Shockwave Therapy for Pain
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (Acoustic Compression)
Acoustic Compression uses sound to treat acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. PiezoWave (MyACT) uses acoustic waves to target the tissues causing the pain through a focused and precise deep tissue massage. The results of this deep mechanical therapy have four significant affects:
- Stimulates the nerves causing the pain.
- Disperses inflammation.
- Increases circulation.
- Breaks up scar tissue.
Most patients feel some increase in range of motion almost immediately, but typical treatment plans require 5-6 visits for the best results. Making MyACT one of the best therapies for targeted, non-invasive pain relief.
Who is a Candidate for ESWT?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of plantar fasciopathy. However, Dr. Finnoff of the Mayo Clinic, notes that multiple high-quality randomized clinical trials have provided substantial evidence that ESWT is a safe and effective noninvasive option for treating tendinopathy throughout the musculoskeletal system.
Dr. Finnoff and his Mayo Clinic colleagues are currently using ESWT to treat chronic, recalcitrant tendinopathy throughout the body. Mayo sports medicine specialists have found this therapy beneficial for treating the following areas of tendinopathy:
- Rotator cuff
- Lateral epicondyle
- Medial epicondyle
- Greater trochanter (gluteus medius and minimus)
- Proximal hamstring origin
- Rectus femoris
- Distal quadricep
- Patellar tendon
- Posterior tibial
- Peroneal
- Achilles
- Plantar fascia
Treatment Progression Guideline
Most patients require a series of treatments, each of which lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. The typical course of treatment is 1-2 treatments per week for three weeks. Most patients have improvement within three to six sessions.
Certain side effects noted are limited to mild bruising, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling in the treated area.
Is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Painful?
The treatment is slightly to moderately painful. The process involves searching for areas of painful response and once identified these are the areas which are treated.
What Is Shock Wave Therapy Used For?
The Shockwave or Acoustic compression therapy is a treatment that has been around since circa 1980 when researchers observed an osteoblastic response pattern during animal studies. This led to further investigation into the use for musculoskeletal issues. In the past 15-20 years shockwave has become one of the more popular therapies for shoulder tendinopathies, chronic Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, elbow tendinopathies and chronic stages of the myofascial syndrome (pain of the muscles).
How Often Can You Have Shockwave Therapy?
You may need 3-6 sessions of shockwave therapy over a 3-6-week period. Usually, if your pain has improved after 3-4 visits, but is still troubling you then you can have another 2-3 sessions.
How Effective Is ESWT?
Unlike Lithoplasty where the goal is to dissolve kidney stones, musculoskeletal extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is used to break down scar tissue and induce tissue repair and regeneration. The application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in musculoskeletal disorders has been around for almost two decades and is primarily used in the treatment of sports injuries such as tendinopathies, proximal plantar fasciitis of the heel, lateral epicondylitis of the elbow, calcific or non-calcific tendonitis of the shoulder and patellar tendinopathy etc. The success rate ranges from 75% to 90%, and the complications were low and negligible.
How Can I Schedule An Appointment?
Before you can be treated with ESWT, the doctor must evaluate your injured area and see if it qualifies for this type of treatment. Depending on the injury site further investigation may be necessary to evaluate the integrity of the tendon or muscle. This may include either musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) or an MRI. Call our office to schedule your appointment today.
1. Schedule Appointment
Click the "Book An Appointment" button on this Page (or Call) and we'll confirm by phone shortly.
2. Get
Adjusted
Based on your circumstances, a specific treatment plan will be implemented to correct your spine.
3. Enjoy
Life Again
With your spine correctly aligned, you'll be able to start enjoying life again to the fullest extent possible.
The first step to feeling your best is to schedule an appointment with us today!
