Eye50 million adultsin the United States deal with some type of chronic pain. In addition to limiting your mobility, chronic pain can make you irritable and prevent you from doing the things you love.
Unfortunately, traditional pain management methods are not an effective, long-term solution to pain. Painkillers can be addictive, and surgery comes with risk factors.
Fortunately, you can opt for non-invasive shockwave therapy. Not only does it relieve pain, but it also treats soft tissue disorders, bone defects, and even erectile dysfunction. But does shockwave therapy really work?
Read the shockwave therapy guide below and learn everything you need to know about the treatment.
Shockwave Therapy Explained: What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, is an FDA-approved treatment method that delivers shockwaves to damaged tissue to reduce pain and promote healing.
the use ofshockwave therapy machine, the system transmits energy to the applicator, which generates shock waves. Your physical therapist can adjust the frequency and pressure of these waves, depending on your condition.
Whether you are suffering from pain from an illness or long-term pain from an injury, this therapy triggers your body's natural response to treatment to provide relief. The success rate of shockwave therapy ranges from60% do 80%for plantar fasciitis, epicondylitis, cuff tendinitis and others.
Most patients report successful results such as reduced chronic pain and increased mobility after treatment.
Conditions that can be treated with shockwave therapy
From mild to chronic pain, Shockwave Therapy devices can relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Here are some conditions that shockwave therapy can treat:
- Face - TMJ or jaw pain
- Shoulder - calcified rotator cuff tendinitis
- Elbow - golfer and tennis player
- Back pain - in the lumbar and cervical spine
- Hip - bursitis
- Knee - patellar tendonitis
- Thigh - iliotibial band friction syndrome
- Calf - the lower part of the leg
- Feet - plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and Achilles tendonitis
Talk to your doctor about your condition and see if it can be treated with shockwave therapy.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
To use this treatment in your practice, you need a shockwave therapy device. During the treatment, electromagnets generating a signal through the water create a shock wave.
The signal is focused by a lens, directing all energy to a single focal point. Your physical therapist will then place a shockwave therapy device on the affected area so that he can direct all of that energy to the damaged tissue.
When the shock wave penetrates your tissue, it can break down and recreate the absorption of kinetic energy into specific body structures - bones, tendons, ligaments and more.
During shockwave therapy, there are two levels of transmission - low and high energy. Low-energy shockwave therapy has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, facilitating tissue regeneration. It is more common and less expensive than high-energy shockwave therapy, which leads to immediate healing.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
If you suffer from chronic pain, there are many different treatments you can undergo to relieve pain. But here are the reasons why you should consider shockwave therapy.
Non-invasive and non-surgical
Unlike surgery, you don't need cuts or incisions to relieve pain. Moreover, there is no need to use anesthesia.
As part of the manual treatment, acoustic waves penetrate the skin of the body through a shock wave therapy device through a gel medium. This reduces your chances of dealing with risky side effects.
No downtime
Since it is a non-invasive procedure, it does not require recovery. You can return to your normal daily activities with a few restrictions, such as avoiding strenuous work. You may also be allowed to go home on your own after treatment.
It solves many problems
In addition to treating conditions that cause chronic pain, shockwave therapy can also treat other health issues, including erectile dysfunction. It can also help reduce the effects of cellulite.
Stimulates blood flow
Poor blood circulation can cause pain. During shockwave therapy, sound waves create tiny tears in the tissues to help create new blood vessels.
This stimulates increased blood flow to the affected area, enhancing the body's natural regenerative abilities for quick pain relief.
Reverses chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation can be the result of injury or disease. Left unchecked, it can lead to chronic pain. Shockwave therapy increases mast cell activity, helping to reduce inflammation.
Dissolves calcium deposits
Experiencing a tendon injury can often lead to calcium buildup. When calcium builds up in your body, it can limit your mobility and range of motion. Moreover, this soft tissue calcification can cause medical problems such as coronary artery disease.
Shockwave therapy can help break down existing soft tissue calcification to restore normal body function. It can also increase the elasticity of the treated tissue.
