Almost $135 billion was spent on neck and back pain in America over two decades. Chronic pain treatments often target back or neck problems, and many people can’t find the relief they are searching for.
Non-invasive treatments are newer, more popular options that patients have started seeking. But which non-invasive treatments or tools are the best for your clinic? Shockwave therapy has been around for a while, but it has recently come into the spotlight with its evidence-based studies on pain.
Are you still interested? Luckily, we have put together a complete guide on why shockwave therapy devices can help your clinic treat chronic pain more efficiently, so keep reading for more information!
What Is Chronic Pain?
There are two main types of pain, including chronic and acute. The main difference between them is chronic pain is long-lasting while acute pain is much shorter.
You can think of it this way—if you sprain your ankle, you immediately feel pain, and in some cases, you may not continue the activity, sport, or exercise. You may deal with lingering pain or discomfort for the next few weeks, but it should ultimately reside.
Acute pain can pinpoint where the problem is and what is injured. Chronic pain persists for weeks, months, or years. Sometimes, there is no definitive cause for chronic pain, and you may not remember an exact injury that would cause it.
Chronic Pain Treatments
Since chronic pain can come from a previous injury or medical condition, it becomes more challenging to treat compared to acute pain. Experts typically diagnose chronic pain once it has lingered for three months or longer, and approximately 20% of the United States’ population deals with it.
Outside of pain and discomfort, chronic pain also causes:
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Medication overuse and dependency
Medication is not the only way you can manage it. Many people have turned towards other chronic pain therapy for relief, including:
- Hot and cold therapy
- Massage
- Physical therapy
- Acupuncture
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Shockwave therapy
Non-invasive techniques are game-changers when treating chronic pain since they are safe, effective, and easy to use.
Non-Invasive Treatment Benefits
Chronic pain management is challenging when patients can’t find a method that works for them. Non-invasive treatments are helpful because they are easier on the body, stimulate healing, and don’t require any downtime.
If someone doesn’t like massage, they can immediately move on to another option, such as yoga. Non-invasive treatments also reduce the risk of scarring, infection, and high costs compared to invasive pain management strategies.
So—how can you tell which non-invasive treatment is best for your clinic?
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses low or high energy that delivers acoustic waves into the body. High energy shockwaves are typically more expensive and not as widely used as low-intensity shockwave therapy.
Low-intensity shockwave therapy is used for erectile dysfunction, pain, and wound care. It works by promoting increased blood flow to the area, which triggers the body’s natural healing process.
Another positive note is that it is non-invasive, painless, and a person can immediately return to work or other activities.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Promote Healing?
Shockwave therapy uses energy for healing. These ‘waves’ trigger interstitial and extracellular responses that improve vascularization and promote healthy cell growth and repair.
The shockwaves can also break down calcium deposits that build up with musculoskeletal injuries. When all of these effects are in place, tissues can start healing and repairing, which helps alleviate pain and improve function.
This type of tissue regeneration makes it extremely helpful when treating:
- Tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Some types of fractures
- Non-diabetic ulcers
While putting shockwaves through a fracture may seem counterintuitive, some research shows it can help bone remodeling. Treatment for tendinopathies had success rates between 60% and 80%. Health clinicians and experts now see it as a safe and effective approach for treating musculoskeletal injuries that aren’t responding to other treatments.
Shockwave Therapy for Pain
Chronic low back pain is a debilitating and common type of pain that many Americans deal with. Recent studies looked at extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) versus placebo when treating chronic pain. After treatments, they found a significant reduction in these factors:
- Pain
- Disability
- Depression
- Anxiety
In return, patients reported improved scores in quality of life factors.
Benefits of Clinic Shockwave Therapy
Your clinic and business can benefit from shockwave therapy since it is versatile, safe, and does not produce long-term side effects. Patients can choose this type of therapy for quick and long-lasting results with their chronic pain.
It is also easy to use and only requires a simple setup. At Oceanus Training Academy, we can provide training with radial and focused shockwave therapy devices. Our training includes:
- Videos
- User instructions
- Didactic slides
- Live video coaching
- Certificate of completion
Your clinic or business can boost patient rapport and results by offering more non-invasive tools that can help treat chronic pain. Therapists and clinicians can also learn more about shockwave basics, benefits, and protocol.
These are essential parts of training since patients trust clinicians who can explain primary benefits and adjust protocol as needed.
Solutions for Chronic Pain
Patients sifting through chronic pain treatments can feel frustrated with the lack of results with expensive therapies or invasive procedures. Shockwave therapy is an excellent choice that providers can start using for some of the best results in managing and treating chronic pain.
At Oceanus Training Academy, we offer clinic-use shockwave products that you can start using immediately with our in-depth training. What are you waiting for? Check out our products today and start addressing chronic pain more effectively.