Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a minimally invasive procedure. It employs high-energy sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain. The treatment has been around for a while. It may be an excellent alternative to corticosteroid injections and surgery.

Shockwave Therapy: What is it?

This treatment uses high-energy sound waves to relieve pain and promote healing. A practitioner transmits energy waves using a handheld device to the injured area. The energy waves pass through the skin to the underlying tissue. That activates the body's natural healing process.

How Does it Work?

This treatment increases blood flow to the injured area. That reduces scar tissue and encourages the growth of new blood vessels. The high-energy sound waves stimulate the body's healing response. That leads to less pain, inflammation, and enhanced function.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy seems to be effective in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including the following:
 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Tennis elbow

• Nonspecific low back pain

• Myofascial pain

• Patellar tendinitis

• Achilles’ tendinitis

• Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

• Nonunion fractures

• Chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy

• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

How Effective is it?

Studies suggest that the treatment can benefit many musculoskeletal conditions. They suggest that it can help reduce pain and improve function. It can help patients with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and tennis elbow.

The Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research published a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study suggests that ESWT treated plantar fasciitis. There was a 72 percent patient improvement in pain and function. It is more effective than a placebo at treating plantar fasciitis. That is according to a different study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery.  

ESWT is an effective treatment for several musculoskeletal conditions. According to PubMed, these include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and lateral epicondylitis. The study discovered that it was more effective than a placebo at reducing pain and enhancing function.

Another study found that it may be helpful in the management of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy. According to the study, patients with chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy may want to consider ESWT as a potential alternative treatment.

There is a significant body of research to back its effectiveness. These studies show that it is a highly effective treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions. It offers patients significant pain relief and functional improvements. That said, it is always best to consult your healthcare professional. Results may differ for each individual, so it is best to keep this in mind.

Benefits

Shockwave therapy has several benefits for patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. Some of the main benefits include the following:
 

• Noninvasive

• No downtime

• Pain relief

• Improved function

• Alternative to surgery

• Cost-effective

• Long-lasting results

• Suitable for most patients

What to Expect

During the treatment, patients typically lie down on a treatment table. The healthcare provider cleans and prepares the affected area for treatment. Then, he/she applies the shockwave device to the skin over the affected area. The patient may feel a tapping or mild discomfort during the treatment, typically lasting between 5-10 minutes.

After the treatment, you can expect to experience some mild discomfort or soreness. That will subside within a few days. Sometimes, patients may need to undergo several sessions to achieve optimal results. You can expect improved function, range of motion, and pain relief in the affected area. Many patients experience pain relief and improved function for several months after the treatment.

These studies and others prove that this treatment is an effective treatment option. It provides significant pain relief and improvement in function for patients. 

For more on shockwave therapy, visit Advanced Spinal Care and Regenerative Medicine. Our office is in Sebastopol, California. Call (707) 495-2192 to schedule an appointment today.