Shockwave treatments for hip pain and injuries
Shockwave Therapy is an innovative treatment that uses sound waves to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions by breaking down adhesion, reducing pain, and encouraging regeneration. This article series aims to provide a comprehensive overview of shockwave therapy and its use for treating chronic hip pain and old injuries. Knowing the basics of how this type of therapy works, and the conditions it can treat is important for you if you’re considering shockwave therapy to improve your hip pain.
Anatomy of the hips
Your hip joint is a complex system composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is the largest joint in your body and is responsible for bearing most of your body’s weight. It must flex, extend, and rotate both internally and externally. Relevant bones include the femur and the acetabulum. Relevant muscles include the piriformis, glutes, psoas, and adductor magnus. Common causes of hip pain and injury include osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and adhesion development. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been proven to help in each of the above conditions.
Conditions treated by Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions that affect the hips, such as gluteal tendonitis, femoroacetabular arthritis, hip bursitis, hip impingement, piriformis syndrome and adhesion. It can also be used to treat chronic hip pain that has not responded to other treatments. Shockwave can also improve flexibility that hasn’t responded to stretching. Studies have found that shockwave therapy can reduce pain, reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and kill senescent cells.
Shockwave Treatments work: Real-World Example:
A 22-year old gym enthusiast came into my office reporting of pain in the front if their hips. She was stretching her hip flexor for hours each week without any permanent relief to her condition. Upon examination, we found that her groin and hip ligaments had a ton of adhesion. This limited her hip flexibility. The pain in the front of her hip wasn’t her psoas, it was an impingement. After 6 sessions, she reported no pain and she was able to squat without any pain!
How Shockwave Therapy is administered to the hips
Shockwave therapy is administered through a hand-held device that emits sound waves at a high frequency. The device is placed directly on the affected area and the sound waves pass through the skin to target the underlying tissues. The treatment protocol and intensity of the sound waves can be adjusted depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of the condition. Shockwave therapy is most effective when the target tissue is lengthened during treatment.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for the hips
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, improving mobility, and accelerating healing in the hips. Pain reduction is often experienced immediately following treatment and is durable. Improved range of motion, improved strength, and increased circulation can also be seen after a few treatment sessions. Studies have also shown that shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration.
Risks and side effects of Shockwave Treatments
As with any medical treatment, there are risks and side effects associated with shockwave therapy. The most common side effects are temporary skin irritation and soreness. Other risks include nerve damage, infection, and bone fractures. You should avoid shockwave therapy if you’re pregnant or are trying to get pregant. You should also avoid shockwave therapy if you think you may have cancer. To minimize these risks, it is important to seek treatment from an experienced provider who uses the latest technology.
Choosing a Shockwave Therapy provider
When choosing a shockwave therapy provider, it is important to consider the qualifications and experience of the provider. Ensure that they can provide you with an accurate and complete diagnosis. It is also important to ask about the type of shockwave equipment they use and any additional treatments they may offer. Other factors to consider include cost, location, and availability. Because this is an emerging technology, be sure to select a doctor with a long and successful track record.
Shockwave treatments can help with hip pain and injuries
In conclusion, shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for conditions that affect the hips. It can reduce pain, improve range of motion, and accelerate healing. It is important to seek treatment from an experienced shockwave therapy provider who uses the latest technology and can tailor the treatment protocol to individual needs. Knowing the basics of shockwave therapy and the conditions it can treat is essential for anyone considering it for hip pain.