Over 20% of adults in the US suffer from some form of chronic pain condition. Chronic pain is classified as pain that lasts for over three months. It can occur anywhere within the body, and it can have a variety of causes.
Some examples of common chronic pain conditions include arthritis, migraines, and persistent back pain. Chronic pain is characterized as being difficult to treat and for this reason, can have a negative impact on those it affects. Managing chronic pain is difficult, but not impossible.
There is currently an abundance of research ongoing into possible treatments for chronic pain conditions. Shockwave therapy is showing promise. Read on to learn about some of the benefits of shockwave therapy and its use for dealing with chronic pain.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment option that has many different applications. Formally known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, this type of treatment involves a series of acoustic wave pulses being transmitted onto the body. The sensation caused by these acoustic waves triggers your body’s natural healing response which can help relieve the symptoms of chronic pain.
Aside from chronic pain, shockwave therapy has been known to be effective in treating a number of different conditions. These include ailments as varied as spinal cord damage, sports injuries, and scoliosis.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy for chronic pain management has many benefits. It is non-invasive, meaning a patient doesn’t have to go through the trauma of surgery and a lengthy recovery. It is also an effective and efficient method of pain management—it can offer pain reduction after only 20 minutes of treatment.
There are other fringe benefits of this type of treatment to note. Shockwave therapy can help break up soft tissue calcification that has occurred as a result of injury. It also increases collagen production, which is essential for bone and joint health.
What to Expect from Shockwave Therapy
If you’re considering trying out shockwave therapy for chronic pain management, it’s good to know what to expect. First, you should be aware that there are certain groups that are not eligible for this treatment. For example, if you’re pregnant or suffer from a heart condition, you likely won’t be able to undergo shockwave therapy.
If you do qualify, your first step will be to have an initial consultation with a specialist. They’ll be able to tell you what the best type of shockwave therapy for your particular condition is. You’ll then be examined to ensure you don’t have any skin conditions in the affected area.
When you’re receiving your treatment, you’ll need to apply gel to the area or areas in question, to make the transfer of the acoustic waves easier. The treatment itself lasts around 5 to 10 minutes. After you’ve had your treatment, avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
Managing Chronic Pain With Shockwave Therapy
If you’re looking for an effective method of managing chronic pain, shockwave therapy could help. You can go to a clinic, or purchase products for at-home use. If you have any queries regarding shockwave therapy, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.