Most people have experienced chronic pain in their lives, and if you’re one of them, you’d know how frustrating it is to spend countless pounds and try numerous treatments only to find nothing is working.
Whether you have a tendon, joint, or muscle problem, there usually isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. But a combination of several treatments could yield promising results and successfully help alleviate your chronic pain.
One such treatment is shockwave therapy. Also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), it uses ultrasound waves to stimulate healing in the affected site. So, in this article, we’ll explore this treatment in more detail, including how it might help you and its benefits and risks.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
The use of shockwaves on human tissue began in the 1960s. And, surprisingly, in the 1980s, scientists began experimenting with shockwave therapy to dissolve kidney stones (which is still used to this day).
However, as we fast-forward in time, shockwave therapy has various uses today. In fact, it’s become a versatile treatment for a range of chronic conditions, especially those involving tendons and ligaments. For instance, it can help increase circulation to promote healing, break down calcified deposits, and reduce pain by stimulating the nerve endings in the affected area.
Shockwave therapy is usually administered by a sports medicine professional or trained physician who has a detailed understanding of your medical history. During the course of several treatments, the medical provider holds the shockwave device next to your skin at the affected area. This device sends high-energy sound waves into the injured tissues, increasing blood flow, stimulating cell regeneration, and promoting healing.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
Despite its ominous-sounding name, many patients report mild discomfort, and it is rare that you’d feel actual pain. Depending on your physiology and the intensity of your treatment, you might feel anything from a tapping sensation to a sharper, more intense sensation—especially if you are particularly sensitive or sore in the area.
Your medical professional can also tailor the intensity of the waves to minimise your discomfort. Typically, the treatments start at a lower intensity and then gradually increase as you get used to the sensation.
After the treatment, you might be a tad sore, like you’ve just been through a tough workout. You might also have some mild redness and swelling but this should go away in a few hours.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Overall, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment with a whole host of benefits! First, it does not require surgical incisions, anesthetic, or long recovery times. You should be back and resuming normal activities within hours following your treatment.
As mentioned above, the treatment triggers the body’s natural healing process, stimulating healing and regeneration, increasing blood flow, and promoting cellular activity. This means that it can be particularly effective for chronic injuries that haven’t responded to conventional treatments.
Some of the conditions that shockwave therapy has proven effective for include:
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calcific tendinitis
- Patella tendinopathy
Curious about whether shockwave therapy is right for you? At Bradford House Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, your health is our utmost priority. Our expert team always strives to help individuals achieve their goals and make a full recovery post-pain or injury. Together, we can determine if shockwave therapy makes sense for you. Book your appointment today!
