Shockwave Therapy
About Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a method of pain treatment that utilizes FDA-approved shockwave devices to perform “Mechanotransduction”, a process in which sound waves are introduced into the body where they trigger a healing response. When describing Shockwave therapy, one of our patients said it best when they stated, “Shockwave finds the pain, and at the same time treats the pain!”
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a method of pain treatment that utilizes FDA-approved shockwave devices to perform “Mechanotransduction”, a process in which sound waves are introduced into the body where they trigger a healing response. When describing Shockwave therapy, one of our patients said it best when they stated, “Shockwave finds the pain, and at the same time treats the pain!”
WHICH SHOCKWAVE SYSTEMS DOES CENTER FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT USE?
When we first introduced shockwave therapy at Center for Pain Management we knew that we wanted the most advanced and best-studied devices on the market. That’s why we decided to purchase both the Radial Pressure Wave and Focused Shockwave devices from Storz simultaneously. Most practices do not want to make the investment in both devices but we knew that we needed both in order to provide the most comprehensive care possible for our patients. In fact, most of the almost 1,000 journal articles use the very same devices that we have in our clinic!
WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS RESPOND TO SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?
Shockwave therapy is effective for many musculoskeletal conditions including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, rotator cuff calcifications, stress fractures, non-healing bone fractures (non-unions), nerve pain, arthritis, sacroiliitis, and a variety of soft tissue injuries affecting the knees, hips, and feet. Using noninvasive shockwave we have been able to treat some of the most difficult conditions in musculoskeletal medicine, all without the use of drugs, needles, or scalpels!
WHAT DO SHOCKWAVE TREATMENTS FOR PAIN REDUCTION FEEL LIKE?
The intensity of shockwave therapy is completely adjustable to the patient’s comfort level, and the intensity level needed for success differs from one condition to the next. Of all of the non-invasive therapies that we have, let’s just say that shockwave is the “spiciest”! However it is also one of the most efficient treatments that we have. Some patients with plantar fasciitis are able to walk out without pain after only one shockwave treatment! Most patients will receive both Radial Pressure Wave and Focused Shockwave during the same session, except for certain conditions where only one or the other is needed.
Although shockwave may be a little uncomfortable during treatment, there is generally no residual pain immediately after the treatment is over, and there are no restrictions for activity after treatment. This allows patients to return to their normal day-to-day and sporting activities almost immediately, as the healing process is taking place.
HOW MANY SHOCKWAVE TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
As noted above, shockwave provides relief for many patients after only 3 to 4 sessions. Treatments are usually spaced out in 1 week intervals, and treatment may be extended if clinically indicated. The interesting thing about Shockwave is that most patients don’t feel full relief immediately. In fact the most impressive results with Shockwave appear anywhere from 6-12 weeks after therapy has been completed! This is primarily due to the fact that shockwave is being used to jumpstart the body’s own natural healing process, a process which takes time! The results from shockwave therapy are generally long-lasting and may result in a complete resolution of pain for many musculoskeletal disorders.
If you are suffering from an acute injury or chronic pain and are interested in what non-invasive Shockwave therapy can do for you, please call Center for Pain Management in Wilmington, NC today to schedule your first appointment. Let our dedicated and professional staff help you understand your treatment options, so you can make informed decisions regarding your pain treatment. We want to help you achieve your desired goals as quickly as possible and take the first step toward a life free from pain.
