At Actilife Physiotherapy and Rehab Clinic, Coquitlam we have state of art latest Shockwave therapy machine. Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses low-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions. This innovative therapy has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions, from tendon injuries to chronic pain.
Principles of Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), utilizes acoustic waves generated by a specialized device to deliver mechanical energy to targeted tissues. These acoustic waves travel through the skin and soft tissues to reach the affected area, where they stimulate cellular repair processes and promote tissue regeneration.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave therapy offers several benefits for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, including:
- Pain Relief: Shockwave therapy helps alleviate pain by reducing inflammation, desensitizing pain receptors, and promoting tissue healing.
- Improved Healing: Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, leading to enhanced tissue regeneration and accelerated recovery from injuries.
- Non-Invasive: Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require surgery or medication, making it suitable for individuals who prefer conservative approaches to pain management.
- No Downtime: Shockwave therapy sessions are typically short and require minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities shortly after treatment.
- Versatility: Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis, and more.
How Shockwave Therapy Works:
During a shockwave therapy session, a handheld device is applied to the skin over the affected area. The device emits acoustic waves that penetrate the tissues and stimulate cellular responses within the body. These waves can be adjusted in frequency, intensity, and duration to target specific tissues and achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
Shockwave therapy is believed to work through several mechanisms, including:
- Pain Modulation: Shockwave therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body.
- Tissue Regeneration: Shockwave therapy promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and stimulates the production of collagen, facilitating tissue repair and regeneration.
- Breakdown of Calcifications: In conditions such as calcific tendinitis, shockwave therapy can break down calcium deposits within the tendon, reducing pain and improving function.
Common Applications of Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Tendon Injuries: Shockwave therapy is particularly effective in treating chronic tendon conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and rotator cuff tendinopathy.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Shockwave therapy can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis by stimulating tissue repair and reducing tension in the plantar fascia.
- Calcific Tendinitis: Shockwave therapy can break down calcium deposits within tendons, relieving pain and restoring normal function in conditions such as calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes: Shockwave therapy may be used to manage chronic pain syndromes such as myofascial pain syndrome, trigger points, and fibromyalgia by desensitizing pain receptors and promoting tissue healing.
- Muscle Injuries: Shockwave therapy can promote healing and reduce pain in acute and chronic muscle injuries such as strains, tears, and overuse injuries.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session:
During a shockwave therapy session, you will be comfortably positioned, and a coupling gel will be applied to the skin over the targeted area to enhance the transmission of acoustic waves. The handheld shockwave device will then be applied to the skin, and treatment will be delivered in a controlled manner.
You may experience mild discomfort or a tingling sensation during the procedure, but most patients tolerate shockwave therapy well. The duration of each session typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the specific condition being addressed.
Following the treatment session, you may experience some mild soreness or discomfort in the treated area, which is normal and usually resolves within a few days. Your physiotherapist or healthcare provider will provide you with post-treatment instructions and may recommend additional sessions based on your response to treatment.
In conclusion, shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment option for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. With its ability to stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce pain, and improve function, shockwave therapy has become a valuable tool in the field of physiotherapy, helping patients get back to doing the activities they love with less pain and greater mobility.
If you are wondering if Shockwave is the right treatment for you, or you want to try out this treatment please contact us at ActiLife Physiotherapy & rehab to book a consultation.