Relaxes trigger points
Your trigger points are usually the source of increasing tension in your body, causing the muscles around your spine to stiffen. These trigger points can cause severe back, neck, and shoulder pain. Shockwave therapy acts as a targeted massage to release tension in trigger points, offering pain relief.
It interrupts the pain neurotransmitter
When you feel pain, your body usually sends pain messages to the central nervous system via a neurotransmitter known as substance P.
Shockwave therapy can disrupt the body's communicationmain pain neurotransmitterby preventing pain messages from being sent to nerve receptors in the brain. This facilitates greater pain relief.
Offers treatments at home
You are not limited to going to a physical therapist for shockwave therapy. You can purchase a shockwave therapy device for home use and use it in the comfort of your own home. Before using the device for home use, consult your doctor first.
What can you expect from Shockwave Therapy?
Due to its advantages, shockwave therapy is becoming an increasingly popular physiotherapy treatment. If you suffer from chronic pain and need treatment, here's how the process works.
Step 1: initial consultation and diagnosis
Before starting treatment, you should attend a comprehensive consultation, during which you will discuss your symptoms and assess whether Shockwave Therapy is the right therapy for you. This consultation may include a review of your medical history, an examination of the areas to be treated, and treatment expectations.
Step 2: Find the treatment area
Whether you suffer from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or erectile dysfunction, your physical therapist will locate the area before starting shockwave therapy.
It ensures that the affected area receives the required attention. It also helps locate open wounds in the healing area. If you have an open wound, your physiotherapist may not continue treatment as it may cause damage.
Step 3: Apply the gel
After finding the treatment area, the physiotherapist will apply the appropriate amount of gel to the surface of your skin. helpssound wavesthey move more easily through body tissues.
Step 4: Start Shockwave Therapy
Your physical therapist will gently push the shockwave therapy device onto the affected area and press the start button. Once the device starts working, an electrical charge creates a wave of energy that focuses on the treatment area. These acoustic waves exert a force on the tissues, promoting healing.
Depending on the condition of the patient, the doctor may use high or low energy shockwave therapy. If high-energy shockwave therapy is used, anesthesia may be necessary as the procedure may be painful.
Step 5: Recovery
Although shockwave therapy requires little or no recovery time, strenuous activities such as running should be avoided for approximately 24 to 72 hours. But your physical therapist can prescribe specific exercises, such as stretching, to help you stay in shape while you recover.
How many Shockwave Therapy treatments do you need?
Shockwave therapy requires a minimum of three treatments within three weeks. But some patients may report feeling better after one or two treatments. Sometimes the number of treatments may depend on the severity of chronic pain.
Each session can last approximately 10 to 15 minutes on average. After undergoing shockwave therapy, further treatment may be required for months or even years.
Who is not a suitable candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
One secshockwave therapyit is an effective treatment for several conditions, but it is not the right treatment for everyone. You should not undergo this procedure if:
- you are difficult
- You have a blood clotting disorder
- You are taking oral anticoagulants
- You have received a steroid injection in the last 6 weeks
- You have a pacemaker implanted
- You have bumps or open wounds present in the treatment area
Make sure you discuss your conditions with your doctor before any therapy.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave therapy is mostly safe. While there may be some side effects, they are insignificant compared to other pain treatments such as surgery or pain medication.
Side effects include mild swelling, numbness or bruising in the treatment area. But you'll probably recover quickly from these side effects.
Start Shockwave Therapy today
Do you suffer from chronic pain? Need effective pain relief? Looking for "shockwave therapy near me?" At Oceanus America, we provide certified, innovative shockwave therapy devices that help you quickly relieve pain, enabling you to lead a healthy lifestyle.contact usif you need the latest shockwave therapy devices.
FAQs
Does Shockwave Therapy Really Work? What you need to know? ›
Clinical studies have generally shown shockwave therapy to be effective and safe, but more research is needed to identify potential risks and the best treatment protocols for someone with erectile dysfunction.
What you need to know about shockwave therapy? ›Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body's natural healing process. It can relieve pain and promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It accomplishes this by releasing growth factors in the injured tissue.
What are the drawbacks of shockwave therapy? ›- It is not clear how well shockwave therapy works for ED.
