What is shockwave therapy? Is shockwave therapy effective?
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a kind of body remedy that uses sound waves and vibrations to treat many musculoskeletal disorders.
Shockwave therapy has been used to treat several aches, including headaches, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. In some cases, It has also been used in the management of concussions and secondary brain injuries. This therapy can be used as a treatment for chronic low back pain.
It is thought to work by “stimulating” the pulse waves from the surface of the skull and thalamus, which resets neurons and reduces swelling.
Shockwave therapy can be added to target regions in more than one method, including a hand-held tool that generates sound waves through a linear or Sawyer-wave device that creates a beam of sound waves.
The pain is relieved by the sympathetic nervous system activating the release of endorphins. The anti-inflammatory properties may be due to a reduction in cytokines released by damaged cells.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
Shockwave treatment is a physiotherapy method that is growing more popular day by day. Shockwave treatment, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal ailments, most notably those affecting connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
Shockwave therapy works by creating a local vibration that stimulates the body’s nervous system and triggers an anti-inflammatory response. The vibrations travel through the tissue, stimulating blood flow and increasing oxygen levels in the area.
At your first visit, the physiotherapist will examine you to ensure that you are a qualified candidate for shockwave therapy. The physiotherapist will define your problem and what you can do with the therapeutic activity modifications, specialized exercises, and analysis of other contributing elements including posture, tension/weak point of different muscle groups, etc.
Shockwave treatment is usually given once a week for 3-6 weeks, depending on the outcomes. The therapy itself can be uncomfortable, but it only lasts 4-5 minutes, the intensity is adjusted to keep you comfortable.
Shockwave therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Lower leg and upper leg pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow
- Golfers elbow
- Patellofemoral Syndrome
- Iliotibial band Syndrome, or ITBS
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Bony heel spurs.
Is shockwave therapy effective?
Here are the benefits of shockwave therapy treatment:
- It helps relieve pain in the joints, muscles, and other tissues.
- It improves muscle function, joint stiffness, and range of motion.
- It helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
- It is fast-acting and has minimal side effects, usually common with other treatments.
- Helps to improve circulation and release endorphins.
- It is a safe, non-invasive treatment for chronic shoulder, knee, back, or elbow pain.
- No medication is required.
- It can help with chronic pain, arthritis, headaches, migraines, anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Since the shock waves generate an inflammatory reaction, you may experience temporary discomfort, tenderness, or swelling for a few days after the treatment.
However, this is the body’s normal healing process. As a result, it is critical not to take any anti-inflammatory medicine following therapy, as this may slow down the outcomes.
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
Even though shock wave therapy is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment but you may experience some pain or discomfort in the treated area during the procedure.
The majority of people describe it as having the sensation of small pulses on their skin. If your pain is severe, your doctor may be able to change how the shockwave device works.
Each session will only last a few minutes, so the vast majority of patients can tolerate the levels of discomfort caused by shockwave therapy.
When you arrive for the treatment, it is recommended to wear loose clothes that you can comfortably move around.
What time does it take to recover after shock wave therapy?
When your treatment is over, you are fit to go home and resume your usual daily activities. For the first 48 hours following treatment, avoid high-impact activities such as jogging or playing tennis.
Note: Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Even if you have high pain, only then a pain killer is recommended.
Swelling and redness in the treated regions are common, during the treatment. This might seems more uncomfortable but, in one or two days, you feel start will comfortable.
Ready for Shock Wave Therapy in Surrey?
Do you want to get Shock wave therapy in Surrey? Contact with All-Pro Physio team. We are highly educated and experienced in treating chronic pain with shockwaves at competitive pricing.
Whether you are experiencing any chronic pain or injury, our expert physiotherapists stood right there to treat your condition with effective treatments. Our team is familiar with advanced technology and trends in the physiotherapy industry. We believe in providing the fastest recovery and healthy lifestyle to our patients.