05 9 月 Shockwave therapy: What is it and how does it work?
Struggling with persistent pain or an injury that just won’t heal? Shockwave therapy could be the difference in treatment you’ve been searching for. But what is it, how does it work, and is it the right option for you? Let’s dive in and find out.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues.
Despite the name, it’s actually not electrical but uses a different form of energy to penetrate deep into the tissues to help kickstart the body’s natural repair process.
What can Shockwave therapy help with?
Shockwave therapy can be used for common injuries such as:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Hamstring injuries
- & more
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwaves are directed into the painful area using a handheld device. The energy waves:
- Increases circulation and blood flow
- Stimulates collagen production and tissue repair
- Desensitize nerve endings (helping to reduce pain)
- Potential to break down scar tissue.
Over time, this helps improve mobility, reduce pain, and speed up healing, especially in tissues with poor blood supply like tendons and ligaments.
What do expect
The machine that is used for Shockwave therapy can startle people given how loud it is however, it’s not as scary as you may think. Most people will say that Shockwave therapy is uncomfortable as there are rapid pulses going against your skin however, it is very manageable. The intensity of the therapy will be determined by how well you are able to tolerate this.
Each session may last up to 10 minutes and may need a few sessions to help with your symptoms.
Side effects
Generally the most common side effect would be:
- Post treatment soreness which may last up to 1-2 days.
- Mild redness or localised swelling
- Tenderness on touch of the area that had treatment
We would not recommend Shockwave therapy for those who are/have:
- Pregnant
- Have infections
- Cancers
- History of blood clots
- Active fractures
- Open wounds
- Metal plates
We at Sun Chiropractic will take a thorough history of you to ensure that you are suitable for this type of treatment!
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
If you’ve tried rest, stretching, massage, or exercise and your pain is still persistent then Shockwave may be the answer to break the pain cycle and get you up and running again.
Your physiotherapist or chiropractor will assess your condition and determine if shockwave is appropriate as part of your personalized treatment plan.
Ready to Try Shockwave Therapy?
At Sun Chiropractic, we use 冲击波疗法 as part of an evidence-based approach to pain relief and rehabilitation. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn sports injury or chronic tendon pain, we’re here to help
Book a consultation today or give us a call to see if shockwave therapy is right for you 🙂