What is Shockwave Therapy and What can it Treat?
Shockwave therapy is a conservative treatment modality offered by some Chiropractors. It is especially helpful for certain chronic conditions including plantar fasciitis, shoulder tendinopathy and muscle trigger points. Shockwave therapy is a scientifically proven method of encouraging the body to heal itself. As part of the evidence-based chiropractic care that Dr. Megan prioritizes, shockwave therapy may help you begin feeling and healing better in just minutes.
Shockwave therapy has been around since the early 1980s, and its use as a treatment for bone and muscle conditions is becoming more and more popular. Below are some of the most common questions and concerns that we get about shockwave therapy in our clinic, addressed and answered.
THE BASICS:
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that can help promote regeneration and reparative processes in the bones, tendons, and other soft tissues. The acceleration of these healing processes leads to decreased pain, increased function and mobility, and an improvement in one’s overall quality of life.
Who is Shockwave Therapy for?
Shockwave Therapy is indicated for and proven to help patients who suffer from:
Plantar fasciitis
Calcific tendinopathy
Bursitis
Chronic muscle strains
Myofascial pain syndrome
Fibromyalgia
And many other conditions. If you are wondering if Shockwave Therapy is right for you, ask your Chiropractor or contact Dr. Megan Yim at dryim@backfit.ca.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
Shockwave Therapy is performed with a machine that delivers strong energy pulses to the treatment area. These energy pulses (shockwaves) are transmitted to and throughout the tissues, which kick-starts the body’s own healing processes, stimulates metabolic processes, and enhances circulation in order to more quickly and effectively regenerate the damaged tissue.
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
While shockwave therapy is not meant to be a painful process, there may be some discomfort involved during the treatment. The treatment intensity depends on the area being treated, the type of equipment the therapist determines is appropriate, and the patient’s individual pain tolerance. There may also be some residual ache for 24-48 hrs with accompanying minor swelling.
How long will I need Shockwave Therapy before I start seeing results?
Most of the conditions listed above can be treated in less than five sessions, although trigger points may require up to 10 sessions. These treatments should occur within 5-10 days of each other. In order to maximize their effectiveness, these treatments should be paired with functional stretches and exercises given to you by your manual therapist.
MORE INFORMATION AND FURTHER LEARNING:
The above listed are some of the most common questions and concerns we get about Shockwave Therapy. This is not an exhaustive list of anything and everything you may want to know, so here are a few more resources if you are interested in learning more about Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave Therapy for Myofascial Release (published online, Shockwave Canada)
Shockwave Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (published in the International Journal of Surgery)
Shockwave Therapy and Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder (published in the National Library of Medicine)
More Shockwave resources:
https://www.shockwavetherapy.eu/
And, as always, if you have any questions that have not been answered with the information above, feel free to reach out to Dr. Megan at dryim@backfit.ca.
