Are you suffering from debilitating tendon problems? Did you know there is actually a non-invasive, quick procedure to aid you with proven results? This is known as shockwave therapy and if you want to recover quickly, you need to know its many benefits.
Not only does it provide proven results, but you can feel the improvements almost immediately. Read on for our must-know guide on shockwave therapy.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, sometimes known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a modern method of pain relief. It is primarily focused on relieving pain in the tendons. This includes the symptoms of tendonitis, though it has been known to be successful on numerous other problems.
Not only does it relieve pain, but it also helps to restore the function of the joint. A large body of research supports its effectiveness. It is a non-invasive, safe procedure.
What Can It Help?
Shockwave therapy is mainly concerned with relieving the pain from tendon-based ailments. These can include plantar fasciitis in the foot, lateral epicondylitis, and calcified tendonitis impacting the shoulder.
Tendinopathy in the form of tennis and golfer’s elbow can also benefit hugely from shockwave therapy services. Gluteus medius and high hamstring tendinopathy can also be treated in this way. In fact, it can be used for any major tendinopathy problem.
What Does It Do?
There are a number of ways in which a shockwave therapy machine can aid healing. The first is with vascular changes, in which it creates new capillaries in the target area. This results in better, quality blood flow to the area to facilitate the healing process.
It also stimulates cellular-level changes. By creating an increase in free radicals, natural metabolites release to counter inflammation and reduce pain.
Countering muscle spasticity also occurs in a similar way. It breaks neuro cognitive pain patterns. This eliminates myofascial trigger points that cause muscle spasms.
Finally, a shockwave therapy machine can manipulate the body’s natural process for dealing with pain. By acting on interneurons in the nerve fibers, the communication of pain to the brain stops.
How Does It Work?
Many people believe shockwave therapy services use electricity, but that is not the case. They use a device to deliver acoustic energy to the skin in the form of a low-energy sound wave. These are not electrical shocks, but ones based on sound.
The process is non-invasive, meaning it works from outside the body without the need for any surgery or cuts. The shockwaves produced by the device travel through the skin, creating micro cavitation bubbles that burst. This force helps in a number of ways.
Firstly, it works on desensitizing nerve endings. In addition to this, a very small amount of microscopic damage occurs in the tissues. This makes the bodies own healing response react, stimulating healing in areas that are responding slowly or have stopped healing altogether.
Finally, it can help break down disorganized tissues. These can include calcifications.
Does It Hurt?
Shockwave therapy can cause very mild pain during the course of the treatment. However, as soon as the treatment ends this will vanish and have no long-lasting impact. The level of the shockwaves can increase or decrease at your request.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy Services
Shockwave therapy is a great way to recover from tendon problems without the need for surgery. It can also accelerate the healing process if it is impacting your quality of life. It has no negative side effects.
Finally, it is very affordable. Most health insurance companies will cover the treatments. You should only need one or two appointments before the treatment is complete.
What Is the Process?
The first step is to make an appointment with a specialist. They will discuss the condition with you and do an assessment, to decide if shockwave therapy is the right treatment. If it is believed that you will benefit, then a plan for therapy will be created.
The plan created will depend on your individual needs and the severity of your injury. It will include how many sessions you need, the intensity of the shockwave treatment, and any stretches and exercises that may help before and after the treatment. An appointment for your first treatment will be made.
Each treatment should take around five minutes to complete. You will be able to walk away easily and resume your daily duties. you will be provided with any information on aftercare services that you may need to take part in.
Is It Supported by Clinical Evidence?
While shockwave therapy is a new treatment, it is supported by a wealth of evidence to show its effectiveness. One study showed how acoustic cavitation can be induced with shockwave therapy, and how effective it was in reducing inflammation and regenerating nerves and tissue.
There are also many guidelines on the correct use of shockwave therapy to maximize its effectiveness and impact. These tend to focus on the ailments for which it is most used, which are achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and calcific tendinopathy.
Consult a Specialist
Now you know the many benefits of shockwave therapy, the next step is to book an appointment with a specialist. They will be able to decide if the therapy is right for you, and suggest a treatment plan for both in and out of the surgery.
Your first step for shockwave therapy products should be Oceanus America. We have certified products for both home and clinical use. Contact us here to discuss your needs and let us recommend the best device for your medical problems.