Shockwave therapy for pain relief is gaining recognition as an effective, non-invasive treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions. We are excited to announce that this therapy is now available at Hosmer Chiropractic Health. A significant bonus is that most insurance plans cover shockwave therapy treatments, unlike laser therapy, which is often not covered. This makes it an accessible choice for patients seeking relief from chronic pain and injuries.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is administered through a small, handheld device that resembles an ultrasound wand. This technique is designed to stimulate healing in injured areas by delivering low-energy acoustic waves. If you’ve ever struggled with a sports injury or dealt with an ache that just wouldn’t mend, your body might benefit from this treatment, which can jump-start tissue regeneration and decrease pain by stimulating nerves at the injury site. Although the name suggests discomfort, most patients find the experience only mildly uncomfortable.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Originally developed in Germany in the late 1960s for breaking up kidney stones, shockwave therapy has since evolved. Researchers discovered that high-energy and low-energy shockwaves could positively affect soft tissue injuries. The treatment works by sending pulses of energy to the injured area, which can:
- Increase circulation around injured soft tissues.
- Break down calcified deposits.
- Stimulate cells that generate new bone and connective tissue.
- Reduce pain by overstimulating nerve endings.
The Intelect® RPW 2
At Hosmer Chiropractic Health, we are excited to offer the Intelect® RPW 2, a cutting-edge device from Chattanooga that brings the next generation of shockwave therapy into our treatment room. This device utilizes Radial Pressure Wave technology, designed to activate connective tissue from the surface level to difficult-to-reach pathologies. The Intelect® RPW 2 is a powerful modality for addressing pain and inflammation in orthopedic conditions, making it an excellent choice for our patients.
Conditions treated by shockwave therapy
1. Tendon disorders
Shockwave therapy is highly effective for various tendon-related issues, including:
- Plantar fasciitis: Often the source of heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia.
- Achilles tendinopathy: Chronic pain in the Achilles tendon from overuse.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain on the outer elbow from repetitive motion.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain on the inner elbow.
- Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder: Calcium deposits in shoulder tendons.
- Patellar tendinopathy: Known as jumper’s knee, this affects the knee tendon.
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy: Pain in the hamstring tendons near the sit bones.
2. Soft tissue conditions
Shockwave therapy effectively addresses several soft tissue issues, such as:
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, which cushion joints.
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: Pain over the outer thigh due to inflammation of hip tendons.
3. Bone and joint issues
This therapy can assist in healing:
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome): Pain along the shin bone.
- Stress fractures: Small cracks in bones from repetitive force.
- Non-union fractures: Fractures that do not heal properly.
4. Additional applications
Shockwave therapy is also beneficial for:
- Chronic sports injuries: Helping athletes recover from persistent injuries.
- Overuse injuries: Addressing issues stemming from repetitive activities.
- Muscle pain and tightness: Aiding in relaxation and recovery of sore muscles.
Shockwave therapy for pain relief is gaining recognition as an effective, non-invasive treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions.
Benefits of shockwave therapy
- Non-invasive: You can continue your daily activities while receiving treatment, avoiding the lengthy recovery time of surgery.
- Faster recovery: Shockwave therapy stimulates healing, helping you return to work or sports more quickly.
- Pain relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions.
- Avoids medications: It offers a potential alternative to steroid injections and long-term pain medications.
Generally, side effects are minimal. The procedure may cause mild discomfort, similar to an ultrasound, and you might notice slight bruising or odd sensations at the treatment site. More severe side effects are rare but should be reported to your doctor.
Is shockwave therapy for you?
Shockwave therapy for pain relief is an effective option for those suffering from chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries. If you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment that is often covered by insurance, consider reaching out to us. Contact us to determine if shockwave therapy with the Intelect® RPW 2 is the right choice for your specific needs.