repetitive motion.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow but affecting the inside of the elbow.
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Pain and dysfunction related to the rotator cuff muscles and tendons in the shoulder.
Calcific Tendonitis: Accumulation of calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons, causing pain and limited motion.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee): Pain in the kneecap area due to overuse.
Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone often caused by repetitive force or overuse.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain involving trigger points in muscles.
Non-Healing Wounds: In some cases, ESWT can promote healing in chronic wounds.
Shockwave: conditions treated
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), works by delivering acoustic waves to targeted areas of the body to promote healing and alleviate pain. Here’s how it works:
Generation of Shockwaves: A shockwave device generates high-energy acoustic waves, which are directed toward the affected area. These shockwaves can penetrate the skin and reach deeper tissues.
Biological Response: The mechanical energy from the shockwaves induces a biological response in tissues. This response includes:
Increased Blood Flow: Shockwaves promote increased circulation to the treated area, which can enhance the healing process by delivering more oxygen and nutrients.
Stimulated Tissue Regeneration: The treatment encourages the production of collagen and other healing factors, aiding in the repair of damaged tissues.
Reduced Inflammation: The mechanical effects of shockwaves can help reduce inflammation in the targeted area, alleviating pain and discomfort.
Analgesic Effects: Shockwaves may help desensitize nerve endings, providing pain relief.
Non-Invasive Procedure: ESWT is typically performed by chiropractors and physiotherapists in clinical and sports medicine settings. A gel is often applied to the skin to facilitate the transmission of shockwaves.
Multiple Sessions: Depending on the condition being treated, multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results. Many will see significant improvement within 3-4 sessions.
Who provides Shockwave Treatment?
Drs. Matt Wentzell and Amy Wiggins can utilize shockwave therapy as a part of your injury management. To book with one of them for shockwave treatment, click here.