Shockwave therapy is gaining popularity among osteopaths for its effectiveness in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions. As a non-invasive treatment, shockwave therapy offers numerous benefits, including pain reduction, accelerated healing, and improved mobility. This guide will explore what shockwave therapy is, why osteopaths recommend it, and what patients can expect during treatment.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-surgical treatment that uses acoustic waves to promote healing in damaged tissues. Originally developed to treat kidney stones, this technology has since been adapted to address various musculoskeletal issues.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy works by sending high-energy sound waves into the affected area. These waves stimulate the body’s natural healing process by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting cell regeneration (Schmitz et al., 2015). The treatment encourages the breakdown of scar tissue and calcifications, allowing for better mobility and reduced pain over time.
Conditions Treated by Shockwave Therapy
Osteopaths often use shockwave therapy to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Calcific shoulder tendinitis
Chronic muscular pain
Studies have shown that shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic conditions that have not responded well to traditional treatments (Notarnicola & Moretti, 2012).
Why Osteopaths Recommend Shockwave Therapy
Osteopaths recommend shockwave therapy because of its ability to alleviate pain, speed up recovery, and improve overall function without the need for invasive procedures.
Reducing Pain and Inflammation
One of the primary reasons osteopaths suggest shockwave therapy is its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation. The acoustic waves disrupt pain receptors, which helps to alleviate discomfort quickly (Wang et al., 2012). Additionally, the therapy promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, providing immediate relief.
Accelerating Recovery and Healing
Shockwave therapy accelerates recovery by stimulating the production of collagen, a key component of the body’s connective tissue (Saxena & Maffulli, 2020). This collagen stimulation leads to stronger, more resilient tissues, helping patients recover from injuries faster. The increased blood flow to the treated area also enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, which are essential for the healing process.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
Understanding what to expect during a shockwave therapy session can help alleviate any concerns and make the experience more comfortable.
Initial Consultation with Your Osteopath
Your first session will typically involve an initial consultation with your osteopath, who will assess your condition and determine if shockwave therapy is the right option for you. During this evaluation, the osteopath will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss your symptoms and treatment goals.
The Treatment Process Explained
During the treatment, a handheld device is used to deliver shockwaves to the affected area. A gel is applied to the skin to enhance the transmission of the acoustic waves. The session typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and nature of the condition being treated. Patients may feel some discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated (Speed, 2014).
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Here are some common questions patients have about shockwave therapy:
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
While some patients may experience mild discomfort during the treatment, shockwave therapy is generally not considered painful. The sensation is often described as a series of pulsing or tapping sensations. The intensity of the therapy can be adjusted to match the patient’s comfort level.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions required varies depending on the condition being treated and its severity. Most patients experience significant improvement after three to five sessions, spaced about one week apart. However, your osteopath will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Jonathan Hall M.Ost, BAppSci (Human Biology), PGCertHSc (Acupuncture), GradDipHeal
Jonathan Hall is the founder and principal Osteopath at Movement Mechanics Osteopathy. Jonathan specialises in Shockwave Therapy and Western medical acupuncture. A fully qualified Osteopath registered with OCNZ, PNZ, PAANZ and ACC, Jonathan also founded Auckland Shockwave Therapy to help bring evidence-based Shockwave treatment to New Zealand using the industry-leading EMS Radial Shock Wave device.
Contact Us: hello@movementmechanics.nz
References
Notarnicola, A., & Moretti, B. (2012). The biological effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on tendon tissue. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 2(1), 33–37.
Saxena, A., & Maffulli, N. (2020). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy: How many sessions are needed? British Medical Bulletin, 135(1), 66–79.
Schmitz, C., Császár, N. B., Milz, S., Schieker, M., Maffulli, N., & Rompe, J. D. (2015). Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for orthopedic conditions: A systematic review on studies listed in the PEDro database. British Medical Bulletin, 116(1), 115-138.
Speed, C. (2014). A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: Focusing on the evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(17), 1538-1542.
Wang, C. J., Ko, J. Y., Kuo, Y. R., & Huang, C. C. (2012). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic patellar tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(3), 542-549.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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