- It can be costly.
- It may only be effective in men with mild to moderate ED.
Does This Treatment Help Everyone? Yes. In fact, the majority of patients who use this treatment have enjoyed results. In clinical studies, about 91% of patients reported successful results, including a decrease in chronic pain, increase in mobility, and other health improvements.
What is the success rate of shockwave therapy? ›When used to treat Plantar Fasciitis, shockwave therapy has a success rate of up to 88%, with no repeated instances of discomfort from the condition.
How do you prepare for shockwave therapy? ›Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy Procedure
This procedure is performed in an exam room and does not require anesthesia. You do not need to prepare anything in advance for your appointment.
You may eat a regular diet until midnight the night before surgery. After midnight please do not eat or drink anything. If instructed to do so, you may take your prescription medications with a sip of water. Once asleep the shock wave machine will be brought into contact with the skin overlying the stone.
Who should not do shockwave therapy? ›The main contraindications include: Pregnancy. Certain heart conditions or pacemakers. Taking medication that interferes with blood clotting.
Where should you not use shockwave therapy? ›While this treatment method doesn't cause significant side effects for most people, there are situations where it shouldn't be used. Your doctor probably won't recommend shockwave therapy, for instance, when soft tissue is torn beyond repair. That could increase the soft tissue damage in this case.
Can Shockwave damage kidneys? ›On the downside SWL can cause vascular trauma to the kidney and surrounding organs. This acute SW damage can be severe, can lead to scarring with a permanent loss of functional renal volume, and has been linked to potentially serious long-term adverse effects.
How often should you do shockwave? ›
What to Expect a Typical Shockwave Treatment? One treatment usually takes 10-15 minutes to administer depending on the disorder that is being treated. Generally, 3-5 treatment session is necessary, with one treatment being done every 5-10 days.
How long does shockwave therapy results last? ›Shockwave therapy is designed to promote healing and regeneration with long-lasting results. Many patients report beneficial effects that can last for months or even years at a time, depending on the specific health condition being treated and type of shockwave therapy administered.
Which shockwave therapy is best? ›Even better, all healthcare professionals can use the Storz MASTERPULS® devices, the best shockwave therapy machines on the market. The MASTERPULS® series is ergonomically designed, so practitioners can use them for hours without worrying about placing physical stress on their bodies.
How much does a session of shockwave therapy cost? ›Shockwave Therapy Cost
The out-of-pocket cost for each treatment is between $400 and $500. Your urologist will discuss these costs and other options with you before deciding the best course for treatment.
What if the shockwave therapy treatment doesn't work? Usually the initial response to shockwave therapy treatment is good however it may take a few months before maximum effect is achieved. If pain is still persistent then surgery may be an option.
Does shock wave therapy break up scar tissue? ›The shock waves produce a rapid increase in blood circulation to the target area and will break down fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time, especially with chronic conditions. The break-down of scar tissue is the key to why shock wave therapy is so effective.
What should you not do before Shockwave? ›You may need to stop taking warfarin or other blood-thinning medications. These medications could increase the risk of bleeding related to the procedure. Follow a specific diet: You will need to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before your procedure.
Should I stretch after shockwave therapy? ›You should be able to continue your usual activities following shockwave treatment. We would suggest avoiding any strenuous exercises or impact, such as running, for the first 48 hours. However, it is important to continue with the exercises given to you by the physiotherapist, such as stretching your plantar fascia.
Can I drive after shock wave therapy? ›ESWT should not be painful and if you feel any discomfort during your treatment let the doctor know immediately. No anaesthetic is required and you may go home straight away afterwards. You will be able to drive afterwards.
How quickly does Shockwave work? ›The process takes about 15 minutes. Most patients feel results right away and need only two or three treatments over six to 12 weeks for complete healing and lasting symptom resolution. The beauty of ESWT is that if it is going to work, it likely will start working immediately after the first treatment.
How long does shockwave therapy take to work? ›
How long does it take shockwave therapy to work? From our own experience and the studies on shockwave therapy, most patients will feel a significant clinical benefit in their pain 6 to 8 weeks after treatment.
