How Can Shockwave Therapy Help You
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive therapy in which a course of low-energy acoustic wave pulses is generated. The generated wave pulses are applied directly into a wound through the patient’s skin with the help of a gel-based medium. The sound waves’ ability to remove gallstones led to the development of both the idea and the technology of shockwave therapy. Here’s everything you need to know about shockwave therapy High Wycombe
Numerous scientific pieces of research have shown that the use of generated shockwaves in the treatment of chronic diseases is beneficial. Two key benefits of Shockwave therapy are pain management and functional recovery.
The therapy aims to build your body’s natural healing process, so you don’t need painkillers to deal with it. After the initial treatment, many clients claim that their pain has reduced and their mobility has improved significantly.
Tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other common tendon issues have been successfully treated with shockwave therapy.
How Does It Work?
Shockwave therapy is now an increasingly used modality in physiotherapy. It makes use of much less energy than other medical applications. They make use of mechanical shockwaves rather than electric ones. They are audible, low-energy sound waves that stimulate the damaged part’s blood circulation.
There are two basic ways in which shockwave therapy works to treat persistent tendon discomfort. The shockwaves first act to desensitize nerve endings, which frequently results in instant pain relief.
Secondly, and most importantly, the regulated micro-trauma (microscopic damage) caused by the shockwaves to the tissues stimulates the body to react by accelerating blood flow and metabolism in the afflicted area. This will stimulate and enhance the body’s natural healing process. The shockwaves can also “break down” calcifications and disorganized tissue.
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems, mainly those involving connective tissues like tendons and ligaments.
Conditions That Can Be Treated
Shockwave therapy can be effective for many disorders affecting the lower and upper limbs including the following.
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs
- Patellar tendonitis
- Calcific tendinitis of rotator cuff muscles
- Bursitis
- Chronic muscular pain
- Shin splints
- Bone injuries
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Here are some of the benefits you can get by opting for shockwave therapy from Physio Healing Hands.
- A non-invasive treatment for chronic shoulder, back, heel, knee, or elbow pain
- Shockwave therapy is cost-effective
- No medicines or anesthesia are needed
- Lower side effects
- Orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine are the three main application areas.
- According to recent studies, this can also reduce acute pain
Side Effects That You Should Know About
- There may be temporary discomfort, oedema, bruising, and surface skin redness in the treated area.
- Small blood vessels may bleed, causing the treated area to seem bruised on the surface.
- Deep tissue pain may be experienced
- The use of several drugs, especially anti-inflammatories, may slow healing.
- Following shockwave therapy, the patient may experience inflammation and numbness. However, it will be gone within seven days.
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How Long Does the Healing Process Take Following Shockwave Therapy?
You’ll be able to go home soon after your treatment is over and resume work and your normal daily routines right away. For the first 48 hours following treatment, you should avoid performing intense exercises like playing a physical game or running.
If you’re in pain, get in touch before taking any medication. It is best to consult with an experienced physiotherapist if you are suffering from an intense amount of pain. It is crucial to remember that a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller like ibuprofen will nullify the treatment’s effects.
You might suffer swelling and inflammation in the days after shockwave therapy in the treatment area. Although this may make your discomfort seem worse, it is a normal part of the healing process and will pass in a day or two.
Wrapping Up
The majority of patients need three shockwave therapy sessions, scheduled one week apart from the other before experiencing visible pain relief. Five sessions may be required for some conditions.
If you are considering getting shockwave therapy, we suggest you talk with our healthcare expert, for more detailed advice. Get in touch with Physio Healing Hands today to know more!
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