Here’s an ouch-worthy fact: 80% of adults will experience a back injury in their lifetime.
We depend on our spinal tissues to carry us through life and direct our nervous system every day. Unfortunately, the back is prone to painful injuries. These injuries can take a long time to heal, and may never heal correctly if left untreated.
What should you do when spinal surgeries carry great risks, and pain medications can often do more harm than good? Luckily, shockwave therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for back pain.
Keep reading to learn how shockwave therapy can get you or your patients back on their feet!
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that addresses chronic pain and poor joint mobility. It can be done in-clinic or at home with a special shockwave therapy device.
It might sound intimidating at first, but shockwave therapy has nothing to do with electrical shocks. A shockwave therapy device delivers rapid pulsations into the patient’s injured tissue. The trained therapist can adjust the frequency and intensity of pulsations for the most effective results.
Shockwave therapy is most often used for healing old injuries and reducing the chronic pain they cause. Some common conditions treated with shockwave therapy include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Foot, ankle, and hand pain
- Neck, back, and hip pain
- Poor mobility and joint stiffness
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
Therapists often combine shockwave therapy with other physiotherapy techniques. These might include manual therapy, gentle exercises, or chiropractic adjustments.
Shockwave Therapy for Back Pain
The neck and back are very delicate but important body structures. Shockwave therapy is an excellent treatment option for back pain because it is safe, effective, and non-invasive.
This treatment does more than distract the patient from their back pain. Shockwave therapy also provides many deep healing benefits.
Reduces Inflammation
Patients can find almost instantaneous relief for their back pain through shockwave therapy. This treatment boosts a variety of bodily functions to help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain around the injury site.
Increases Blood Flow
Shockwave therapy treatments increase blood circulation and promote new blood vessel growth. This new growth is essential for the long-term healing of the spine. Developing ample blood vessels ensures that the body can deliver nutrients that keep the spine healthy.
Breaks Up Dense Tissues
Surrounding tissues can become tight from trying to support a chronic back injury. Calcium deposits can also collect in these tissues, leading to a dense, painful knot in the affected area.
Shockwave therapy gently breaks up dense tissues and calcium deposits. This relaxes the body and creates more space for new, healthy tissues.
Improves Mobility
The reduction in pain, inflammation, and calcification allows for better spine mobility. After a few treatments, patients often notice a remarkable change in their spine’s range of motion. Improved mobility also lessens the chance of re-injury.
Promotes Healthy Tissue Growth
Pulsations create micro-tears in the tissues, which the body heals and strengthens using new cells. These new, healthy tissues are essential for the long-term healing of the spine. Shockwave therapy also encourages collagen production, which is essential for building tissue strength.
Reduces Pain Signals
Shockwave therapy regulates substance P, the neurotransmitter responsible for signaling pain. This treatment also stimulates nerve endings, effectively drowning out pain signals. This can help to reset the body’s pain sensitivity and prevent future chronic pain.
5 Reasons to Try Shockwave Therapy
Before receiving shockwave therapy, encourage patients to undergo a comprehensive examination. It’s important to assess the injury before applying any pressure to the spine. After examination, shockwave therapy is a great method to start treatment.
Still uncertain about the benefits? Check out these five reasons to add shockwave therapy to your physiotherapy services.
1. Non-invasive Treatment
Patients may want to try shockwave therapy before surgery, medication, or other treatments. Shockwave therapy doesn’t require any anesthetics, medications, open surgeries, or recovery time. A single session only lasts about 15-20 minutes, and patients can return to their daily routines after treatment.
2. Affordable Alternative
As more people begin to struggle with affording the costs of daily living, many seek affordable pain management options. Invasive back surgeries are costly, risky, and often ineffective. The cost of shockwave therapy pales in comparison to surgical procedures.
3. Heals Pain at the Source
The pulsation from shockwave therapy does more than mask the pain symptoms. It attacks pain at its source and encourages tissue health and mobility. Few other treatments can compare to the long-term benefits of shockwave therapy for chronic pain.
4. Minimal Side Effects
Patients may notice some discomfort or bruising, but this pain is mild and tolerable. They can drive to and from the clinic and return to their daily tasks almost immediately. No preparation, no downtime, and no severe side effects.
5. Shocking Results
Many patients feel relief after only one shockwave therapy session, and these results are built to last. Instead of merely surviving with chronic back pain, patients experience incredible long-term results. With just a few shockwave therapy sessions, you can help a person regain their physical freedom.
We’ve Got Your Back
Shockwave therapy is a remarkable solution for chronic back pain. This treatment targets pain at its source and promotes healthy tissues. Most importantly, it improves the quality of life for people living with chronic pain.Are you looking for in-home or in-clinic treatment devices? Oceanus America is happy to provide all the tools you need for your or your client’s health. Browse our selection to find the shockwave therapy device that’s right for you!