Do you have persistent pain or an injury that just refuses to heal after an extended period of time? If yes, you are not alone. Chronic pain and injuries that heal slowly not only affect millions of individuals, but also make even the simplest tasks seem impossible to accomplish. With that said, there is some good news. The shocking wave therapy is offering a non-invasive treatment which is helping people regain their lost mobility.
In this article, we are going to find out what shockwave therapy is, how it works, and what the major benefits of shockwave therapy are in regards to chronic pain and the recovery process of injuries.
Also, we are going to compare the treatment with other alternatives to find out the main beneficiaries and further elaborate on the limits of this therapy. If you are an athlete or a person suffering from joint pains, or are just tired of those annoying aches, make sure to read till the end and find out how shockwave therapy can positively impact your life.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a therapy that uses sound waves to aid in the body’s healing. These are not the same as electric shock. Rather, they are a form of powerful sound pulses that penetrate deep into the tissues to enhance healing as well as relieve pain and dissolve scar tissue.
Doctors and physical therapists use shockwave therapy to treat a variety of conditions, especially those related to muscles, joints, and tendons. It’s often used on the:
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Knees
- Hips
- Heels and Feet
- Lower back
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
The energy waves therapy sends are shock waves which therapy targets into specific zones in the body. These zones focus on:
- Improving blood circulation to the injured tissues
- Dissolving scar tissues or even calcium deposition
- Stimulating the physiological repair mechanisms in the body
It is best to visualize it as an acceleration of body mechanisms and repair therapies. These waves facilitate the healing of the tissues, diminish swelling, and lessen discomfort and inflammation all without the need for surgical intervention or medication.
A review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research elaborated on the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in managing chronic tendinopathies as well as other musculoskeletal disorders [1].
1. Relieves Chronic Pain
The primary rationale for undergoing shockwave therapy is to relieve chronic pain. Chronic pain is described as pain lasting longer than 3 months and with no end in sight. Shockwave therapy employs a different approach than most pain medications prescribed to patients; it targets the primary source of the pain rather than masking it.
Examples of conditions aided with shockwave therapy are:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder tendinitis
- Lower back pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
The data show that shockwave therapy has a beneficial effect for a lot of patients not responsive to other forms of therapy [2].
2. Speeds Up Injury Recovery
For sports injuries or overuse injuries that aren’t healing, shockwave therapy can be an option. It helps boost healing processes and circulation, aiding recovery.
Athletes utilize shockwave therapy for injuries such as:
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Hip bursitis
- Muscle strains
A 2020 study in Clinical Rehabilitation revealed that patients who received shockwave therapy not only healed but were more active much earlier when compared to patients who relied only on traditional physical therapy [3].
3. Breaks Down Scar Tissue and Calcium Deposits
The scar tissue and calcium deposits can be painful, restrict movement, and exacerbate injuries. Shockwave therapy gently breaks these down so the body can naturally remove them. This is useful for improving flexibility and alleviating strain on the joints and tendons.
This is beneficial for individuals with:.
- Calcific tendinitis (calcium build-up in tendons)
- Post-surgical Stiffness
- Stiffness from Long-term injuries
- Enhances Action and Movement
4. Improves Mobility and Function
As pain subsides and healing processes advance, movement improves. Shockwave therapy can restore range of motion, which allows walking, stretching, exercising, or performing daily activities to be much easier.
This therapy is also commonly used in physical therapy to help patients recover more easily after surgery, injury, or any physical trauma.
5. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free
Shockwave therapy is completely non-invasive, unlike surgery which is associated with potential complications and recovery time. Shockwave therapy requires no incisions, no needles, and no anesthesia at all.
Additionally, for patients who are intolerant of pain medication or do not respond to anti-inflammatory medication, this treatment approach is an excellent option since it does not use medication of any form.
Treatments are quick, often taking only 10 – 20 minutes, with optimal results seen after 3 to 6 sessions.
6. Long-Lasting Results
Patients feel a degree of pain relief after their first few sessions, but the continuation of shockwave therapy is where further benefits are often noticed. The therapy continues to help with healing even weeks after treatment is completed. When used with stretching and physical therapy, the benefits are even more enhanced and tend to be long-lasting.
As noted in a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, individuals who underwent shockwave therapy experienced more favorable long-term outcomes in comparison to those who were given placebo treatments [4].
7. Safe for Most People
When performed by an expert, shockwave therapy is considered safe and has minimal side effects. Most people are able to resume their normal activities soon after.
A small number of individuals might experience mild soreness for a day or two, which resembles post-exercise soreness.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is ideal for individuals who:.
- Have experienced pain for more than 3 months
- Have tried rest, ice, and physical therapy and did not improve
- Prefer a non-surgical, drug-free approach
- Suffer from plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, or chronic joint pain
Try It at Home
The advantages of shockwave therapy no longer require visiting a clinic. With the rise of at-home devices, clients no longer need to go to a clinic. At-home devices are designed for ease of use while providing professional-level benefits. One such device is the ReposePoint Shockwave Therapy Machine, which is a great device.
It’s user-friendly and crafted for safe use at home to relieve pain, boost circulation, and support faster recovery. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment at home.
Takeaways
Shockwave therapy is a smart, non-invasive option for anyone dealing with long-lasting pain or a stubborn injury. It works by jump-starting your body’s natural healing process, breaking up scar tissue, and improving blood flow. It’s safe, quick, and requires no downtime.
If you’ve tried everything else and still feel stuck, shockwave therapy might be the key to getting your life back.
References
- Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research – https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-799X-9-34
- PubMed – Plantar Fasciitis Study – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11837889/
- Clinical Rehabilitation – Sports Injury Study https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269215520906039
- American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation – https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/Abstract/2018/06000/Efficacy_of_Extracorporeal_Shockwave_Therapy_for.5.asp