Am I a Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is helpful in various alternative treatments, including chiropractic, sports medicine, physiotherapy, and orthopedics. It is a nonsurgical treatment with several therapeutic benefits. That makes it versatile and suitable for various conditions. 

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a form of noninvasive regenerative medicine. It stimulates the body’s natural healing process by releasing growth factors in the injured tissue. Studies show that it can help relieve pain and promote the healing of injured ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. 

How Does It Work?

The shockwave is a sound wave carrying low-level energy into the target body area. It stimulates blood flow so that nutrient-rich and oxygenated blood travels throughout the body more effectively, reaching the injured areas. 

Low-level energy promotes the repair and regeneration of cells, including the bones, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Besides promoting tissue repair, shockwave therapy also desensitizes nerve endings, reducing pain levels. 

Eligibility

Before you start this treatment, you should undergo an assessment to ensure it is the safest and most suitable option based on your needs. The best candidates for this treatment have several things in common. They have good general health and are not pregnant.

Also, suitable candidates do not suffer from conditions that could hinder successful treatment. These include circulation or nerve disorders, bone disorders, or metabolic bone conditions.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate?

Shockwave therapy is generally safe, but it may not be safe for:

• Pregnant women

• Those with an active infection

• Children

• Patients on antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants

• People who had a steroid injection in the past three months

• Those with bone tumors and metabolic bone conditions

• People with a cardiac pacemaker

• Patients with circulation and nerve disorders

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy might be a good option if you have any of the following conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Tennis elbow

• Calcific tendinopathy

• Golfer’s elbow

• Trigger points

• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

• Back pain

• Patella tendinopathy

• Chronic inflammation

• Mod-portion or insertional Achilles tendinopathy

Many of these conditions stem from repetitive or sporting injuries. So, you will likely receive advice regarding your posture and your treatment. You will also learn how to balance your muscle groups to prevent pain, weakness, and other musculoskeletal issues. 

Does It Hurt?

During shockwave treatment, you will probably feel some discomfort. Your therapist will adjust the shockwave intensity to ensure the pain is tolerable and manageable for you. Following treatment, you should not experience trouble standing up and walking normally. 

You should avoid ice therapy, anti-inflammatory meds, and pain medications, as they might interfere with healing. While you can resume normal activities immediately, avoiding strenuous activities for two days after your treatment would be best. You may experience light bruising, tenderness, or redness for a few days.

Conclusion

There is no need for medications, anesthesia, or surgery with shockwave therapy. A single treatment takes about 20 minutes, depending on the injury. However, you may require three to five treatment sessions over several weeks for the best results.

For more on shockwave therapy, visit Mend at our clinic in Dallas, Texas. Call (214) 363-5267 to schedule an appointment today.