Shockwave therapy provides a non-invasive and medically acceptable form of treatment of several ailments without medication or surgical intervention. This type of treatment is sought by many people because of the inability to treat persistent pain that did not react to other methods. This article addresses some of the frequently asked questions regarding the operation of shockwave therapy treatment and its expectation. Knowing these basics enables one to make a decision on whether they can use this treatment or not.
Learning about the operation of shockwave therapy and its expectation
What is shockwave therapy and how does it work?
Shockwave therapy is a technique of producing acoustic waves to the injured tissues thus supporting healing. When these waves occur they will cause micro-trauma, which is followed by the natural healing process initiated by the body. There is also an increase of the blood flow in the treated areas that carry the oxygen and other nutrients required in the process of recovery. It also removes calcifications and scar tissue which bring pain.
What are the conditions that can be done under shockwave therapy?
It works in Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis. Tennis elbow, rotator cuff and patellar tendinopathy react well too. Shockwave therapy has been applied in the treatment of chronic inflammation in areas that could not be treated using other treatments. This method helps heal the heel pain of many patients who have been experiencing stubborn heel pain.
How then is a normal shockwave therapy carried out?
The practitioner uses gel on the skin covering the painful region. Slim device is categorized as handheld, and it transmits a limited volume of acoustic waves through the skin. There is possible tingling or tapping sensations that will be felt by the patients during the procedure. Each of the sessions takes a span of fifteen to twenty minutes depending on the area in which there is the treatment.
How many shockwave therapy sessions are usually needed?
The best result is three to five sessions with a gap one week between the sessions which can be achieved using most patients. There are those who respond in only one or two sessions. Chronic problems usually require additional sessions in comparison to acute. The entire course of treatment will be subject to the condition and the response of an individual.
How effective is shockwave therapy for pain relief?
It has a record of success in clinical studies of up to sixty percent on the right conditions. The patients are relieved of much pain once they are finished with the course of treatment. Treatment tends to be long lasting as the therapy is a definition of the root cause. Some chronic conditions might require maintenance sessions.
What is the comparative effect of shockwave therapy to other methods of treatment?
Shockwave therapy requires no anesthesia, surgery or hospitalization as compared to surgery. It is used as an alternative to physical therapy that does not bring sufficient relief. Shockwave promotes real healing whereas Cortisone injections give temporary relief. The non-invasive aspect is attractive to the patients who dislike taking the medications.
Does the shockwave therapy hurt during or after administering this treatment?
The majority of individuals endure the process fairly with light to moderate pain. The experience is different with respect to the area under treatment and the pain limits of that specific individual. All the discomfort experienced during the treatment is normally gone once the treatment is over. Pain after treatment normally fades after twenty four hours to seventy two hours.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy is a proven non-invasive therapy that is effective in stubborn tendon pain among other cases. The knowledge of the process assists the patient to have realistic expectations when dealing with treatment. The consultation with a qualified provider defines the compliance of this approach with the needs of individuals.
