Shockwave Therapy is a non-surgical device used to provide fast pain relief and mobility restoration through the application of high energy acoustic pressure waves to tissue with subacute or chronic conditions.
These pressure waves interact with tissue and cause accelerated tissue repair, cell growth and pain relief.
Some of the mechanisms of action include stimulation of mast cells to help reverse chronic inflammation, stimulation of collagen production to enhance repair of ligament and other tissue, breaking up of calcification within tendons, dispersion of substance P, a neurotransmitter that mediates pain, in order to relieve local chronic pain, and stimulation of growth and remodeling of blood vessels in order to provide better nutrient supply to support healing.
Shockwave therapy can also be used to release painful trigger points (knots) in muscle both effectively and non-invasively.
Some of the conditions that commonly benefit from Shockwave therapy include epicondylitis (tennis and golfers elbow), heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, patella, hamstring and achilles tendonopathy, shin splints, and shoulder tendon pain and calcification. Some studies are also finding uses for Shockwave in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Treatment protocols typically involve 3-5 sessions 3-10 days apart. While there may be some discomfort felt during the treatment it is quite tolerable and the duration of most sessions is only about 5 minutes. Some mild post treatment soreness can be felt within 2-4 hours.
At your first visit, you will meet our experienced Chiropractor, who will discuss your symptoms and condition, followed by treatment of the area of pain or injury. If Shockwave Therapy is indicated as the best treatment for your condition, it will be fully explained and treatment will commence.
Shockwave treatment typically lasts for 10-15 minutes. This is followed by relevant hands-on manual therapy, for example, myofascial release or dry needling.
Should your Chiropractor feel shockwave is not appropriate for your condition, this will be explained and an alternative treatment will be provided.
There are no known side effects of shockwave therapy. Most patients experience a reduction in their pain. Occasionally, a mild diffuse pain can be experienced within a few hours of treatment and may last 24 hours.
