The global market for shockwave therapy devices is worth $83.68 million and is expected to reach $130.49 million by 2026. These devices stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
One of the reasons for the growth in the use of shockwave therapy is the extreme prevalence of chronic pain. It’s one of the most common conditions in the world, causing discomfort for 6 months or more.
At least 20.4% of US adults suffer from chronic pain, contributing to approximately $560 billion every year in medical costs. Traditional treatment methods like medication or physical therapy don’t always provide the relief patients seek.
At-home shockwave therapy is emerging as an effective new treatment method. It’s one of the best, most convenient, least invasive methods to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Whether you suffer from chronic pain or are seeking relief from another stubborn medical problem, this treatment may allow you to find relief from the comfort of your home. Read on for 3 benefits of at-home shockwave therapy.
1. It Treats a Wide Variety of Conditions
Research into shockwave therapy suggests that it may be effective at treating a range of conditions. One session may provide relief for chronic pain and other medical issues.
Our bodies sometimes refuse to heal as they should. Scar tissue and a decreased inflammation response can lead to slow healing and significant pain. Shockwave therapy fights against this problem. When applied to affected areas, it can treat sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and more.
Sports Injuries
There are at least 8.6 million sports-and-recreation injuries every year, affecting 34.1 of every 1,000 citizens. It’s a common explanation for patient pain, but it doesn’t always respond to medication and other traditional treatment methods.
An at-home shockwave therapy machine can treat tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and other conditions that result from overuse during sports. It allows athletes to get back on their feet in a safer, more convenient way.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Muscles and bones affect the entire body when they fail to function as they should. Health issues that affect them are known as musculoskeletal conditions and are more common than you may realize.
These conditions are the leading contributor to worldwide disability, affecting 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 members of the population. Despite their prevalence, they can be difficult to treat and don’t always respond to medications or surgery.
At-home shockwave therapy can provide relief for the most common musculoskeletal conditions, including patellar tendonitis, hip bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. They may even be more effective than medication, surgery, and other alternatives.
Other Conditions
As research into shockwave therapy continues, the list of conditions it can be used to treat continues to grow. For example, there is some support for using shockwave therapy for ED. It can also treat a wide range of other conditions caused by a lack of inflammation response or excessive scar tissue.
Another benefit is that most individuals are eligible for shockwave therapy. Circulation or nerve disorders, pregnancy, broken skin, infections, bone tumors, or metabolic bone conditions may preclude you. Almost all patients who don’t have these conditions as part of their medical history can receive the therapy for any condition.
Any treatment that works for a wide range of conditions is superior to those that only treat one. This is one of the major benefits of at-home shockwave therapy.
2. It’s a Non-Invasive Alternative to Surgery and Medication
Shockwave therapy provides relief for chronic conditions that haven’t responded well to other treatment methods such as medication or physical therapy. It may also be a way to avoid surgery or medication dependence.
Once you see how an at-home shockwave therapy machine can be superior to medication or surgery, you’ll see why you might need one. It provides several advantages over both traditional treatment methods.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Medication
Medication is one of the most common treatment methods for any medical ailment, but it doesn’t always provide the relief patients seek. Those who have struggled for months or even years should turn to alternative treatment methods.
A small amount of pain is a potential side effect of shockwave therapy. It should go away after a short time.
Pain medication can help reduce this side effect, but it’s not required. In fact, shockwave therapy doesn’t require any medications. This makes it perfect for patients with drug allergies and reduces the likelihood of developing an opioid addiction.
A shockwave therapy machine may also be more affordable to obtain than medication. You don’t have to renew and pay for a prescription.
Shockwave therapy is more affordable, easier to obtain, and has fewer side effects than narcotics and other medications used for pain relief. It’s also safer for a wider range of patients.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Surgery
The invasiveness of a procedure refers to how deep into the body it must go. Shockwave therapy is only applied to affected areas on the skin, making it one of the least invasive procedures available today. It’s less invasive than surgeries that require incisions and alter the bone or muscle.
Shockwave therapy has fewer side effects than surgery. It may cause mild bruising, numbness, tingling, or swelling. These effects should wear off in 48 hours, whereas the effects of surgery can be lifelong.
Anesthesia always presents a risk, but the elderly and patients with heart conditions are even more susceptible to its potentially dangerous effects. Low-energy shockwave therapy requires none and removes this risk.
Preparing for a shockwave therapy session is easier than pre-surgery prep. It doesn’t require as many tests or as much paperwork. You’ll need to refrain from anti-inflammatories a few weeks before and wear comfortable clothes.
Shockwave therapy is also more affordable than surgery. It can treat a wide variety of conditions in one session. If you hire a physical therapist to further reduce symptoms, they may allow you to create a flexible payment plan for each appointment.
The decreased invasiveness, side effects, preparation, and cost make shockwave therapy a preferable alternative to surgery. It’s a better way to treat anything from sports injuries to musculoskeletal issues.
3. It’s More Convenient
A portable shockwave therapy device used at home is one of the simplest treatment methods available today. It may take time to get used to the device at first, but once you do, it’s easy to continue the necessary routine.
Easy Scheduling
Other treatment methods such as surgery may require scheduling multiple appointments and a great deal of planning and preparation. While you may need to see a doctor and/or physical therapist to determine how often to engage in at-home sessions, you can easily follow the plan after that without ever leaving your home.
At-home shockwave therapy is easier to perform and schedule. You don’t have to go anywhere to perform a short session, and it may provide immediate relief. Adding a physical therapy regiment can help and will require scheduling, but it’s easier than setting up for surgery or frequent doctor visits.
Short Downtimes
Most treatments for conditions causing chronic pain require long periods of downtime, but at-home shockwave therapy doesn’t interrupt your life. It requires no drugs or anesthesia and takes 30 minutes or less to complete. It also allows athletes to keep training and workers to return to their jobs sooner.
The potential side effects of shockwave therapy won’t last long if you prepare correctly and don’t take anti-inflammatory medications, place ice on the affected area, or engage in strenuous activity.
Choosing a Device
One of the most difficult parts of preparing for shockwave therapy is choosing which device to use to receive it. The variety of options allow you to customize it to your needs, but deciding takes time.
If you want the best, most convenient experience, choose your shockwave therapy device carefully. Check for:
- FDA registration
- At least 1-5 power bars
- A frequency range of at least 1-21 HZ
- A wide range of transmission heads
- Clear display screens
- User-friendly interfaces
- A comfortable grip
- Portability
- A protective case
- A warranty of at least 2 years
- A reputable brand name
A doctor or physical therapist may be able to advise you on where to find the right device. They may have one in their office, but finding a portable at-home alternative makes the process much easier.
Once you’ve found the best possible device, you can use it to develop an easy, convenient treatment program. You’ll be able to easily get relief every day in a comfortable environment.
Where to Find the Best Shockwave Therapy Machine
Chronic pain that doesn’t respond to traditional treatment methods is a growing problem. Sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions are also major health problems and significant contributors to disability and healthcare costs.
Shockwave therapy treats these conditions and more. It’s a non-invasive alternative to surgery that allows patients to quickly return to their lives.
Once you know that shockwave therapy is right for you, it’s important to choose the right machine to receive it. You’ll have a better, more convenient experience if you find one that’s portable and has the right intensity.
Oceanus is a leading developer of shockwave therapy technology for clinics and individuals. Purchase an in-home shockwave therapy machine to get relief today.