Shockwave Therapy

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial pressure waves offer a non-invasive treatment solution to long term/chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries. Treatment of the affected area will support and reset the healing pattern.

How does Radial Shockwave therapy work?

Your therapist will apply shock waves through a specially designed hand piece that produces strong energy pulses for short periods of time. These high energy acoustic waves are transmitted through the surface of the skin directly to the affected tissue areas in a controlled procedure. Shockwaves have a mechanical effect on the tissue which stimulates the cells in the body which are responsible for healing. The micro trauma of the repeated shockwave creates new blood flow to the area. It is the new blood flow that promotes tissue healing.

What conditions can be treated with Shockwave Therapy?

Plantar Fasciitis
Tennis Elbow
Golfers Elbow
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Hip Bursitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Jumpers Knee
Shin Splints
Osgood-Schlatters Disease
Myofascial Trigger Point Relief

What does Shockwave treatment feel like?

There may be some discomfort during the treatment depending on the level of pain that the patient is already experiencing in the area. However, since the treatments only last for about 5 minutes over the painful site, most patients are able to tolerate this discomfort quite well. Additionally, the intensity of treatment can be adjusted by the therapist during the treatment.

How will I feel after the treatment?

Most patients will experience immediate pain relief following the treatment. However, within 2-4 hours after treatment, they may experience some soreness in the treated area. This soreness has been reported as being very tolerable and it may last from a few hours to several days.

What should I do after treatment?

Shockwave therapy produces an acute inflammatory process in the treated tissues. Your body responds by increasing the metabolic activity around the impacted area which in turn stimulates and accelerated the body’s own healing mechanisms. Therefore, do not use anti-inflammatory medication or cold therapy, as this will interfere with the body’s self-healing processes. If needed you can use Tylenol for pain control. Bruising and swelling are also possible side effects of the treatment but should resolve in a few days.

How much activity can I do after treatment?

The amount of activity allowed after treatment will depend on the individual. Please ask your therapist.

What to Expect a Typical Shockwave Treatment?

One treatment usually takes 10-15 minutes to administer depending on the disorder that is being treated. Generally, 3-5 treatment session is necessary, with one treatment being done every 5-10 days. The standard protocol indicates 3 treatments be completed for optimal long term results, even if you are experiencing no pain after the first visit. After the treatment sessions are completed the injured area will continue to heal for 6-12 weeks with maximal recovery occurring approximately 3 months after the treatment sessions end.

What is the success rate?

After 2-3 sessions, 80% patients report a reduction in pain. After the treatment sessions are completed the injured area continues to heal for 6-12 weeks with maximal recovery occurring approximately 3 months after the treatment sessions end.