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In recent years, lots of scientific research has been conducted into shockwave therapy.
And whilst it’s been proven to successfully reduce pain, there are a whole host of other great benefits to the treatment.
So, if you’re weighing up whether shockwave therapy is right for you – fear not. Our musculoskeletal specialists here at Vita Health Group are on hand to help guide you.
Here are seven surprising ways shockwave therapy could benefit you, your body and your quality of life:
1> Accelerates the body’s natural healing process
Shockwave therapy stimulates neovascularisation – the scientific term used to describe the growth of new blood vessels. This growth increases blood flow to the treated area and enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, accelerating the body’s natural healing process.
2> Reduces inflammation
Shockwave therapy stimulates cellular activity, increasing the production of substances that aid in tissue repair and regeneration – also known as cellular metabolism. In turn, this can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
3> Lessens reliance on pain medication
Shockwave treatment can lead to a significant reduction in pain, potentially eliminating the need for prescription medications. It also speeds up healing without any adverse impact on the body – unlike medication which often comes with side effects.
4> Prevents invasive treatment
Shockwave therapy is non-surgical and minimally invasive. It reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional surgical interventions.
5> Enables a quick return to daily activity
Shockwave therapy is simple to administer and usually takes just five-to-ten minutes to complete. In all likelihood, you’ll be able to get back to your day shortly after treatment.
6> Reduces ongoing medical costs
Compared to surgical procedures and the regular spend of medications and prescriptions, shockwave therapy can be a cost-effective option for many patients. Most see long term results after only three treatments.
7> Helps to treat a wide range of ailments
Shockwave therapy can successfully treat the most common and persistent tendon complaints, including:
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Greater trochanteric pain in the hip
- Patella tendinopathy.
- Calcific tendinopathy – a pain that is often felt over the top of the shoulder and radiates down one arm.
How does shockwave therapy actually work?
Shockwave therapy is administered to the tendon or muscle through the surface of the skin, using a handheld device that looks much like an ultrasound wand.
It creates a mechanical force with acoustic waves that trigger a cascade of biological responses from the body. Shockwave therapy disrupts pain signals in the nervous system, providing pain relief for various conditions.
Though the name of the treatment may sound painful, most patients only experience mild discomfort, lasting only for the length of the treatment – around five-to-ten minutes.
Shockwave therapy can also be administered in conjunction with physiotherapy rehabilitation exercises. Evidence-based research suggests this can produce the best clinical outcomes for the patient and can help them to get people back to work and daily activities faster.
Is shockwave therapy right for you?
It’s important you consult a medical professional and only seek shockwave therapy from a qualified clinician.
If you’re suffering with pain but are unsure of whether shockwave therapy will work for you, our team of musculoskeletal experts are here to help.
Click here to find a clinic and make an appointment with our physiotherapist team today.
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