Using Shockwave Therapy for Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis
Learn how Shockwave Therapy in Cambridge, ON, can provide a painless, effective knee pain relief and osteoarthritis relief option. Find out how this new therapy can restore mobility and alleviate pain for residents of Ayr, ON.
Knee pain is an affliction that anyone at any age can fall victim to, but it becomes increasingly common as we get older. A primary contributor to knee pain is osteoarthritis, where the joint's cushioning cartilage slowly deteriorates. It can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain when moving the knee easily.
If you are a resident of Ayr, ON, and want to treat the issue without surgery and prolonged medication, shockwave therapy can be the game-changer. This groundbreaking knee pain treatment is catching on for its power to break up pain, enhance joint mobility, and stimulate natural healing—all without surgery or downtime.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave treatment employs concentrated sound waves—high-intensity acoustic pulses—that are applied to the damaged tissues in your knee. They travel deep within the joint and nearby soft tissues, activating your body's healing processes. The therapy stimulates improved blood circulation, degenerates scar tissue, and encourages new growth of healthy cells.
As opposed to mainstream therapies that tend to cover up pain temporarily, shockwave therapy addresses the root causes through stimulation of tissue repair and inhibition of chronic inflammation. The osteoarthritis treatment is non-surgical, medication-free, and usually less than 20 minutes per treatment, making it ideal for people with busy lifestyles.
Comprehending Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis
To better realize how shockwave therapy can assist, it's helpful to know what's occurring within your knee.
Your knee joint consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Cartilage is a cushioning layer between bones for smooth, pain-free movement. Osteoarthritis results from the wearing down of this cartilage over time and causes bones to collide. Bones grating against each other results in friction that generates pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Other factors causing knee pain are:
Tendonitis: Tendon inflammation near the knee.
Bursitis: inflamed bursae contributing to knee joint discomfort.
Calcifications: Calcium buildup that may occur in soft tissues, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Conventional osteoarthritis treatment and knee pain treatment is most commonly medication, physical therapy, injections, or surgery. Although they may work well, some may include side effects, danger, or prolonged recovery. Shockwave therapy is a promising alternative that utilizes your own body's healing potential.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Treat Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis?
Shockwave therapy treats knee pain and osteoarthritis by several vital mechanisms:
1. Reduces Inflammation
The sound waves soothe inflamed tissues in and around the knee joint, reducing swelling and pain.
2. Stimulates Cartilage Repair
Shockwaves stimulate the development of new cartilage cells, which can restore your knee's cushioning.
3. Breaks Down Calcifications
Calcium deposits occasionally accumulate in the knee, exacerbating pain and restricting movement. Shockwave therapy dissolves these deposits, relieving stiffness.
4. Enhances Blood Flow
Better circulation supports cellular repair by improving the nutrient and oxygen supply to injured tissue, thereby accelerating healing and alleviating pain.
5. Eases Muscle Tension
Tense muscles surrounding the knee can add stress to the joint. Shockwave therapy relaxes tight muscles, enhancing joint stability and comfort.
What Does Science Say?
Scientific studies increasingly confirm the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for knee pain and osteoarthritis:
A 2022 study concluded that patients treated with shockwave therapy experienced meaningful relief from notable improvement in knee pain and performance beyond results seen with routine physiotherapy.
Another research demonstrated that shockwave therapy decreased stiffness and enhanced walking capacity in individuals with moderate knee osteoarthritis.
Studies also show that shockwave therapy may diminish the requirements for pain medication and forestall or even prevent surgery in certain patients.
These results put forward shockwave therapy as a safe, effective, and evidence-based method of knee pain treatment and osteoarthritis treatment.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy Sessions
At Cambridge Physiotherapy, your journey starts with an extensive examination to diagnose the cause of your knee pain and overall well-being. Your therapist will assess your symptoms, medical history, and objectives before creating a tailored treatment plan.
During the procedure, a special gel is applied to your knee to facilitate the delivery of the shockwaves comfortably. You might experience a tapping or pulsing feeling while the device sends focused sound waves to the affected part. Most patients find the treatment comfortable, with only slight discomfort, if any.
