What Is Shock Wave Therapy?
This type of therapy employs sound waves to foster healing in damaged tissue and is regarded as a noninvasive procedure. It was designed for use with kidney stones, however, has advanced to treat pain, rehabilitation and even cosmetics.
A Quick Overview of the History of Shock Wave Therapy
The 1980s saw the introduction of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy that introduced the world to the shock wave therapy that gained popularity as a method to treat kidney stones. Later on, they found that it also aided healing process in soft tissues and bones and began utilizing it across the medical spectrum.
Why Is There A Growing Interest In It?
Chronic spoons can also be managed using shock wave therapy and since it does so without the aid of surgery and prolonged recovery periods, it is quick to cause a commotion. Having an optimal non invasive approach has truly been a game changer.
The Fundamentals
What Are Shock Waves?
While trying to address injured tissues, more blood flow is needed, and that's where high energy sound waves or shock waves can help as they are able to march through the body without constraints and reach the tissue.
How Shock Wave Therapy Works
The therapy is done by holding a particular device in hand, the device is responsible for directing shock waves at the desired area. This Engages and empowers the body's capacity to heal itself and even alleviate inflammation and pain.
Categories of Shock Wave Therapy
Focused Shock Wave Therapy (FSWT): Extraenous energy is directed inwards deep.
Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT): It targets larger areas, but it does not penetrate as deeply.
Best Rationale for Having Shock Wave Therapy
Pain Reduction or Management
The main advantage of the method is its ability to treat chronic pain by rendering peripheral nerve endings numb and decreasing the inflammation present.
Improvement in Mobility
Many patients report an improvement in joint range of motion and soft tissue extensibility after treatment.
Being Non-Invasive
In contrast to surgeries, the use of shock wave therapy entails no cutting, hence minimizing complications and recovery time.
Widely Used for
Orthopedic Disorders
It is routinely used for management of tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and calcific shoulder pain.
Sports Related Injuries
This is commonly used by sports people to assist in their recovery from tennis elbow and stress fractures.
Conditions Associated with Chronic Pain
Conditions like lower back pain and arthritis can also benefit from the use of shock waves.
Cosmetic Applications
In cosmetics, shock wave therapy is effective in treating cellulite and tightening the skin.
The Science Behind It
How Healing is Activated
When shock waves are directed to tissues, microtrauma is induced which stimulates the healing process.
Effects on Cells
This therapy aids in the formation of new blood vessels through a process called angiogenesis which aids to supply more nutrients to the region.
Scientific Studies Supporting Shock Wave Therapy
A large number of studies confirm its effectiveness and show effective outcomes for pain relief and movement in patients post treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
Initial Consultation
A health professional determines whether shock wave therapy is appropriate for you.
Procedure Overview
The procedure is simple. The professional will apply a gel on the skin for a couple of minutes and then start using the device, which is usually space out between 15-30 minutes.
Duration and Frequency of Sessions
A single patient would usually require anywhere from 3 to six wide spaced sessions, with a top range of one week per session.
Is Shock Wave Therapy Right for You?
Who Can Benefit
Anyone who has persistent pain, sports injuries, or have been resistant to other treatment methods would find wave shock therapy to be effective for them.
Contraindications and Risks
Blood clotting problems, bacterial infections and cardiac pacemakers are a few restrictions for using this method. Always consult a specialist.
Advantages Over Traditional Treatments
Faster Recovery Times
Signs of improvement can already be seen within a few weeks in most patients.
Cost-Effectiveness
Surgery is considerably more expensive than this treatment.
No Surgery Required
There is a reduction in injury and no anesthesia is needed for the procedure.
Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Mild bruising, swelling or redness might occur due to this procedure; however, it usually disappears after some time.
Rare but Serious Risks
Serious complications develop very rarely and few examples include nerve damage
Selecting a Professional
Finding a Service Provider
Providers are certified in shock wave therapy, as a professional, they should have a good reputation.
Questions to Ask
- Which conditions did you manage, and do you picture the area that has been treated?
- Is there paperwork that can show the proper success rates?
What to Look for in a Clinic
Most clinics claim that they use only FDA approved devices for their patients and follow various sanitation rules and standards.
Cost and Insurance
Typical Costs
Depending on a variety of factors such as the location and the condition you've given to the specialist the average session price varies from one hundred to five hundred dollars.
Insurance Coverage
Certain insurers consider it as medically required and are therefore willing to reimburse a portion of the expenses. Feel free to contact your insurance provider to find out their stance.
Tips for Budgeting
If you expect to incur significant costs, it's worth to ask the providers if they have package deals or payment plans you could utilize.
