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What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave is an acoustic wave that delivers high energy to painful spots and musculoskeletal tissues affected by acute and chronic conditions. The energy stimulates the regeneration and healing processes in bones, tendons, and other soft tissues. Shockwaves feature rapid pressure changes, varying amplitude, and irregular patterns, all of which contribute to the healing process. The projectile’s kinetic energy, generated by compressed air, transfers to the transmitter at the end of the applicator and then into the tissue.
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What is shockwave therapy used to treat?
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective on a wide range of chronic conditions. Here are some examples of conditions where SWT has been shown to effectively treat symptoms and improve function:
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Calcific Tendinitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Golfers Elbow/Tennis Elbow
• Frozen Shoulder
• Hand Contractures
• Patella-Femoral Syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Shin Splints
• Tendonitis
• Cellulite
• Dequervians aka Stenosing Tenosynovitis
• General Scar Tissue Breakdown
• Hip/Hand/Knee Osteoarthritis
• Labrum Tears
• Meniscus Tears
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Neuropathy/Nerve Pain
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Trigger Points -
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Patients may feel slight discomfort during the treatment, depending on the level of pain they already experience in the area. However, most patients can tolerate this discomfort. Additionally, the practitioner can adjust the intensity of the treatment throughout the session.
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How many treatments will I need and how often?
The number of treatments depends on the indication and tissue response. The treatment’s effect is cumulative, so patients typically need more than one treatment. However, many patients experience relief right after the first treatment. Most indications require 6-8 treatments, which are performed 3–10 days apart, depending on the patient’s tolerance and tissue response.
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Will I feel any pain after treatment?
Most patients will experience an immediate pain relief following the treatment. However, within a few hours or even up until the day after the treatment, they may experience some soreness, swelling or redness in the treated area. These effects are common, will subside and have been reported as tolerable and not limiting.
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What should I do following a treatment?
Patients are strongly advised avoid strenuous activities or repetitive tasks such as poor posture, exercising, yardwork, housework or home projects. This is to allow the treated area time to heal and not get irritated. Failure to take the necessary down time could make the condition worse. Patients are advised to ice the treated area if they experience soreness or swelling.
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Why should I use shockwave therapy?
Shockwaves stimulate blood flow, increase collagen production, and break down scar tissue to speed up healing and reduce pain. reduce inflammation, and improved tissue repair. non-invasive, drug-free nature, highlighting that it’s a great alternative to surgery or long-term medication