The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy: A Breakthrough in Pain Relief

Chronic pain can significantly affect your quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities or enjoy your favorite hobbies. Traditional treatments like medications or surgery often come with risks and side effects, leaving many people searching for alternative solutions. Shockwave therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that has revolutionized pain relief and tissue healing. Discover how Dr. Eric Leitman at Complete Performance Chiropractic uses shockwave therapy to help patients recover from pain and restore their quality of life.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. The high-energy sound waves are delivered to the affected area, promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation. This innovative therapy is widely used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, tendon injuries, and joint issues.
Unlike medications or surgery, shockwave therapy works by addressing the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms. It accelerates the body’s natural healing processes, leading to long-term relief and improved function.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
The acoustic waves delivered during shockwave therapy create microtrauma in the targeted tissues, which triggers the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This process stimulates the production of collagen, improves blood flow, and reduces inflammation. Over time, the treated area becomes stronger, more flexible, and less painful.
Shockwave therapy sessions are quick, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, and require no downtime. Most patients experience noticeable improvements after just a few treatments, making it a convenient and effective option for pain relief.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
- Plantar Fasciitis: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing in the heel and foot.
- Tendinitis: Stimulates repair in tendons affected by overuse or injury.
- Shoulder Pain: Treats rotator cuff injuries and calcific tendinitis.
- Joint Pain: Relieves pain in knees, hips, and other joints.
- Chronic Back Pain: Reduces tension and inflammation in the lower back.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Non-Invasive: No surgery or incisions are required, reducing the risk of complications.
- Quick Recovery: Sessions are short, with no downtime needed, so patients can return to their daily activities immediately.
- Effective for Chronic Conditions: Provides long-term relief for stubborn pain and injuries that haven’t responded to other treatments.
- Improved Mobility: Reduces stiffness and increases flexibility in the treated areas.
- Natural Healing: Stimulates the body’s natural repair mechanisms without relying on medications.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy
During a shockwave therapy session, a handheld device is used to deliver acoustic waves to the targeted area. The treatment is generally well-tolerated, with most patients feeling only mild discomfort during the procedure. Each session typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes, and a series of 3 to 6 sessions is usually recommended for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, but it is generally well-tolerated. Any discomfort typically subsides immediately after the session.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated. Most patients see significant improvements after 3 to 6 sessions.
Is there any downtime after treatment?
No, shockwave therapy requires no downtime, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately after each session.
Who is a good candidate for shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is suitable for individuals with chronic pain, tendon injuries, or joint issues. However, it may not be recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders or pacemakers. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if shockwave therapy is right for you.
Get Started with Shockwave Therapy Today
If you’re looking for a non-invasive, effective solution for chronic pain or injuries, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Eric Leitman at Complete Performance Chiropractic. Dr. Leitman and his experienced team will create a personalized care plan to help you achieve lasting pain relief and improved function.