What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is an FDA approved, non-invasive, and highly effective medical treatment for reducing pain and increasing the rate of healing of soft tissues. Shockwave Therapy can also be called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or radial shockwave therapy (RSWT). It utilizes acoustic energy to send high-energy radial pressure waves to the site of chronic pain. At the most basic level, shockwave therapy stimulates new cell growth.
When a person experiences chronic pain, the body no longer recognizes that there is an injury to the area. As a result, it shuts down the healing process and the person no longer feels relief. Treatment with Shockwave Therapy triggers the body to release certain bio-chemicals that increase blood flow to the treated area, stimulate muscle repair and regeneration, and increase metabolism at the cellular level. This helps to reactivate the body’s natural healing process.
What to Expect During Shockwave Treatment
Shockwave Therapy treatments are generally performed 1 week apart for a series of 4-10 treatments depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response. Treatment generally takes about 5 minutes and can easily be incorporated into a patient’s physical therapy treatment plan. During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort, but many patients will find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain. Other patients find results more gradually after each treatment.
If you’re curious about what a session entails, check out our guide on What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session to help you feel confident and prepared.
How effective is Shockwave Therapy?
There have been extensive research studies performed on Shockwave Therapy over the last 20 years. These studies show between a 72%-80% success rate at healing chronic tendinopathies and other conditions. Because of this, Shockwave Therapy can be a great alternative to medication, injections, and other more invasive treatments!
What conditions may benefit from Shockwave Therapy?
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Patellar Tendonitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Medial/Lateral Epicondylitis (Golfer’s/Tennis Elbow)
- Peroneal Tendonitis
- Quadriceps Tendonitis
- Shin Splints
- Frozen Shoulder
- Muscle Trigger Points
- Headaches
- TMJ Dysfunction
- Trigger Points
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Is Shockwave Therapy covered by insurance?
No, Shockwave Therapy is not yet covered by most insurance plans. Contact us for more information on how Bodyworks Physical Therapy can make it affordable for you.
Still have questions about how shockwave therapy works or if it’s the right option for you?
Contact our team today to learn more and schedule your therapy session.