What comes after a shockwave? ›Over longer distances, a shock wave can change from a nonlinear wave into a linear wave, degenerating into a conventional sound wave as it heats the air and loses energy. The sound wave is heard as the familiar "thud" or "thump" of a sonic boom, commonly created by the supersonic flight of aircraft.
Should you rest after shockwave? ›How long does it take to recover after shockwave therapy? Once your treatment is finished, you'll be able to go home and return to work and your normal daily activities straight away. You should avoid high impact exercise such as running or playing tennis for the first 48 hours after treatment.
Can shockwave therapy affect your heart? ›Shockwave therapy enhances capillary density in the border zones of experimental myocardial infarction, resulting in decreased infarct size and hence, improved cardiac function (27).
Why is shock wave therapy not approved in United States? ›In the absence of clinical trials showing its long-term effectiveness, SWT has not been approved by the FDA for treatment of ED and is not covered by insurance. In its guidelines for ED treatment, the AUA designates SWT as an "investigational" treatment that should be limited to research trials.
Can you have too much shock wave therapy? ›Complications do not normally happen with shockwave therapy. It is low risk but is not always successful. It can cause increased pain and sensitivity, which normally gets better with time. People who have poor sensation (neuropathy) or hypersensitivity at the proposed treatment site should not have ESWT.
How deep does shockwave therapy go? ›- they deliver their maximum intensity to a 'superficial' area i.e low depth. This depth is usually around 3 - 4cm. Focused shock waves allow for 'adjustable' penetration depending on where needs to be treated and are ideal for treating deeper problem areas such as hamstring, pelvic or hip issues.
How deep does shockwave therapy penetrate? ›Focused shockwaves, which are the shockwaves used for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy treatment of urolithiasis, can be targeted to focal points at various tissue depths (up to 10–12 cm) by utilizing reflection of energy created by an acoustic wave source such that the waves convene at a focus point for maximal ...
Can Shockwave damage bone? ›Many studies reported intensive osteochondrogenesis in segmental femoral defects after shockwave treatment, but no shockwave-induced crack or micro-damage was noted on bone [27], [28], [29].
Is Shockwave therapy A Radiation? ›Does shock wave therapy ionize radiation? Shock waves are acoustic waves and thus, due to the nature of their mechanics, they do not present characteristic risks associated with radioactivity.
Is shockwave therapy for kidney stone safe? ›
SWL has the potential to cause kidney injury. Whether or not SWL causes or leads to the development of high blood pressure and diabetes remains controversial. These possibilities are still being studied. You should ask your doctor about risks and benefits of SWL in your situation.
Does shockwave heal nerves? ›What is Shockwave Therapy? Shockwave was originally known as a treatment of Tendinopathies, in some cases, calcific build ups, but recent research from around the world is showing success in areas of regenerative medicine like spinal cord injuries and vascular & nerve regeneration.
Does shockwave therapy regenerate nerves? ›Noninvasive mechano-biological intervention, such as microenergy acoustic pulse (MAP), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave treatment, is an optimal approach to stimulate nerve regeneration.
Is shockwave therapy FDA approved? ›One of the concerns about shockwave therapy is cost. Shockwave therapy is still a procedure that is not FDA-approved. Some of the benefits of shockwave therapy, such as improvement of blood flow and improvement of connective tissue damage are FDA-approved indications.
Does shockwave therapy tighten skin? ›In the cosmetic industry, Shockwave Therapy is a safe and effective treatment which stimulates lymphatic drainage, encourages the breakdown of fat cells, and induces skin tightening. This treatment can target areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, legs and arms.
How long after shockwave therapy can I take anti inflammatory? ›Do not take NSAID's (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or ice for 48 hours after the treatment and make sure you take things a little easier.
Is shockwave the same as TENS unit? ›The shockwaves also overstimulate nerves, which can reduce sensitivity and pain in chronic conditions. In this respect shockwave affects pain in a similar way to TENS, but TENS does not have the primary healing effect that shockwave provides.
What is the difference between tens and shockwave? ›Shockwave – A high energy, acoustic wave of pressure is fired into the tissue, promoting repair and regeneration of the tissues. TENS – Sticky pads called electrodes are placed on the skin, and small, low voltage electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area.
