Shocking!
Shock wave therapy, maybe you have heard of it, maybe not. Shock wave is a newer, non-invasive therapy used to help heal many soft tissue injuries and pain.
The name is misleading. It is known by several names, but it is the delivery of a wave of energy (the shock) into the tissues. The wave or pulse of energy is delivered to the tissue through the skin, to the site of pain or injury. Similar to the technique called lithotripsy that is used to break up kidney stones, this shock wave energy (although high energy) is at lower levels than that used on the kidneys, as the tissues being treated are usually much more superficial.
Many theories exist as to why this works and how the pulse or wave of energy affects the tissue, but the basic idea is that the injured tissue reacts to the stimulation causing a cellular effect - there's a subsequent release of chemicals in the body that enhance and progress healing.
Most sessions last about 10-15 minutes and 1500 to 2000 pulses of energy are delivered at various energy levels depending upon the tissue being treated and the age of the injury. No anesthesia is needed and it is typically pain free.
A minimum of 3 sessions is usually required, sometimes up to 6 depending on many factors. Chronic achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and calf trigger points are the primary tissues that this is used for in the lower extremity.
This can be a valuable, non-surgical way to treat many tissues and without side effects or pain.
Call us for more information, or to be evaluated for this exciting therapy.