Patients usually receive 3 to 6 sessions, with about a week between each session. Most patients feel an improvement in pain and mobility following a few treatments, with the benefits continuing to accumulate over time.
How Shockwave Therapy Compares to Other Treatments
In managing knee discomfort and osteoarthritis effectively, you've got some alternatives—medications and injections, surgery, and physical therapy. What makes shockwave therapy special is that it can awaken your body's healing power without the risks or downtime of surgery. Unlike pain medications that don't address what's going on, shockwave therapy treats the cause: damaged tissue and inflammation.
Most patients like that shockwave therapy is fast, often painless, and involves no downtime, so they can immediately resume their normal activities. It can also be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as exercise therapy or manual therapy, to achieve even greater results.
Why Opt for Shockwave Therapy in Ayr, ON?
Expert Therapists: The Cambridge Physiotherapy staff has many years of training and experience in shockwave therapy, so you know you are receiving professional treatment.
Advanced Technology: We integrate modern technology to enhance efficient and comfortable care.
Personalized Care: Your care is individually prescribed according to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Convenient Location: Conveniently located in Ayr and the surrounding area, with easy scheduling.
Non-Invasive Approach: Get around surgery and prolonged medications with this non-invasive, yet highly effective therapy.
Supporting Your Recovery: Tips to Maximize Results
Shockwave treatment triggers recovery, but your active involvement is needed to achieve sustained relief. These are some guidelines to aid your recovery:
Obey Your Therapist's Instructions: Perform prescribed exercises and stretches that aim to develop the muscles surrounding your knee and enhance flexibility.
Be Fit: Overweight individuals put extra pressure on their knees, so a correct diet and frequent exercise can help alleviate pain.
Practice Good Posture and Movement: Steer clear of positions or activities that put a strain on your knees, and practice correct lifting and exercising techniques.
Stay Hydrated and Rested: Adequate hydration and rest enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Real-Life Benefits: What Patients Often Experience
Individuals who receive shockwave therapy for knee pain treatment and osteoarthritis treatment tend to experience:
Faster Pain Relief: Many experience less discomfort after only a few sessions.
Enhanced Mobility: Stiffness diminishes, and walking, going up stairs, and regular activity become simpler.
Less Medication Use: Certain patients reduce or discontinue pain medicines as treatment continues.
Improved Quality of Life: Decreased pain and enhanced function enable a more active, pleasant life.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Shockwave Therapy
Some individuals ask whether shockwave therapy hurts or if it's effective on everyone. Although experiences differ, the majority of patients report feeling a light tapping during the knee pain or osteoarthritis treatment. And though it's highly beneficial to many, your therapist will thoroughly assess your condition to determine if it's suitable for you.
Is Shockwave Therapy Suitable For You?
If osteoarthritis of knee pain is holding you back and you're seeking a non-invasive, safe treatment method, shockwave therapy in Cambridge, ON, might be just what you need. At Cambridge Physiotherapy, our trained professionals are here to guide you through this cutting-edge treatment and create a plan specifically for you.
Your Knees Deserve Better—Make The Move Toward Pain Relief
Don't let osteoarthritis of knee pain stop you. Call The Cambridge Physiotherapy today to arrange your shockwave therapy appointment and begin your path to healthier, more comfortable knees.
References
Choi IJ, Jeon JH, Choi WH, Yang HE. Effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for mild knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Nov 17;102(46):e36117. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036117. PMID: 37986308; PMCID: PMC10659666.
De la Corte-Rodríguez H, Román-Belmonte JM, Rodríguez-Damiani BA, Vázquez-Sasot A, Rodríguez-Merchán EC. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Oct 26;11(21):2830. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11212830. PMID: 37957975; PMCID: PMC10648068.
Neculăeș M, Hernandez-Lucas P, Ioana-Bianca I, Lucaci P. Contribution of Shockwave Therapy in the Functional Rehabilitation Program of Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. J Clin Med. 2024 Nov 29;13(23):7260. doi: 10.3390/jcm13237260. PMID: 39685719; PMCID: PMC11641908.
