What is Shockwave Therapy?
We are excited to announce that we now have Shockwave Therapy at our south Boulder location.
So what is shockwave and why would you benefit from using this service?
What is extracorporeal radial shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal radial shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a series of high-energy percussions to the affected area. The shockwave is a physical sound wave “shock”, not an electric one. The sound waves are generated by a machine and directed to the affected area of the body.
When the sound waves hit the damaged tissue, they create small microtrauma that triggers the body's natural healing response. This process increases blood flow to the area, stimulates the production of new blood vessels, and encourages the growth of new tissue.
How does it work?
Creation of microtrauma: When the sound waves hit the damaged tissue, they create small microtrauma that triggers the body's natural healing response. This microtrauma promotes the production of growth factors and inflammatory mediators that are essential for the healing process.
Increase in blood flow: Shockwave therapy increases blood flow to the affected area. This increase in blood flow helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues, which are necessary for the healing process. It also helps to remove waste products from the area.
Stimulation of new blood vessel growth: Shockwave therapy also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the affected area. These new blood vessels help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue, which speeds up the healing process.
Stimulation of cell growth: Shockwave therapy promotes the growth of new cells in the affected area. This is essential for repairing damaged tissue and restoring function to the affected area.
Reduction in pain: Shockwave therapy has also been shown to reduce pain in the affected area. It does this by decreasing the transmission of pain signals and reducing inflammation.
How long does the treatment last?
Approximately 3000 shocks are administered per treatment area (the duration of which is approximately 5 minutes). Some patients and/or conditions require more shocks and duration, depending on severity and chronicity (how long the condition or injury has existed).
How many treatments will I need?
Normally three to five treatments are necessary at weekly intervals; there is a small possibility that 2 or more additional treatments may be necessary if your condition is very chronic and/or you have severely restricted joint range of motion (ie. Frozen shoulder). Should you not respond in this time, your case will be reviewed with the doctor to determine an appropriate referral. Success rates with ESWT are unparalleled (over 80-90% improvement).
Does the treatment hurt?
It is a short treatment (usually five to twenty minutes) that may be uncomfortable. However, most people can easily tolerate the procedure. However, if you cannot tolerate it, adjustments on the machine can decrease the pressure you feel.
Will it hurt after the treatment?
There may or may not be immediate pain, but some discomfort may be experienced 2-4 hours after the treatment. In some cases, it can last up to 48 hours and in very rare cases, the pain lasted up to 5 days. Some bruising and swelling can occur.
What should I do if I am in pain after the treatment?
The shockwave will trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s natural process of healing. For this reason, do not use anti-inflammatory medications. Do not use ice. The pain should subside within 24 hours. Tylenol is an option, provided you have no trouble with this medication.
**Please note this is advice only. As a physical therapist we cannot prescribed or directly recommendation any form of medication.
What if it feels good after the treatment?
Even if it feels good, we recommend decreased activity for 48 hours following the treatment. This means saving longer runs or high intensity activity for 2 days after treatment. You can still engage in light activity.
What is the success rate for this kind of treatment?
A successful treatment is considered as a patient having at least 75% reduction in pain within 3 months. Worldwide, success rates are around 80 to 90%. Full effects of treatment are expected to peak at 3 months. Your exercise program is an essential part of the healing process to ensure adequate strength and stress to the affected area.
If this sounds like it will be beneficial to you, please reach out to us to learn more or schedule your FREE 20-min consultation!
