A shockwave is a rapid, high-pressure wave produced by an explosion, supersonic movement, or other phenomena that generates a sudden release of energy. When an object moves through a fluid, such as air or water, faster than the speed of sound in that medium, it creates a shockwave. A shockwave travels about 340 meters per second through the air.
In the case of focused shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal treatment, shockwaves are high-peak sound waves generated outside the body (extracorporeal) and are transmitted into the body’s soft tissue, which is mostly water, through an ultrasound gel. These sounds waves move so fast that they break the sound barrier…thus, a shockwave. Shockwaves can travel about 1500 meters per second through soft tissue! Radial pressure waves (sometimes incorrectly called a shockwave), travel at about 10 meters per second.
Schwabe Chiropractic specializes in conservative treatment and has always operated under the principle that we only facilitate your body’s natural healing processes. You do the healing! Shockwave therapy is another addition to our toolbox to help your body heal better. Shockwave is effective for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
· Plantar Fasciitis
· Achilles Tendinopathy
· Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
· Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (runner’s knee)
· Iliotibial band Syndrome (ITB Syndrome)
· Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
· Heel Spurs
· Shoulder Tendinopathies
Some patients may feel better right away, but others can take up to four weeks for pain relief to become consistent. Your body will continue the healing process between treatments and even up to 12 weeks after your last treatment. This treatment reduces pain, helps you move better, and allows you to get back to doing the things you love more quickly and easily. More than 80% of patients say they have no pain or much less pain after treatment.
Shockwave Therapy is a safe treatment with minimal side effects. Some patients may experience temporary soreness, swelling, or bruising in the treated area, but these typically resolve within 24-48 hours.
Patients typically experience a slight tingling, static-like, or tapping sensation during treatment. While it can be slightly uncomfortable, it’s generally well-tolerated and the intensity will be adjusted for your comfort.
Following a treatment, you should avoid strenuous activities, especially in the treatment area for 24-48 hours to allow the treatment area to heal and return to balance. Do not ice the area or use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil). Heat is ok as are natural options like curcumin or omega-3s.
Your doctor will provide you with a tailored aftercare plan to ensure the best results.
The safety and effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy have not been established for people with certain health conditions. Your doctor will inform you how these conditions and others may impact the decision to perform the ESWT procedure.
- Malignancies/active Cancer
- DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or bleeding disorders
- Pregnancy
- Acute Infection
- Use of steroid injections in the last 6 weeks
Treatment sessions usually last 10-20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Typically, you will need at least 4 sessions, spaced one week apart. Your protocol is based on your complaint and your body’s own health and healing processes.
Shockwave therapy was first used in Medicine in 1980.
It was originally used to break up kidney stones and still is today. They must use a much higher energy than is used in musculoskeletal treatment and, therefore, it requires the use of anesthesia due to the high energy and discomfort involved.
Its next application was for poorly healing bone fractures. Because of the success of these treatments, much research was done in this field and it was quickly realized that orthopedic conditions could be successfully treated with Shockwave as well.
Since the early 1990s, Shockwave has become more widely used in musculoskeletal complaints and injuries and is now one of the most requested therapies in professional sports.