Exploring the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Pain Relief and Rehabilitation at Neurohealth Wellness
At Neurohealth Wellness, we are constantly exploring innovative ways to support our patients in their journey to optimal health and wellness. One such treatment that has been gaining significant attention in recent years is shockwave therapy. This non-invasive therapy is proving to be a highly effective option for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, providing patients with a powerful tool for pain relief, rehabilitation, and overall recovery.
In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind shockwave therapy, the benefits it offers, and how it can assist in your treatment at Neurohealth Wellness. With input from our experienced team of practitioners, including chiropractors and acupuncturists, we aim to provide you with a thorough understanding of this cutting-edge therapy.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy or ESWT) involves the application of high-energy acoustic waves to injured or painful areas of the body. These waves stimulate healing by promoting circulation, increasing collagen production, and helping to break down scar tissue. The treatment is particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, chronic conditions, and injuries, providing a non-surgical alternative to invasive procedures.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy works by delivering targeted acoustic waves to specific tissues that are experiencing pain or dysfunction. These waves penetrate the skin and stimulate deep tissue regeneration by increasing blood flow to the affected area. This results in faster healing, reduced inflammation, and relief from chronic pain.
The treatment also helps to break down calcifications and fibrous tissue, which can be contributing factors to ongoing pain and limited mobility. In some cases, it can even reduce the need for medication or more invasive procedures, offering patients a more natural and holistic treatment option.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
1. Pain Relief
One of the most immediate benefits of shockwave therapy is pain relief. Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain levels in patients with chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy. The therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms and promoting the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
2. Accelerated Healing and Tissue Regeneration
Shockwave therapy stimulates the production of collagen and promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues, aiding in faster healing times. This is especially beneficial for patients recovering from soft tissue injuries, tendinopathies, and conditions like Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow.
A recent study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that shockwave therapy significantly accelerated tissue repair and reduced recovery times for patients suffering from calcific shoulder tendinopathy, a common condition that causes pain and limited mobility in the shoulder.
3. Reduction of Inflammation
Inflammation is often a key factor in chronic pain and limited mobility. Shockwave therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in the treated area by promoting blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to the tissue. This can lead to reduced swelling and quicker recovery from injuries.
A study published in Clinical Rheumatology demonstrated that shockwave therapy could effectively reduce inflammation in patients with chronic tendinopathy, leading to improved function and decreased pain.
4. Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive
Unlike surgical procedures or injections, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive and non-surgical option. This makes it an appealing alternative for patients who want to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with more invasive treatments. Most patients can return to their normal activities soon after a session.
5. Effective for a Wide Range of Conditions
Shockwave therapy is effective for treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Trigger points in muscles
At Neurohealth Wellness, we tailor shockwave therapy to suit each patient’s specific condition, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
6. Minimal Side Effects
Unlike many other treatments, shockwave therapy has minimal side effects. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during or after the treatment, but this typically resolves within a few hours to a day. Compared to traditional pain relief methods, such as medications or injections, shockwave therapy offers a safer alternative with fewer risks of complications or adverse effects.
Shockwave Therapy at Neurohealth Wellness
At Neurohealth Wellness, we integrate shockwave therapy into our holistic treatment approach, combining it with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture to enhance healing and recovery. Our experienced practitioners use shockwave therapy to treat a range of conditions, from chronic pain to post-injury rehabilitation, all with the goal of helping you regain mobility and return to pain-free living.
Lucia, our skilled acupuncturist, often integrates shockwave therapy with acupuncture treatments to provide comprehensive care for patients with chronic pain. This combination enhances healing and promotes balance within the body’s energy systems, speeding up recovery and improving overall function.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
During a typical shockwave therapy session, a gel is applied to the skin over the treatment area. The shockwave device is then moved over the gelled surface, delivering pulses of energy to the targeted tissue. The treatment typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the severity of the condition. Most patients experience a mild sensation of pressure or tapping during the procedure, but the treatment is generally well-tolerated.
After your session, you may experience some temporary soreness or tenderness in the treated area. This is a normal response as the body begins its healing process, and it usually subsides within a day.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Shockwave Therapy
Several recent studies have provided robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation:
- A 2023 study published in Pain Medicine showed that shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis, reducing pain and improving function.
- Research in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (2022) confirmed that shockwave therapy can be a successful treatment for calcific tendinitis, significantly improving mobility and reducing pain.
- A 2022 review in The American Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrated that shockwave therapy was effective in treating Achilles tendinopathy, leading to improved outcomes in terms of pain reduction and physical function.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option that provides numerous benefits for individuals suffering from chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and injuries. At Neurohealth Wellness, we are proud to offer this advanced therapy to help our patients recover more quickly, experience less pain, and regain their mobility.
If you're interested in exploring shockwave therapy as part of your treatment plan, or if you have any questions about how it can benefit your specific condition, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an appointment at Neurohealth Wellness today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.
References
- Chou, L., et al. (2023). "Effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy in Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder." Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 18(1), 46.
- Wang, C. J., et al. (2022). "Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Tendon Injury." Clinical Rheumatology, 41(6), 1835-1841.
- Johnson, S., et al. (2023). "Efficacy of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis." Pain Medicine, 24(4), 774-783.
- Kumar, R., et al. (2022). "Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder." Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, 13(4), 490-495.
- Lin, Y., et al. (2022). "The Effect of Shockwave Therapy on Achilles Tendinopathy." The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(6), 1489-1496.
