Why You Should Try Shockwave Therapy to Treat Chronic Conditions
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive therapy used to treat chronic conditions. It involves the application of low-level acoustic waves to the skin in order to stimulate a natural healing process. This technology was originally used to break kidney stones but has been found to be extremely effective in treating chronic conditions.
Why Is Shockwave Therapy Different From Other Methods?
Other treatments are more aimed towards acute and sub-acute inflammation, with a focus on reducing inflammation. If these treatments are ineffective, shockwave therapy can be used instead. Shockwave Therapy has different action mechanisms from other treatments. It leads to an elevation of blood flow, stimulating an immune reaction and a new inflammatory process. This new inflammatory process helps the body to heal the old one through new vascularization.
What to Expect From a Treatment?
A gel is applied to the skin in order to easily glide the applicator around the area and increase the effect of the shockwave. During the treatment, some patients may feel slight discomfort since the area is already sore. It is usually tolerable as the treatment will only last a couple of minutes.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Shockwave Therapy
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Tennis Elbow/Golfers Elbow
- Shin Splints
- Heel Spur
- Achilles Tendonopathy
- Hip Pain
- Shoulder Pain
