What conditions can Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been used for many years to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It involves using sound waves to stimulate the healing of damaged tissues, and it has been found to be highly effective in relieving pain and restoring function. This article will provide an overview of the conditions that can be treated with shockwave therapy, as well as the scientific evidence that supports its use for these conditions.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Shockwave therapy has been found to be highly effective for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including rotator cuff tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis. These conditions are all characterized by chronic pain, inflammation, and impaired mobility. Shockwave therapy works by stimulating the production of new blood vessels and collagen, which helps to reduce pain and improve mobility. Scientific evidence has proven that shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for these musculoskeletal conditions.
Tendinopathies
Tendinopathies are conditions that involve inflammation of the tendons, which can cause pain and impaired mobility. Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of tendinopathies, including Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tendinopathy. Golfer’s and tennis elbow are also tendinopathies fixable by shockwave therapy. It works by stimulating the production of new blood vessels, breaking down old tissue, and reducing inflammation and improving mobility. Studies have shown that shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for tendinopathies, and it can help to reduce pain and restore function.
Adhesion
Adhesion is the most common, underdiagnosed, fixable musculoskeletal condition. Adhesion causes inflexibility, joint compression, and pain. Shockwave therapy fixes this condition by using soundwaves to break up the super-glue-like adhesion in overused tissues. Successful treatment results in an instant change in range of motion and instant decrease in pain. Adhesion is a component of almost every musculoskeletal condition, including tendinopathies and nerve entrapments. The adhesion must be removed for the aforementioned conditions to permanently improve.
Nerve entrapments
Nerve Entrapments occur when adhesion sticks down a peripheral nerve to adjacent tissue. Often a result of too much tension on a nerve, this condition is fixable with shockwave therapy. Using sound waves, shockwave breaks down the adhesion, freeing the nerve. It also helps to reduce inflammation on the nerve, resulting in faster healing. The most common nerve entrapments in the body are sciatic nerves and accessory nerves at the trapezius muscle.
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It can cause pain and impaired mobility, and it can be difficult to treat. Shockwave therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, as it can stimulate the production of new blood vessels and collagen, which helps to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Plantar fasciitis is most effectively fixed when done in conjunction with removing adhesion and improving flexibility of the ankle joint. Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, and it can help to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Other conditions
Shockwave therapy can also be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including shoulder impingement syndrome, hip impingement syndrome, SI joint pain, epicondylitis, and shin splints. It can also be used to treat pain and inflammation in the joints, muscles, and tendons. Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for these conditions, and it can help to reduce pain and improve mobility.
How Shockwave Therapy is administered for these conditions
Shockwave therapy is typically administered one to three times per week, depending on the condition being treated. Treatment protocols may vary depending on the condition, but generally, the therapy involves the use of high-energy sound waves that are delivered to the affected area while the tissue is under tension. This can help to reduce inflammation, stimulate the production of new blood vessels and collagen, and break down fibrous adhesion that builds up from overuse. The therapy can also be tailored to individual needs, and it can be adjusted to provide optimal results.
Is Shockwave Therapy the right choice for you?
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, tendinopathies, and other conditions. It can be used to reduce pain and inflammation, and it can help to restore function and improve mobility. Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for these conditions, and it can be tailored to individual needs. If you are interested in learning more about shockwave therapy and the conditions it can treat, we recommend consulting with a medical professional.