Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You? Conditions It Can Treat
Find out how Shockwave Therapy in Cambridge, ON, can ease pain, accelerate healing, and cure a vast array of persistent conditions. Discover whether this non-invasive therapy at The Cambridge Physiotherapy is suitable for you.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a new, non-surgical treatment that applies high-intensity sound waves to trigger your body's natural healing process. The sound waves are targeted at aching or hurt areas, making it easier to move, lessening pain, and promoting rapid healing. Unlike surgery or shots, shockwave therapy does not use anesthesia, drugs, or time off work, so it's a safe and easy process for most people.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Stimulates Healing: The sound waves cause an increase in blood circulation and stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to flow into the damaged area.
Breaks Down Calcifications: Shockwaves can break down calcium buildup and scar tissue, particularly in joints and tendons.
Reduces Pain: The therapy prevents pain signals from being transmitted and causes your body to release natural painkillers.
Improves Mobility: By reducing muscle tightness and stiffness, shockwave therapy helps restore your range of motion, making movement easier and more comfortable.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy in Cambridge, ON
Shockwave therapy in Cambridge, ON, is a versatile treatment option for many stubborn and painful conditions.
- It's commonly used to relieve heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis and to promote healing in the Achilles tendon for those with tendinopathy.
- In the event you experience tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, shockwave therapy relieves pain and returns movement.
- It also works well to break down calcium deposits in the shoulder, soothe knee pain from jumper's knee, and alleviate pain from heel spurs.
- Those experiencing hip pain from trochanteric bursitis or stiffness due to frozen shoulders tend to find relief with the therapy.
- It can relieve chronic low back pain, accelerate recovery in muscle strains, and even promote bone healing in fractures that are not healing well.
- Shockwave therapy can also enhance hand function in carpal tunnel syndrome, alleviate shin pain due to stress injuries, loosen muscle knots, and alleviate pain in the sacroiliac joint.
If you're not sure if shockwave therapy is the best treatment for your condition, your physiotherapist at The Cambridge Physiotherapy can advise you on the most appropriate treatment plan.
Is shockwave therapy right for you?
Shockwave therapy is perfect for individuals who:
Suffer from chronic pain or injuries that haven't responded to rest, medication, or other therapies.
- Prefer to avoid surgery or steroid injections
- Seek a speedy, non-surgical treatment with few side effects
- Need to get back to work, sports, or daily activities soon
Note: Shockwave therapy is not suited for individuals who are pregnant, have disorders of blood clotting, infections, cancer within the area of treatment, or specific implanted devices. Your therapist will take your health history to verify it's safe for you.
What to Expect When Getting Shockwave Therapy in Cambridge, ON
Short Sessions: Each session is typically 10–20 minutes long.
Minimal Discomfort: Most people feel only mild discomfort during treatment, often described as a tapping or pulsing sensation.
No Downtime: You can typically return to your routine immediately after your appointment.
Gradual Improvement: Many people start to feel relief and move better within a few sessions, and the benefits often continue to build over time.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- No anesthesia or surgery required
- Quick pain relief and faster healing
- Minimal side effects
- Improved mobility and function
- Applicable to most chronic and acute ailments
The Science of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy treats the injured area by sending concentrated sound waves, which cause microtrauma to the tissue. The controlled microtrauma triggers your body's repair process, stimulating blood flow and new tissue growth. It has been found in studies that shockwave therapy is capable of breaking down the scar tissue and calcifications and is therefore particularly well-suited for chronic conditions that have failed other forms of treatment.
Research also indicates that shockwave therapy can reduce pain by numbing nerve endings and stimulating the release of endorphins, your body's natural pain medication. This will result in immediate and ongoing relief from pain and stiffness.
What to Expect During and After Shockwave Therapy
When you start shockwave therapy at The Cambridge Physiotherapy, your therapist will begin by performing a complete examination to identify the precise area causing pain or disability. While receiving treatment, you'll be lying or sitting comfortably while the therapist uses the shockwave device on the affected area. Most treatments take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on what the condition is being treated for.
You may experience a mild, well-tolerated tapping or pulsing sensation during the therapy. To keep you comfortable, your therapist will modify the intensity as needed during the session.
Following the treatment, one would usually be left with some temporary soreness or reddening in the treated area, much like the sensation after a deep tissue massage. This usually does not last beyond a day or two. To facilitate healing, the therapist may suggest gentle stretching, light work, or particular exercises as designed for your condition.
How to Maximize Your Recovery with Shockwave Therapy
To achieve optimal outcomes with shockwave therapy, care after treatment should be as advised by your therapist.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle at a comfortable level allows for continued enhanced mobility and promotes blood flow to the healing tissues.
- Take it easy for a little while after your treatment to avoid irritation.
- Staying hydrated, eating a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, and getting adequate rest can all support your body's natural healing.
Keep in mind that, although several patients experience improvement after only a few treatments, complete benefits may manifest slowly over many weeks as your body keeps repairing and gaining muscle mass.
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy in Cambridge, ON?
Advanced Technology: The Cambridge Physiotherapy provides state-of-the-art shockwave technology and knowledgeable therapists.
Personalized Treatment: Your treatment is adjusted to meet your individual needs and goals.
Convenient Location: Conveniently located in Cambridge, ON, with appointments that are easy to schedule.
Proven Results: Treatment often helps people feel better and live more comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes, regarding safety, shockwave therapy is relatively safe if done by experienced practitioners. Side effects are minor and uncommon, like temporary soreness or redness of the treatment area.
How many treatments will I require?
Most individuals require 3 to 6 sessions, separated by about a week, although your therapist will vary this according to how you're doing and what you have.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most people say that the feeling is slightly uncomfortable but bearable. The pressure can be customized to what you're comfortable with.
Can I have shockwave therapy in addition to other treatments?
Yes! Shockwave therapy is frequently utilized in combination with physiotherapy, exercise, and other treatments for optimal outcomes.
Is Shockwave Therapy Suitable for You?
If you're experiencing persistent pain or an injury that refuses to heal, shockwave therapy might be the answer you've been looking for. It's safe, efficient, and scientifically proven to help you with a host of conditions.
Get Back on Track
Don't let pain or injury hold you back from living life to the best of your ability. If you're managing chronic pain or a condition that hasn't responded, shockwave therapy in Cambridge, ON, may be the efficient, non-surgical answer you've been looking for. At Cambridge Physiotherapy, our qualified staff is here to assist you in beginning your path to quicker healing and long-term relief.
Contact us today to arrange for your customized evaluation and learn how shockwave therapy can help you return to enjoying the activities you enjoy, free from pain and with increased comfort.
References
Dedes V, Stergioulas A, Kipreos G, Dede AM, Mitseas A, Panoutsopoulos GI. Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies. Mater Sociomed. 2018 Jun;30(2):131-146. doi: 10.5455/msm.2018.30.141-146. PMID: 30061805; PMCID: PMC6029898.
Simplicio CL, Purita J, Murrell W, Santos GS, Dos Santos RG, Lana JFSD. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020 May;11(Suppl 3):S309-S318. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.02.004. Epub 2020 Feb 12. PMID: 32523286; PMCID: PMC7275282.
