About 

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that promotes natural healing within the body to decrease pain. The nerve endings of the targeted tissue are hyperstimulated, resulting in a temporary decrease in pain because there is an overload of stimuli for those nerve endings. The second way pain is reduced is through a gate-control mechanism, which has a longer-lasting effect. Nerves near the affected area are targeted to distribute the perception of pain. This makes it optimal for many scenarios and patients can receive shockwave therapy for herniated disc, plantar fasciitis and a number of other ailments that cause pain and limit mobility.

Types

Shockwave treatments can be high energy or low energy. High energy shockwave energy uses high-energy pulses that can be directed at specific damaged tissues. The speed of these waves breaks the sound barrier. This targeted approach puts pressure and force on the area which can increase circulation and metabolism within the area. This, combined with the force and pressure felt, facilitates the breakdown of calcific deposits in the injured tissue. Osteoblasts, which are cells that promote new bone growth and help bones heal, and fibroblasts, which are cells that promote connective tissue healing, are stimulated through shockwave therapy.

Low energy shock wave machines deliver waves at a slower speed. This lower speed does not break the sound barrier. Due to the slower speeds, deliveries of low energy shock waves take longer, are slower and less intense for the patient. This method has a reduced cost. A well-informed practitioner can thoroughly explain the differences in shockwave therapy methods and which approach is best for your situation.

Benefits

The most significant benefit associated with shockwave therapy, and the reason for this therapy’s spike in popularity, is the reduction in pain seen after treatments. Another benefit is that it is done externally and is noninvasive. Studies have documented a clinical benefit of reduced pain immediately following the procedure as well as at a four-week follow-up appointment. Increased mobility and improved quality of life after the completed shockwave therapy treatment were also noted by the patients.

Uses

The use of shockwave therapy has expanded among different groups who have found the benefits to be helpful for instances of chronic and acute pain. Multiple disciplines utilize shockwave therapy now, including orthopedics, sports medicine and urology. Veterinarians even use this modality on their animal patients to help manage their pain. The growing popularity of shockwave therapy is credited to the fast treatment sessions, effective results seen by patients and increased mobility post-treatment.  The safety and convenience associated with this therapy being a noninvasive method to decrease the pain levels felt by the patients and improve mobility is another significant benefit.

Shockwave therapy stimulates the nerves and nerve endings around affected tissue areas to decrease pain levels. For those individuals who are experiencing tendon or tissue pain, such as patients with herniated discs or plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy can be a safe and effective treatment plan. Previous patients have seen significant benefits such as reduction of pain, increased mobility and improved quality of life, both right after the treatment and weeks after the completion of the treatment.

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