Is shockwave better than ultrasound? ›High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (higher than 1 MHz) can be focused. However, HIFU generates significant amounts of heat and is applied only for tissue ablation. This is why cannot be used in the same applications as shock waves. For medical applications, shock waves succeed in healing faster compared to ultrasound.
Is shockwave therapy covered by Medicare? ›Medicare Advantage plans do not cover shockwave therapy for ED. Traditional Medicare does not offer coverage for shockwave therapy for ED. Aetna Medicare does not cover shockwave therapy for ED. United Healthcare Medicare plans do not cover shockwave therapy for ED.
What is the difference between laser therapy and shockwave therapy? ›
While laser imparts photonic energy into tissue to create photochemical changes at the mitochondrial level in a process referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM), therapeutic shockwave (ESWT) devices deliver radial or dispersive sound waves into tissue.
Can Shockwave therapy break up calcification? ›Calcium deposits may form on the tendons in the shoulder joint. Shock wave therapy passes sound or shock waves through the skin to the affected area, and may break up calcium deposits.
What does shockwave do to scar tissue? ›The shock waves produce a rapid increase in blood circulation to the target area and will break down fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time, especially with chronic conditions. The break-down of scar tissue is the key to why shock wave therapy is so effective.
How effective is shockwave therapy for scar tissue? ›SWT can decrease time to full wound closure and reduces the risk for tissue necrosis. SWT may improve scar elasticity, which will probably lead to amelioration of function. There is a high dose–effect relationship when treating soft tissue defects with SWT.
What machine breaks up scar tissue? ›Astym is a tool used to break up scar tissue and damaged soft tissue to promote regeneration of healthy tissue to improve one's function. Scar tissue can cause muscle tension, limited flexibility, and range of motion restrictions.
What precautions should be taken after shockwave therapy? ›After the procedure, it is best to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil because stimulating the inflammation cascade is part of the healing process activated by ESWT. Other than that, you can go about your normal activities, generally including exercise if you feel up to it.
When should you not use shockwave therapy? ›While this treatment method doesn't cause significant side effects for most people, there are situations where it shouldn't be used. Your doctor probably won't recommend shockwave therapy, for instance, when soft tissue is torn beyond repair. That could increase the soft tissue damage in this case.
How long does it take for shockwave therapy to work? ›The healing brought about by shockwave therapy can take weeks as your body's natural healing process takes place. Patients usually report a dramatic improvement in their symptoms after just a few weeks – but the complete effects may not occur for several months after treatment is completed.
What are the 2 types of shockwave therapy? ›- Electromagnetic shockwave (Sonocur and Dornier Epos machines).
- Piezoelectric shockwave (Piezoson) * Electrohydraulic shockwave (I.E.
Shockwave therapy is designed to promote healing and regeneration with long-lasting results. Many patients report beneficial effects that can last for months or even years at a time, depending on the specific health condition being treated and type of shockwave therapy administered.
Does Shockwave reduce inflammation? ›
Shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain by decreasing the release of inflammatory mediators from cells in the treated area. The sound waves cause tiny vibrations in the tissue, which help to break up the inflammatory cells and promote healing.
Should you rest after Shockwave? ›How long does it take to recover after shockwave therapy? Once your treatment is finished, you'll be able to go home and return to work and your normal daily activities straight away. You should avoid high impact exercise such as running or playing tennis for the first 48 hours after treatment.
Can Shockwave Therapy affect your heart? ›Shockwave therapy enhances capillary density in the border zones of experimental myocardial infarction, resulting in decreased infarct size and hence, improved cardiac function (27).
Can you have too much shockwave therapy? ›Shockwave therapy is extremely safe. Minor side effects, such as mild swelling, bruising, or aches, may be experienced for a few days after the procedure, but major side effects are extremely rare.
How often should you use shockwave? ›What to Expect a Typical Shockwave Treatment? One treatment usually takes 10-15 minutes to administer depending on the disorder that is being treated. Generally, 3-5 treatment session is necessary, with one treatment being done every 5-10 days.