Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a medical treatment that uses high- energy sound waves to promote healing in tissues and reduce pain.
What injuries is shockwave therapy used for?
While shockwave therapy can be utilized in a multitude of ways, it is commonly used to treat conditions in the lower extremity like:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendonitis
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Muscle strains
- Fractures
- Non-unions/Delayed Unions
How does shockwave therapy work?
It works by delivering high-energy sound waves to a specific area of the body that is experiencing pain or injury. The sound waves are generated by a machine and directed through the skin to the targeted tissue. The sound waves stimulate blood flow, break down calcifications, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. But what does that all mean? Here is a more detailed look into how this therapy works to promote the body’s natural healing process.
- Shockwave Generation: the device used in shockwave therapy generates focused acoustic waves, which are high-pressure waves that travel faster than the speed of sound.
- Penetration into Tissue: the shockwaves are transmitted through the skin and penetrate the affected area of the body, reaching deep tissues like tendons, muscles, and bones.
- Stimulation of Healing: the shockwaves create microtraumas in the targeted area. This stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by:
Improving blood circulation: the shockwaves help improve circulation to the injured area which accelerates the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Cell regeneration: the growth of new cells and collagen helps repair tissues like tendons and muscles.
Reduction of inflammation: the shockwaves themselves help to reduce inflammation in the targeted area, easing pain and improving mobility.
Breakdown of calcifications: for tendonitis with calcified deposits, shockwaves can help break down these deposits, making them easier for the body to reabsorb.
- Pain Relief: in the short term, the shockwaves themselves provide pain relief. This is thought to occur by altering pain transmission and by promoting the release of endorphins, which are the natural painkillers in the body.
- Long-Term Benefits: the repeated application of shockwaves stimulates the healing process, leading to improved tissue function, reduced pain, and a greater range of motion in the affected area.
What does shockwave therapy treatment look like?
If you are considering shockwave, you may be wondering what it feels like to get this type of treatment. Shockwave works through a probe that sends shockwaves to the affected area. Prior to applying the probe to the skin, ultrasound gel is applied. The device is then turned on and sends shockwaves through the probe. People generally experience some discomfort during the procedure, but the treatment time is short. It is usually performed in multiple sessions (often 3 to 5) to achieve optimal results.
If you are considering shockwave therapy, consult a healthcare provider today. At District Foot & Ankle, we believe in the science behind shockwave therapy and therefore offer it as a treatment option for our patients! If you are interested please schedule an appointment today for more information.