Shockwave therapy has been increasingly used worldwide in treating sports injuries due to its positive effect on our musculoskeletal system following various studies and clinical data. With its innovative technology, high efficacy and very minimal adverse effects, it has become a promising treatment option to relieve the aches and pains from conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies.
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment using rapid percussion to induce shock waves into the soft tissues and outer layers of your bones. It creates a series of low-energy acoustic wave pulsations that are directed to the troubled areas to treat injuries and pain syndromes.
First introduced clinically in 1982, Shockwave Therapy has come a long way to treat beyond the relief of body pains and aches. Shockwave Therapy also helps break down fibrous tissues adhesions, increase metabolisation at the cellular level and promotes healthy blood flow, stimulating muscle repair and tissue regeneration along the way.
Credit: Images of the Shockwave Machine as seen in the V2U Brochure
What conditions does Shockwave Therapy treat?
If these conditions as seen below have affected your life for a while now, Shockwave Therapy may be the ‘energy shock’ you need!
When is Shockwave Therapy the right treatment for you?
This treatment is a realistic alternative that does not include pain-relief medication or surgery and is holistic in nature. It is designed to treat the cause of pain, not just the symptoms.
It treats aches and pain, be it acute or chronic upper, mid and lower back pain, neck issues, discomfort in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands as well as the lower body areas including the foot (e.g. plantar fasciitis).
Beyond that, Shockwave therapy also promotes new tissue regeneration, and repair bones, ligaments, joints and muscles through:
- Stimulation of the metabolism
- Improving blood circulation and neovascularisation
- Reducing decalcification of the tendons
- Increasing growth factors
- Accelerating the healing process
All which allow for better mobility with consistent treatment sessions.
The Ultimate Guide to your first Radial Shockwave Therapy treatment
Here is what to expect during a visit to your trusted Chiropractor, assuming that you have completed the first consultation, and Shockwave Therapy is recommended.
In the treatment room, you will be asked to lie face down or up or be required to sit upright (depending on your pain area). A gel will be applied to the targeted area so the transfer of the percussion waves is done smoothly and efficiently. The treatment normally takes 8-10 minutes and most patients feel immediate relief right after.
Nevertheless, as shockwave therapy works deep into the tissue as well as stimulating blood flow and collagen production, your tissues and cells would still be repairing themselves after you have left the clinic.
Although not always, some may experience a low level of soreness in the targeted area during and even after the shockwaves are applied. If the soreness persists when you get home, do use an ice pack, wrapped in a towel, to soothe the sore area. You can check out how to: here.
The total number of treatments for shockwave therapy varies depending on the type of condition, severity, chronicity and how well the body responds to the therapy. The effect of the treatment is cumulative. Typically, you will need more than one treatment and on average, it will take you about 6-8 consecutive sessions to heal. Very often, people experience some relief right after their first treatment.
As Shockwave Therapy helps with tissue regeneration and functional restoration of movements as well, going to a professional chiropractor may help you gain back your mobility and quality of life more effectively.
Besides the type of condition, tissue response, severity, chronicity, patient’s commitment to follow the recommended frequency and patient’s tolerance, the effectiveness of the treatment is also dependent on the skill and experience of the chiropractor and the quality and precision of the technology used. Multiple researches have shown greater reduction of pain and faster recovery when shockwave therapy is combined with other therapies.
At My Chirocare, we use the latest and highest quality research-grade equipment to ensure that our patients get the full benefits of shockwave therapy. We also tailor your treatment depending on what you need– be it Chiropractic Adjustment, Radial Shockwave Therapy, Ultrasound, Spinal decompression, trigger point therapy or other advanced therapeutic technology. We also provide guidance on home stretching, strengthening and rehabilitation exercises as well as lifestyle and nutritional advice to help you heal better.
If you have suffered from chronic pain for more than 3 months and are fed up with taking painkillers and medicines to cope, visit us for your first consultation to determine if Shockwave Therapy is right for you.