What is Shockwave Therapy?

The world of modern medicine can be extremely difficult to navigate. With many different providers and methodologies, it can be very challenging for people who care about their health to determine who knows what they are talking about and which treatments are going to actually help them. Many healthcare providers only focus is on medicating symptoms away, prescribing potions and lotions that numb your aches and pains while simultaneously emptying your pockets and your bank account. In a world like this, where does Shockwave therapy fit in? Is it a truly effective treatment or just snake oil?This blog post will discuss why Shockwave therapy is one of the most revolutionary methods available for treatment of acute and chronic medication conditions. It has not only the potential to treat many different health problems, but to change your life for the better. How do we know this? Because we do it for our patients daily.  

So what is Shockwave therapy? Is it related to electroshock therapy used on mental health patients in some 1800's asylum? Does it involve us shouting “PULL THE LEVER, IGOR!” to a grotesquely deformed assistant? The answer to these questions is a resounding no. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a tested and proven treatment which uses focused sound waves to cause a variety of effects in the body. This is unrelated to sound therapy, which is focused on frequencies and audible sounds for attempted healing.

There are two types of shockwaves; the Radial shockwave and the Focused shockwave. The Radial shockwave generates mechanical pressure waves, using an internal process during which a small metal bullet strikes a striker plate, generating a mechanical shockwave which is transferred into the tissues. These pressure waves travel down through the tissues, which means this form tends to have a more superficial effect. This type of shockwave is excellent for treating soft tissue problems, such as muscle soreness, tendinopathy, soft tissue calcifications, tissue regeneration, and many other beneficial effects.  

The Focused shockwave also causes a pressure wave to enter the body. However, instead of a mechanical pressure wave being transferred into the body, this form of shockwave uses electromagnetism to generate sound waves like small sonic booms which are then projected into tissues. These sound waves are focused like light through a magnifying glass to provide extremely focused and precise treatment. This focusing allows this type of shockwave to penetrate much deeper into the tissues and causes a slightly different effect. One of the primary benefits of this type of shockwave is pain relief, primarily through substance P modification, decreased calcitonin-gene-related peptide, and hyperstimulation analgesia. This therapy can also break down old tissues, like scar tissues, and build up new tissues instead. This includes muscle, bone, cartilage, and even blood vessels. Because of this wide variety of effects, the ways it can be used are practically endless. Studies have shown incredible results in cases with erectile dysfunction,  plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, wound healing, peripherial neuropathy, and many other conditions. In all these conditions, shockwave therapy has the potential to transform the way we approach medical treatment and recovery. 

In summary, shockwave therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option for a variety of medical conditions. Its ability to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration makes it a valuable tool in the medical industry. If you are suffering from chronic pain, soft tissue damage, or other medical conditions, talk to your healthcare provider to see if shockwave therapy is right for you. With its wide range of benefits and minimal risks, shockwave therapy could be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier future.