Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, revolutionary treatment that uses sound waves to promote natural healing in the body. These sound waves penetrate the tissues and trigger the body’s natural “repair and remodel” process by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and collagen formation.
The result is a breakdown of scar tissue, reduced pain and inflammation, improved circulation, and the regeneration of healthy cells.
Dr. Melanie Dias at Living Pure Chiropractic and Acupuncture is excited to announce the addition of this technology to her practice at the new Surprise, Arizona location. She uses radial pressure Shockwave Therapy, which covers more tissue area, making it a better option for chronic musculoskeletal conditions than focused wave therapy, which targets deeper structures, including bone lesions. In this article, we will address the most common questions about this new technology. If you have any additional questions, please complete and submit the form at the bottom of this page!
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extra-Corporeal Shockwave Therapy (EWST) was originally used to treat kidney stones (lithotripsy), dating back several years. Today, it addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including trigger points, chronic neck and back pain, plantar fasciitis, joint tendinopathies, calcific tendinopathy, scar tissue, and yes, even cellulite!
Because of its dramatic effects on boosting circulation through angiogenesis, Shockwave Therapy is also very effective for conditions such as erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in women.
Is Shockwave Safe?
The name “Shock”wave can sound scary but don’t let this mislead you. Shockwave is not “shock therapy”. These are sound waves that transmit through an applicator tip as the wand is applied over the skin using a cooling conduction gel. This FDA-cleared technology is perfectly safe when administered by a trained health professional.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
This is not a painful therapy. You will feel pulses of pressure through the applicator and some patients have described the therapy as a rubber band snapping against their skin. Shockwave Therapy promotes a microtrauma in the tissues which stimulates this natural healing response in the body. At Living Pure, we evaluate every patient before therapy and monitor their comfort level and response throughout the sessions.
How Long Do Shockwave Sessions Last?
Shockwave Therapy sessions at Living Pure Chiropractic and Acupuncture usually last 10-20 minutes, including consultation, prep, and treatment. On average most musculoskeletal conditions in an adult respond within 3 to 6 sessions however this can vary from patient to patient.
How Many Shockwave Sessions Are Needed?
Well, you know what they say: “Everyone is different.” Response to Shockwave can differ based on several factors: stress, unexpected gaps in care, or triggered flare-ups, etc.
Adults over 50 years of age usually benefit from six sessions; once every 5-7 days (slightly less for younger patients). However, we have seen some patients experience relief and resolution by the third week. Conditions such as neuropathies, frozen shoulder, and arthritis may require more visits.
What Are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
- It is non-invasive. There are no injections, needles, or incisions. Except for acupuncture needles, Dr. Dias is not a fan of any injections. Shockwave Therapy was the best solution for her patients with stubborn pain and stiffness conditions
- It is drug-free. No medication is used, therefore you should not experience biochemical side effects. EWST does not use any medication, not even topicals, so you are not dealing with any biochemical side effects.
- Short treatment durations. Because the energy penetration is so powerful, Shockwave Therapy sessions last only 10 to 20 minutes, sometimes longer if we are treating a second area of the body. The therapy application itself is usually a few minutes. This is a big advantage, especially for the busy, working patient.
- Home rest after therapy is typically not necessary. You may be advised to avoid ballistic activity (quick bursts of movements such as jumping or throwing) for the next day or two. We need to allow the tissue and cellular healing processes to run their course.
- The machine does the work. You do the healing. Unless your health professional has you moving your joint in certain directions repetitively, this is a passive therapy. You are in a resting position while your cells and tissues are activated by the RPW2 Shockwave System.
- Long-lasting results in less time. Powerful therapeutic delivery means less number of visits to achieve relief. A review of studies on tendinopathy demonstrated that Shockwave Therapy can be as or more effective than other treatments such as steroid injections, traditional physiotherapy, platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP), and surgery. (1)
Shockwave Therapy Stimulates Stem Cell Activation and Function
This is more than just pain relief. Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy used in our office also promotes the repair and rebuilding of healthy tissues and cells. This includes the proliferation and activation of stem cells through the formation of new blood vessels and improved circulation.
So, before you spend the money on stem cell therapy, you may want to consider this much less expensive and non-invasive option!
How to Get Started with Shockwave Therapy
At Living Pure, we are excited to introduce Shockwave Therapy with the Intelect® RPW 2 at our Surprise, AZ location!
We know you probably have several more questions after reading this article. We are happy to help you understand Shockwave Therapy and navigate your path to better function.
If you have tried other therapies with minimal to no improvement and you are ready to explore this new modality of healing, contact our office to set up a complimentary discovery call with Dr. Dias.
She provides customized therapies and may pair the Shockwave Therapy with a synergistic modality to optimize your healing. Every one of her patients is provided with instructions on preparation and post-treatment care as well as home care tips to maximize the benefits of their sessions.
So, you may still be asking…
Can Shockwave Therapy Help Me?
If you read this far, it’s quite possible! However, there are some things to consider before proceeding with Shockwave Therapy. Feel free to take this short questionnaire to help you determine if this could be the solution you need. We would be happy to discuss options with you and help you get your life and vitality back.
Conclusion:
Shockwave Therapy is increasingly becoming popular in the realm of chronic pain and mobility conditions. This powerful innovation in pain relief and tissue repair is saving more and more people time, money, and frustration. The best part is that it leaves patients with more energy, increased cellular function, better performance, and the ability to participate more in the enjoyment of life with their loved ones.
We encourage you to take this step towards a new healthier and happier life by scheduling your free consultation today at Living Pure!
References:
- British Medical Bulletin 2015 116:115-138
Photo credit: Chattanooga/DJO, LLC