What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an effective noninvasive form of long term pain relief. It works by the use of strong soundwaves that rapidly change the pressure in the tissue. These pressure changes cause cavitations in the tissue which breaks down scar tissue, calcifications, and improves blood flow. This in turn increases range of motion, decreases pain, and speeds up the healing process!

What conditions does it treat?

Shockwave is effective for so many different chronic conditions. The ones we see most often include: rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patella femoral pain syndrome, sciatica, bone spurs, carpal tunnel, osteoarthritis of the knee, neck, back, and hips.

How long does it take?

Treatments last between 3-7 min per region. Most people notice a difference after the first session, and significant relief after 3 sessions. For more long term relief, 6-8 sessions is typical. For more stubborn conditions, more visits may be necessary.

Is it the same as ultrasound or TENS/ESTIM ?

Nope!

Ultrasound is meant to heat up the tissues. It’s like using a heat pack, but it can penetrate deeper. Shockwave and ultrasound are similar in that they both use sound waves, but shockwave is meant to break adhesions and activate stem cells. Shockwave is more intense during the treatment as well.

TENS or Electric Stimulation uses electrical currents in order to block pain signals and contract musculature around the site of injury. Shockwave does not use any electrical currents.