When you first heard about shockwave therapy, you might have had images of frightening machinery and further discomfort and wondered how it could help. However, it’s not what you think it is! A non-invasive, painless procedure that may provide pain relief is shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy can be helpful if you’re sick of dealing with musculoskeletal pain.

What is Shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a relatively recent, non-invasive technique for pain management. According to comprehensive research, it is safe and effective for treating musculoskeletal pain.

Shockwave treatment for plantar fasciitis is typically used when more conventional pain reduction techniques, including rest, ice, and physiotherapy, haven’t had the expected results. But because it’s non-invasive, it’s also not surgical, so it doesn’t call for anesthesia or other things that accompany surgery.

How does shockwave therapy work?

An acoustic wave called a shockwave transports energy to the area that is being affected. Once the tendon, painful bone, or soft tissue has regenerated, this energy promotes it.

The shockwave applicator, which produces a slight and constant clicking sound, delivers shock waves to the wounded area in shockwave therapy. The duration of the procedure is usually between five to thirty minutes; if necessary, the intensity can be changed at any time.

As a culminating procedure, the treatment’s results develop gradually. However, in many circumstances, one session is sufficient to significantly lessen discomfort. The majority of patients will need 3-5 sessions.

Benefits of shockwave therapy

Safe and effective

The skin can be penetrated by shockwave therapy without the need for surgery. In research on knee osteoarthritis, participants who received shockwave therapy reported less discomfort and better joint function.

Fast treatment

For good long-term pain relief, you need 3-6 sessions, each visit spaced about a week apart. Each session lasts roughly 20 minutes, and after the initial treatment, most patients report experiencing significantly less discomfort. Shockwave therapy is a component of an individualized treatment plan created to address underlying foot problems.

Fast recovery

After the first session, shockwave therapy for tennis elbow starts to reduce discomfort and improve flexibility. You will be prohibited from performing high-impact exercises for 48 hours after each session. Although your podiatrist will provide more individualized guidance, in general, shockwave treatment recovery times are far quicker than those following surgery.

Fewer side effects

Shockwave therapy has some side effects, but they are much less severe than those after surgery. Shockwave therapy side effects are incredibly uncommon and are based on your level of pain, general health, and other pertinent medical conditions.

You might occasionally experience bearable pain for two to four hours following your treatment, minor discomfort during the procedure (like the rubber band snap), moderate bruising and swelling, or a slight numbness.

Affordable

Shockwave therapy is affordable, and as an added benefit, you won’t need to take any additional time off work for recuperation. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine if your policy covers shockwave therapy.