Shockwave Therapy, sometimes referred to as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected areas of the body. It’s especially effective for treating soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and conditions that involve tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
In chiropractic care, shockwave therapy is often used to accelerate healing, reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote tissue regeneration. Focused Shockwave and Radial Shockwave are two main types of shockwave therapy, and both are commonly used in clinical settings to treat a wide range of conditions.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy involves the delivery of acoustic waves (high-energy sound waves) to the area of injury. These sound waves penetrate the skin and reach deep into tissues, stimulating the healing process by increasing circulation, stimulating cellular repair, and promoting collagen production.
There are two primary types of shockwave therapy:
- Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT):
- Radial shockwaves are less focused and are dispersed over a wider area, making this type of therapy more suitable for treating superficial conditions or larger areas.
- The pressure waves are created by a handpiece that delivers the energy to the skin, which then spreads out as it travels deeper into the tissue.
- Radial shockwave is often used for muscle and tendon issues and can treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, calcific shoulder tendinopathy, and Achilles tendon injuries.
- Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT):
- Focused shockwaves are more concentrated and directed at a specific area, allowing for deeper tissue penetration.
- This is particularly effective for chronic injuries, deep tissue conditions, and areas with calcifications (e.g., bone spurs).
- Focused shockwaves are typically used for conditions like chronic tendinopathies, calcific tendinitis, and chronic myofascial pain.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is widely used in chiropractic care for the following benefits:
- Pain Reduction:
- Shockwave therapy helps reduce pain by improving blood circulation to the treated area, which reduces inflammation and stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.
- It also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, providing immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
- Accelerated Healing:
- Shockwaves increase the metabolic activity of the affected tissues, enhancing the production of collagen, a protein essential for tissue repair and healing.
- By improving blood flow and cellular activity, shockwave therapy promotes faster healing of soft tissue injuries like tendon and ligament damage, muscle strains, and even fractures.
- Breaks Down Calcifications:
- Focused shockwave therapy can break down calcium deposits (e.g., calcific tendinopathy in the shoulder), which can be a source of pain and stiffness.
- The shockwaves help to fragment the calcifications, making it easier for the body to absorb and eliminate them naturally.
- Improves Tissue Regeneration:
- Shockwave therapy promotes cellular regeneration by stimulating fibroblasts and other cells responsible for repairing connective tissues.
- The stimulation encourages the formation of new capillaries, improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area, further enhancing healing.
- Increases Blood Flow and Circulation:
- The shockwaves stimulate blood flow to the affected area, which helps to oxygenate tissues and carry away waste products like lactic acid, which can contribute to soreness and inflammation.
- Improves Mobility and Function:
- By reducing pain, inflammation, and stiffness, shockwave therapy helps patients regain mobility and functional movement, particularly in conditions like frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
- Non-Invasive and Drug-Free:
- One of the major benefits of shockwave therapy is that it is non-invasive, meaning there is no surgery or medication involved. This makes it an appealing option for patients who want to avoid the risks and side effects of drugs or invasive procedures.
- Chronic Pain Management:
- Shockwave therapy is especially beneficial for individuals with chronic pain or long-term injuries, including those who have not found relief from traditional methods like physical therapy, medication, or rest.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain, tendonitis, and soft tissue injuries:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Chronic heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Chronic shoulder pain due to degeneration or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.
- Calcific Tendonitis: Calcium deposits in tendons (commonly in the shoulder or elbow).
- Hip Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the hip.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic muscle pain and tension often associated with trigger points in muscles.
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee): Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone.
- Knee Osteoarthritis: Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Frozen Shoulder: Adhesive capsulitis, characterized by pain and restricted movement in the shoulder.
- Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains: Effective in treating soft tissue injuries resulting from overuse or acute trauma.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy Treatment
- Duration of Treatment:
A typical shockwave therapy session lasts about 5 to 10 minutes per area treated. - Pain Level:
During treatment, patients may experience a mild to moderate discomfort due to the intensity of the shockwaves. The sensation is often described as a deep, pulsing pressure or tapping feeling. The discomfort usually subsides once the treatment is completed. - Frequency of Treatment:
The frequency of shockwave therapy treatments depends on the condition being treated and its severity. For acute injuries, treatments may be performed more frequently (2–3 times per week), whereas chronic conditions may require less frequent sessions (1–2 times per week). - Post-Treatment:
After treatment, some patients may experience temporary soreness or mild swelling in the treated area. This is normal and typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although heavy exercise or strenuous activities should be avoided for a short period. - Results:
While some patients feel immediate relief after the first treatment, optimal results usually take several sessions (typically 3–6 sessions) for maximum effect, especially for chronic conditions. Results improve gradually over time as the healing process progresses.
Safety and Side Effects
Shockwave therapy is generally safe, and side effects are rare. However, some people may experience:
- Mild soreness or discomfort in the treated area, which typically resolves within a day or two.
- Temporary redness or swelling in the treatment area.
- Bruising is rare but may occur, particularly in areas where the shockwaves are applied at higher intensities.
Certain individuals should avoid shockwave therapy or consult with their chiropractor before starting treatment, including:
- Pregnant women
- People with blood clotting disorders or taking blood-thinning medication
- Patients with infections in the treatment area
- People with cancer or tumors in the area being treated
- Individuals with pacemakers or other implanted devices near the treatment area
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy is a powerful and non-invasive treatment option used in chiropractic care to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain, tendon injuries, and soft tissue dysfunction. It works by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue regeneration.
Whether you're dealing with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, muscle strains, or chronic joint pain, shockwave therapy can offer significant relief and help you regain function and mobility.
If you're considering shockwave therapy for your condition or have any specific questions about how it could help you, it’s always a good idea to consult with your chiropractor to develop a personalized treatment plan.
