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Shockwave Therapy

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WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment for various types of pain. This therapeutic technique utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in musculoskeletal conditions. It works by setting a predetermined level of pressure to help increase blood flow to the injured area. 

Shockwave Therapy is an air powered therapy gun that shoots a “tiny bullet” back and forth 15 times a second for 800 to 1500 hits. The treatment breaks up scar tissue and aids in healing. Treatment can be annoying to painful and we do recommend that patient’s ice after their visits. Still, Shockwave is much more comfortable compared to an injection. Most injuries involving shockwave will take 8 to 12 visits to heal. Shockwave therapy can be used to treat nearly all muscle and joint conditions.

HOW DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WORK? 

Imagine if you had a hose that was kinked — water wouldn’t come out, right? Once you unkink that hose the water should flow smoothly. Shockwave works by breaking down damaged blood vessels at an injured site then stimulating a cellular response to create the formation of new blood vessels called angiogenesis. 

One of the primary applications of shockwave therapy is in the management of chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain, such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy. These conditions often result from tissue damage or inflammation. Shockwaves work by increasing blood flow to the affected area, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation. This accelerates the body’s natural healing processes with the use of painful injections or medications. 

Moreover, shockwave therapy has shown remarkable results in treating chronic back pain and osteoarthritis. By targeting the source of pain directly, it can alleviate discomfort and improve the patient’s quality of life without resorting to surgery or long-term medication use. Another advantage of shockwave therapy is its minimal side effects and relatively short recovery time. Patients typically experience some soreness after treatment, but this discomfort is temporary compared to the prolonged pain experienced before therapy. 

A medical study from 2018 researched pain levels in 384 participants and concluded that shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain levels in people with tendinopathies. By promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and addressing the root causes of pain, it has the potential to improve the quality of life for many patients, helping them regain their mobility and alleviate their suffering.

In conclusion, shockwave therapy offers a promising alternative for individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. As medical technology continues to advance, shockwave therapy stands as a beacon of hope for pain management and enhanced well-being.

 

HOW DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FEEL? 

Most of our patients describe our Shockwave machine as a ‘mini jackhammer’ that feels like a good hurt, not a bad hurt. Keep in mind, we usually start off with a gentle but effective setting to accommodate your pain sensitivity. Keep in mind that we are addressing the damaged soft tissues so there might be tenderness or soreness after treatment. Overall, most of our patients found reduction of their pain levels right after their first treatment! 

 

WHO IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SHOCKWAVE TREATMENTS?

  • If you are pregnant
  • If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
  • If you taking oral anticoagulants (Coumadin, Plavix, etc)         
  • If you have a received a steroid injection within 6 weeks
  • If you have a pacemaker
  • If tumors, infections or cancer is near the site

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED? 

First and foremost, our doctors have to screen you to make sure that you are a good candidate for Shockwave therapy. Once we determine that you are a good candidate, we typically recommend 5-12 treatments. 

 

PRICING

Our Oakdale clinic provides Shockwave Therapy Treatment. While some clinics will charge as much as $200 per session, we have very affordable fees per session.

1 session           $50

5 sessions         $225 (save $25)

10 sessions       $450 (save $50)

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