How Effective Is Shockwave Therapy in Treating Musculoskeletal Conditions?

How Effective Is Shockwave Therapy in Treating Musculoskeletal Conditions?

Shockwave therapy has emerged as an innovative and effective treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. This non-invasive, outpatient procedure uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing and regeneration in damaged tissues. The use of shockwave therapy has been increasing in popularity due to its ability to provide long-lasting relief from chronic pain and other musculoskeletal issues. In this blog, we will explore the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in treating musculoskeletal conditions.

Shockwave therapy was first used in the 1980s for the treatment of kidney stones. The technology was later adapted for use in treating musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and tennis elbow. Shockwave therapy works by sending high-energy sound waves to the affected area. These waves stimulate the production of new blood vessels and increase blood flow, which in turn helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

One of the primary benefits of shockwave therapy is that it is non-invasive, which means that it does not require any incisions or injections. This makes it a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgery for many musculoskeletal conditions. Patients who undergo shockwave therapy typically experience little to no downtime and can resume their regular activities immediately after treatment.

Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can be effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that shockwave therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Another study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that shockwave therapy was effective in treating patients with non-union bone fractures.

Shockwave therapy has also been shown to be effective in treating shoulder pain. A study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery found that shockwave therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in patients with calcific tendinitis. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology found that shockwave therapy was effective in treating patients with frozen shoulder.

One of the advantages of shockwave therapy is that it can provide long-lasting relief from chronic pain. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology found that shockwave therapy was effective in providing long-term pain relief in patients with chronic Achilles tendonitis. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that shockwave therapy was effective in providing long-term pain relief in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

In addition to providing long-lasting pain relief, shockwave therapy can also help to improve function in patients with musculoskeletal conditions. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that shockwave therapy was effective in improving function and reducing pain in patients with chronic Achilles tendonitis. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology found that shockwave therapy was effective in improving shoulder function and reducing pain in patients with calcific tendinitis.

Overall, shockwave therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions. The non-invasive nature of the procedure, combined with its ability to provide long-lasting pain relief and improve function, makes it an attractive alternative to traditional surgery for many patients. If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal condition, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if shockwave therapy may be an appropriate treatment option for you.

Shockwave therapy can help chronic pain courtesy of Haldimand Physiotherapy Centre

Combining physiotherapy with shockwave therapy for optimal results

Physiotherapy focuses on treating injuries, disabilities, and disorders through physical methods such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities. Physiotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, and can also be used in conjunction with other treatments such as shockwave therapy.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, calcific tendinitis and tennis elbow. However, shockwave therapy is just one tool in the physiotherapist’s toolbox.

When it comes to treating musculoskeletal conditions, physiotherapy can be an effective way to reduce pain and improve function. One of the primary goals of physiotherapy is to help patients regain their strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This can be achieved through various techniques such as exercise, stretching, and manual therapy.

For example, if you are suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis, your physiotherapist may prescribe a series of exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your foot and lower leg. They may also use manual therapy and other techniques to help reduce pain and improve blood flow to the affected area. Additionally, they may use shockwave therapy as a complement to other treatments to help stimulate healing and reduce pain.

Physiotherapy can also be effective in helping patients recover from injuries and surgeries. If you have recently had surgery, your physiotherapist can help you regain your strength and mobility through a series of exercises and stretches. They may also use modalities such as acupuncture, ultrasound and electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Overall, physiotherapy can be an effective way to help patients recover from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain from a sports injury or recovering from surgery, physiotherapy can help you regain your strength, mobility, and function.

When it comes to treating musculoskeletal conditions, it is important to work with a qualified and experienced physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist can assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. They may use a combination of techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, acupuncture, education and shockwave therapy to help you achieve your goals.

In conclusion, physiotherapy can be an effective way to treat musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain from a condition like plantar fasciitis or recovering from surgery, physiotherapy can help you regain your strength, mobility, and function. Additionally, shockwave therapy can be an effective complement to other physiotherapy treatments, helping to stimulate healing and reduce pain. If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal condition, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if physiotherapy and shockwave therapy may be appropriate treatment options for you.

Target chronic pain with shockwave therapy courtesy of Haldimand Physiotherapy Centre

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shockwave treatment is not considered to be a painful procedure. Most patients describe it as feeling like a tingling or vibration sensation. Some patients report a little soreness in the area treated for a day or so after treatment. 

The length of the therapy will depend on the type of the injury or condition being treated. In general, the treatment may last between 10-20 minutes per session and will usually require 5-10 sessions for optimal results.

Shockwave therapy is designed to have long-lasting effects, but the results may vary from person to person. Some patients may require additional treatments or therapies to maintain their results, while others may experience permanent relief. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist to find out if shockwave therapy is the right option for you.

About Darlene Losier

Darlene graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy in 1998 as well as a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 1996. She has completed the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program, Scalp and AFCI Acupuncture courses and uses Acupuncture extensively in her practice. She has completed her Level 2 Manual Therapy courses and also has training in Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.)™, Concussion Management, Guasha, Cupping and Kinesio-taping. She has developed an integrated treatment approach in her experienced orthopedic practice and enjoys seeing her clients achieve their goals.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

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