Chronic pain can impact all areas of life – from moving to sleeping, working, and mental well-being. When pain lasts for months and common therapeutic options help only to a limited extent, many people start considering interventional therapies that alleviate the source of pain instead of hiding it. One alternative being investigated is shockwave therapy.
The question is, how effective is it at helping long-term pain? Here we discuss what this treatment is and how most patients are turning to it for permanent relief.
Understanding Shock Wave Therapy Treatment
Shock wave therapy — also called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic waves targeted at injured or painful tissues. The sound waves stimulate the natural healing process of the body, assisting with repairing damaged tendons, muscles, and soft tissues.
Unlike surgery, with invasive procedures and long recovery periods, shock wave therapy treatment is non-surgical and implemented to heal faster.
It’s usually used for the treatment of:
Common Conditions Treated
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder tendon pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Chronic back pain
- Hip and knee tendon issues
- Muscle tightness and trigger points
It provides a ray of hope for those who suffer from acute pain for months or years.
How Shock Wave Therapy Works for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can arise when damaged tissues do not completely heal and instead become chronically inflamed. Shock wave therapy treatment encourages regeneration at the cellular level.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your acoustic waves in therapy may reach up to the following:
- Increase blood circulation
- Stimulate collagen production
- Reduce inflammation
- Scar tissue or calcification dispersion
- Encourage tissue repair and healing
This process goes to the root of pain, rather than temporarily mask symptoms.
Due to these curative results, the shock wave therapy is regularly prescribed when relaxation, medicines, or physiotherapy by itself have failed to offer enough success.
Is Shock Wave Therapy Effective?
The results of shock wave therapy are effective depending on the length of time a condition has been present and which type is present. However, lots of patients see quite a rapid degree of improvement after a short, straight course of treatment.
Signs of Improvement May Include:
Reduced Pain
Patients regularly report that the discomfort while doing day-to-day activities and movement is less.
Improved Mobility
Busy joints and muscles may become easier to move.
Faster Recovery
The therapy promotes healing, which may help shorten recovery time for chronic injuries compared to doing nothing.
Long-Term Relief
Results may persist longer than temporary pain management methods since the treatment aids tissue repair.
Typically, those who are interested in shock wave therapy in Aylesbury turn to this solution on the basis of having experienced chronic pain that impacts their ability to work, exercise, or enjoy life.
What You May Expect in a Session
Not knowing what to expect can cause anxiety when it comes to seeing a new patient for the first time.
They usually last somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes. During treatment:
- The therapist manualizes the tender area
- A gel is applied to assist the conduction of sound waves
- A portable US device emits focused sonic pulses
- Depending on comfort and condition, the intensity can be varied
Most cite the sensation as a gentle tapping or pulsing. Treatment can generally feel a little uncomfortable at times, particularly in areas with heavy inflammation, but this is predominantly controlled.
The biggest pro is fast healing since the patient returns to regular life shortly after the treatment with no downtime.
Is It Right for Everyone?
While it can be highly effective, shock wave therapy is not always the answer. A formal evaluation is necessary to assess whether the treatment is suitable given your condition and health history.
It should not be used in people who have:
- Certain circulation disorders
- Pregnancy
- Active infections
- Specific nerve or bone conditions
A qualified physiotherapy team can evaluate symptoms and make an appropriate treatment plan.
An Innovative Solution For Chronic Pain Relief
Chronic pain may not always need surgical procedures or medication management for decades to come. Shock wave therapy is, in many ways, the right, targeted, and healing method for your body.
If you suffer from tendon pain, sports medicine injuries, or long-standing muscular pain, this might be the treatment option for you.
Most Effective Way To Relieve Chronic Pain
You don’t need to confine your routine to pain and restrict your lifestyle. Our highly skilled, trusted physiotherapy team at Physio Healing Hands provides thorough assessments and advanced treatments aimed at aiding the healing process and ensuring long-lasting comfort. Schedule your consultation today and find out how shock wave therapy can get you back to what you love, pain-free.