One such technology is shockwave therapy, which is becoming increasingly popular in complementing chiropractic treatments. Shockwave therapy involves the use of high-intensity sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and reduce pain. In this article, we will explore the benefits of combining shockwave therapy with chiropractic treatments and how this combination can lead to improved patient outcomes.
The shockwaves are delivered to the affected area through a handheld device and penetrate deep into the tissues, creating microtrauma that triggers the body’s healing response. This process leads to the formation of new blood vessels, increased circulation, and the release of growth factors, which promote tissue regeneration and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment option that is non-surgical and can often be performed in an outpatient setting.
The disintegration of scar tissue is what makes shockwave treatment so effective. Scar tissue is non-elastic and, if ignored, will affect regular movement and independence, producing persistent damage while weakening the surrounding normal structure. The speed of muscle, tendon, and tissue regeneration is also considerably accelerated by shockwave treatment.
Another advantage of shockwave therapy is that it is non-invasive and does not require surgery or medication. This makes it a safe and effective treatment option for those who want to avoid the risks associated with invasive treatments. Overall, shockwave therapy is effective due to its ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promote tissue regeneration, and reduce pain levels.
You will have a thorough Spinal Diagnostic Examination and X-ray imaging to identify your issue before shockwave treatment is considered. Once the chiropractor has analysed and identified the root cause of your issue, the therapy may start. If you have a problem that is extremely chronic and long-lasting, shockwave therapy combined with chiropractic adjustments may be an effective remedy for you.
It primarily functions by sending energy signals to the tissues, which have been clinically shown to promote metabolic processes:
- Boost circulation to the soft tissues nearby
- Reduces the discomfort that nerve fibers experience
- Starts the healing process by activating stem cells, which promotes repair and regeneration
- Plantar fasciitis: Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the heel and bottom of the foot.
- Tendinitis: Shockwave therapy can be used to treat various types of tendinitis, including tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendinitis.
- Frozen shoulder: Shockwave therapy can help improve range of motion and reduce pain in individuals with frozen shoulders, a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
- Chronic pain: Shockwave therapy can be used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as back pain and neck pain, by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.
- Hip pain: Shockwave therapy can be used to treat hip pain caused by conditions such as hip bursitis and hip impingement syndrome.
- Stress fractures: Shockwave therapy has been shown to accelerate the healing of stress fractures by promoting bone regeneration.
- Plantar plate tears: Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with plantar plate tears, a condition that causes pain and instability in the ball of the foot.
There could be minor prickly sensations and mild soreness during or 2 – 4 hours after the treatment. Skin redness, stiffness, soreness, discomfort, tingling, or stinging are possible short-term adverse effects. In certain situations, bruising and/or swelling may develop. In extremely rare circumstances, it may remain longer and go away in 1 to 3 days.
The number of shockwave therapy sessions required varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s response to the therapy. Generally, shockwave therapy is administered once or twice a week for several weeks, with the exact number of sessions and the frequency of treatment determined by the healthcare provider.
In some cases, individuals may experience a reduction in pain and improved function immediately after the first treatment session, while in other cases, it may take several weeks or even months of treatment to see significant improvement. Typically, the full benefits of shockwave therapy are seen within 4-6 weeks after the last treatment session. However, some individuals may continue to experience improvement in their symptoms for several months after treatment. In order to speed up your recovery, our chiropractor would recommend complementing your shockwave therapy sessions with chiropractic adjustments.
Our spine and nerve specialists can treat all these issues, which include headaches, neck discomfort, muscular pain, and lower back pain. We focus on detecting the root of the problem, structural corrections and possibly permanently reversing the problem.