Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for individuals who are suffering from many joint and tendon disorders.  More commonly known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to health professionals, this form of treatment sends acoustic shock waves into the bone or soft tissue which basically reinjures the area on a cellular level.  As a result scar tissue that has penetrated tendons and ligaments becomes broken up. This controlled method of re-injury allows the body to regenerate bone cells and blood vessels which in turn leads to faster healing.

Shock waves are high energy sound waves that are audible. They occur when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier or during lightning strikes. For over thirty years now shock waves have been used in the medical field (for example) to disintegrate kidney stones.

Shockwave therapy treats a variety of conditions that can plague an individual. Some of these include:

• Lumbar and cervical spine regions
• Chronic muscular pain
• Shin splints
• Bursitis
• Iliotibial band friction syndrome
• Patellar tendonitis
• Hamstrings
• Heel spurs
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Calcific tendinosis of the rotator cuff muscles
• Non healing ulcers
• Mortons neuroma
• Hallux rigidus

Depending on the condition and how severe it is depends on how many treatments are required. On average, most patients need about 3 to 6 treatment sessions per week. Clinical studies say that for those who were suited for this treatment there is about an 80 to 85 percent chance of the condition being greatly improved yet 95 percent experience some level of improvement. Most people with a soft tissue injury can benefit from this treatment, especially athletes

Proven Success Rates

• 91% improved for calcific tendinitis
• 77% improvement for tennis elbow
• 90% improvement for plantar fasciitis

How Safe is Shockwave Therapy?

The basic technology involved with this shockwave technology has been actively used on millions of people (mostly in Europe) for several decades.  This technology originates in Europe hence the reason for the high number of people who have benefitted from it.

There are virtually no side effects and even the mild side effects such as redness, tingling or redness is rare and short-lived.

There are many benefits from shockwave therapy. Of course it is non-invasive, basically has no side effects, accelerates healing, and coverage is available from most health insurance companies.  This is a treatment that has been fully tested and backed by a lot of scientific evidence.

Are there People Who Cannot Have this Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is not for everyone. It is typically not used on those who may have bone tumours, circulation or nerve disorders, and certain metabolic bone conditions.  Also, it is not used on women who are pregnant either.

There are some other contraindications and/or precautions to be aware of such as:

• Cortisone injections
• Blood thinning medications
• Heart or circulatory problems
• Cancer or diabetes

The best thing to do is have a consultation with a qualified health professional so you can find out if you are a candidate for shockwave therapy.