Can Shockwave therapy fix Chronic pain?

Chronic pain is extremely frustrating and significantly affects the quality of life. It disrupts your daily routine and limits your functioning. Medication and surgery are not always the best solutions. These traditional treatments bring side effects as well. 

Lately, shockwave therapy has emerged as a great alternative for chronic pain. It is non-invasive. The question is can Shockwave therapy fully cure chronic pain? Let’s dive into the science behind the shockwave therapy and its effectiveness. 

What is Shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). It uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It was originally developed to break kidney stones. Eventually, its application has been extended to treat several musculoskeletal conditions. 

The shockwave therapy sends high-energy sound waves to affected areas. It promotes increased blood circulation and stimulates cell regeneration. Overall, it enhances the body’s natural healing mechanism. That makes shockwave therapy an ideal choice for people suffering from chronic pain. 

How Shockwave Therapy Works

As mentioned earlier, the therapy delivers acoustic waves. It penetrates deep into tissues, inducing microtrauma that triggers the body’s repair process. Some of the main effects are the following:

• Increased Blood Flow: It accelerates the formation of new blood vessels which leads to more nutrient and oxygen supply to the affected areas. 
• Reduction of Calcifications: It gets down to the root cause and breaks down calcified deposits in soft tissues, the most common source of pain. 
• Pain Modulation: By overstimulating nerve endings, the therapy can reduce pain perception in the treated area. 

These combined effects contribute to pain relief and functional improvement in patients with chronic conditions.

Effectiveness in Treating Chronic Pain

There are credible clinical studies that have endorsed the efficacy of shockwave therapy to address various chronic pain conditions. 

• Plantar Fasciitis: Such patients have experienced great relief and significant improvement in their chronic pain by undergoing shockwave therapy. 
• Tendinopathies: If you suffer from conditions like tennis elbow and Achilles, shockwave therapy can help you reduce pain and improve overall functionality. 
• Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy: Shockwave therapy breaks down calcium deposits in your shoulder. It alleviates pain and restores mobility. 

While individual results may vary, many patients experience relief after a series of sessions, highlighting shockwave therapy as a promising option for chronic pain management.

Advantages of Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy offers several benefits compared to conventional pain management approaches:

• Non-Invasive: There are no surgical interventions. Hence, no complications and faster recovery time. 
• Minimal Side Effects: You might experience a little discomfort. Swelling for example. However, it lasts for a very short time. 
• No Medication Dependency: It eliminates the need for pain medication. Moreover, shockwave therapy minimizes side effects. 

These advantages make shockwave therapy an appealing option for individuals seeking alternative pain relief methods.

Limitations

While shockwave therapy has shown promise, it’s essential to consider certain factors:

• Treatment Duration: Patients have to undergo multiple sessions to achieve the best results. The effectiveness of shockwave therapy varies among individuals. 
• Not Suitable for All Conditions: It may not work best for patients with certain medical conditions. 
• Cost and Accessibility: It may be limited to specific regions which restricts its scope. Moreover, the costs can vary, given the provider and number of sessions. 

Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

Physis Physical Therapy: Your Partner in Pain Relief

At Physis Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing innovative and effective treatments for chronic pain. Our team of experienced professionals offers personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. By integrating shockwave therapy into our comprehensive rehabilitation programs, we aim to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

In addition to shockwave therapy, we offer a range of services designed to address various musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS): This approach focuses on improving motor control and movement patterns to alleviate pain and enhance function.
• Janda’s Approach: A method that addresses muscle imbalances and their impact on chronic pain conditions.
• Anatomy in Motion (AIM): A technique that assesses and corrects movement patterns to restore optimal function and reduce pain by connecting head-to-toe function.

Our holistic approach ensures that we address the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms. To learn more about our services and how we can assist you in your journey toward pain-free living, visit our services page.

Call now to book your Appointment for Shockwave Therapy now at Physis Physical Therapy