Pocono Chiropractic Clinic
Pocono Functional Rehabilitation
A Unique Health Care Experience
Shock Wave Therapy
Factors like aging and activity levels can impact the health and
integrity of your muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. When
normal routines like working out, playing your favorite sports,
or even walking or jogging become painful, it may be time for
you to try Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy.
What is shockwave?
Extracorporeal shock wave treatment, or ESWT, is a non-invasive and nonsurgical treatment that is applied to strategic areas in the skeletal and muscular systems. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy delivers low-energy shockwaves to the tissue of the afflicted area of the body, inducing a microtrauma to the tissue and significantly improving pain, function, and quality of life for patients. This microtrauma triggers a healing response by the body, increasing blood vessel formation and the amount of nutrients to the affected area. It promotes bone density and new tissue growth in the joints, bones, and elsewhere in the body
Common Pain Conditions Treated by Shockwave Therapy
Elbow pain, ex. tennis or golfer’s elbow
Plantar Fasciitis, ex. heel pain
Shoulder pain, ex. shoulder calcifications, rotator cuff injuries
- Achilles tendon pain
- Patellar tendonitis, ex. jumper’s knee or Osgood-Schlatters disease
- Hip pain, ex. Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Trigger points/muscle tension
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
First we localizes the pain region by palpation and mark the area. A skin gel is then applied to the treatment area to allow the shock waves to be introduced
into the body without any loss of energy. After these preparations, shock waves are applied as the therapy head is moved over the pain region.
The treatment breaks down scar tissue and/or calcification. The body responds by increasing metabolic activity around the site of pain, stimulating and accelerating the healing process (promotes the remodeling of dysfunctional collagenous tissues, such as trigger points, muscle strains, etc.). Each treatment takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the condition and area being treated. Most people can easily tolerate it. However, if it becomes too uncomfortable, adjustments on the machine can decrease the pressure you feel.
How many treatments will I need?
At Pocono Chiropractic and Functional Rehabilitation, we assesses our patients case by case and make recommendations on the basis of the site of the pain and the underlying condition causing it. Each muscle group or soft tissue area requires a specific depth and intensity of ESWT therapy, which may be used in combination with other treatments such as Physical Therapy and/or Chiropractic. A series of between six to eight sessions, scheduled 5-7 days apart, depending on the individual. The beneficial effects of ESWT are often experienced after only 3 to 5 treatments. Some patients report immediate relief after the treatment, although it can take up to 4 weeks for pain relief to begin and between 9 to 12 weeks to see complete results. Studies demonstrate the most significant healing is between 6 to 9 weeks.
Possible Side Effects?
The extracorporeal wave has virtually no risks or side effects. In some cases patients may experience some minor discomfort, or bruising which may continue for a few days. Similar to what you may experience after a full day’s work or intense exercise.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Does not require anesthesia
- No incision and no scarring
- Decreases pain and increases function
- Fast, safe and effective
- Future treatment options are not limited
- Cost effective compared to surgery
If you are experiencing acute or chronic pain in your muscles, tendons and/or joints, then shockwave therapy may be the perfect solution for you. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation!
