If you have experienced an injury to a tendon or muscle, you could greatly benefit from shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy can sound intimidating, but it can give your body the extra boost it needs to heal properly.
If you are interested in learning more, reach out to the experts at MyoDynamic Health today!
Before we get into the specifics of shockwave therapy, let's clear one thing up — shockwave therapy is not the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Instead, shockwave therapy — also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy — is a non-invasive treatment using a handheld device to administer a mixture of high- and low-energy waves to the affected area. Shockwave therapy pulses the injured area and helps the body regenerate new connective tissue. It can also increase circulation and reduce pain to promote healing. This therapy is often used for tendon or muscle injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has become more popular over the years as technology advances. Patients can benefit from shockwave therapy for their musculoskeletal conditions because of the following factors:
Non-Surgical - Traditionally, treatment for a tendon or muscle injury requires surgery with a lengthy recovery. In contrast, shockwave treatment is all done externally for a non-invasive session. It only requires a few short appointments.
Combining shockwave therapy with a physiotherapy program can provide further benefits, especially for athletes. This non-surgical treatment can get you back in the game much faster than a surgical procedure. Plus, surgery can get expensive.
Anti-Inflammatory - Shockwave therapy reduces inflammation in an injured area by preventing inflammatory cell release. The sound waves used in this therapy can also break down inflammatory cells that have already been released to promote healing.
Fast - Because of its non-invasive nature, each shockwave therapy session can be completed in 10-15 minutes. If shockwave therapy is the right treatment for you, you can feel results immediately after the first session.
Healing - Overall, the primary goal of shockwave therapy is to promote healing. This process is done through increased collagen production, stimulated blood flow and dissolving of calcified tissue. This healing process is natural and safe, especially compared to surgical options.
Am I a Candidate for Shockwave Treatment?
Shockwave treatment could be suitable for those suffering from a tendon or muscle injury. However, be sure to consult with your doctor before undergoing treatment.
For example, shockwave treatment shouldn't be used in the following situations:
The number of treatments necessary depends on the type of injury or condition being treated, and the tissue's response to the treatment. Most commonly we provide 5-8 treatments, once per week. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy treatment has a cumulative effect, so most people need more than one treatment, and can expect to notice a change or relief after 3-5 treatment sessions.
What can I expect during my Shockwave appointment?
Your first appointment for Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy at MyoDynamic will start with a detailed assessment, during which your healthcare practitioner will determine if Shockwave is an appropriate treatment choice for your condition.
If Shockwave is right for you, the next steps is the actual application of Shockwave treatment, which lasts only a few minutes. You may experience mild discomfort during treatment, and your practitioner can adjust the intensity of the treatment depending on your level of comfort, ramping it up more gradually to minimize discomfort. After the treatment is complete, the remainder of your appointment will be spent with your physiotherapist, who may also use a combination of manual therapy and exercise to treat your problem. Massage therapy and/or orthotics may be recommended.
Since Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is provided by one of our healthcare practicioners, it is covered by most extended health insurance plans.
