Also known as Acoustic Wave Therapy, shockwave therapy, including linear focused shockwave therapy, is the use of soundwaves to stimulate the immune system of the body and release contracted stiffness.
Shockwave therapy is largely used in the sporting industry, horse racing, and several other areas such as wound healing and vascular therapy.
The good thing with shockwave therapy is that it is completely non-invasive. It is a treatment technique designed to stimulate the body’s innate repair mechanisms so as to restore and heal damaged tissues.
Re-vascularization is carried out in the targeted tissues that helps in the production of new blood vessels. This improves the flow of blood and the removal of waste products.
Through its action on the damaged tissues, shock wave therapy basically converts chronic injuries into acute injuries.
Consequently, the collagen within the damaged tissues regenerates slowly by slowly until the damaged parts get healed. In simple words, shockwave therapy is aimed at stimulating the body’s self-healing abilities by regenerating damaged tissues.
What does shockwave therapy treat?
There are several conditions that can be treated using shockwave therapy. They include the following:
• Feet: it helps in healing spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar
• Hip: Bursitis
• Knee patellar tendonitis
• Lower leg: tightened curves and shin splints
• Back pain: chronic macular pain and lumbar
• Upper leg: iliotibial band friction syndrome
Facts and feature about shockwave therapy
Shockwaves is not a very new mode of treatment. Its use started way back in the 1980s and was known as Lithotripsy. It was mainly used by doctors to disintegrate kidney stones.
Currently, shockwave energy is created through the shock wave machine and then transmitted through a headpiece before being applied to the desired part of the patient’s body. Most medical professionals see this as one of the best ways of allowing the body to heal itself.
In the recent past, shockwave therapy has been used in different ways. Most people are realizing the benefits that come with this noninvasive treatment method.
Another reason why most people are embracing shockwave therapy is the fact that it doesn’t leave a patient with a lot of side effects as is the case with most traditional medicines.
Shockwave therapy is also being used to regenerate cartilage, reduction of cellulite, and removal of skin wrinkles.
These are just but a few of the conditions being used. There is a lot of ongoing research in a bid to use technology to solve most of the health problems faced by human beings.
What to expect in a shockwave therapy session
Each shockwave treatment session goes for about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, a shockwave specialist applies the shockwave energy to the targeted part of your body.
The shockwave energy headpiece is held gently around the injured or affected part until it releases the required shockwave deep inside the area.
What are the side effects?
First of all, it is important to note that shockwave therapy should not be used by anyone who has a problem with blood circulation, metabolic bone condition, infection, bone tumor, or nerve disorder.
The treatment should also not be used if a patient is pregnant or has any open wounds. Those on blood-thinning medication, should also not use shockwave therapy. After a shockwave treatment, one may experience tenderness, short-term soreness, or swelling.
The side-effects are a sign of the body’s reaction to the self-healing process. You can continue with your normal activities after the therapy although you may experience pain and fatigue for a few days.
How many therapy sessions are enough to improve the condition?
The frequency and length of the treatment are dependent on the type of condition a patient is suffering from.
A shockwave specialist will assess your condition and come up with an appropriate therapy schedule to improve it within the shortest time possible.
Does shockwave therapy work?
As long as you qualify for the treatment, clinical research indicates that there is a 90 to 95 percent success rate for shockwave therapy technology.