
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
1746876408
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to help heal injuries and chronic conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and bones. It's commonly used for problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and stress fractures. During a session, a machine produces sound waves that penetrate deep into the affected area, helping to break down calcifications and scar tissue, encourage blood flow, and boost the body's healing process. The treatment usually consists of 3 to 5 sessions, each lasting about 15-30 minutes. Patients typically experience some tenderness after the session, but there's no significant downtime, and you can usually resume your regular activities immediately.
This therapy can alleviate symptoms such as persistent pain in joints or tendons, stiffness, and reduced mobility due to chronic overuse injuries or conditions like osteoarthritis. While traditional treatments like physical therapy and medication are options, shockwave therapy provides a more direct approach to promoting tissue repair and is often considered when these methods have not provided sufficient relief.
The risks associated with shockwave therapy are minimal, including some temporary soreness or swelling at the treatment site. It's generally not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with tumors, or anyone with an active infection or recent tendon rupture. There's typically no special preparation needed. A gel is applied to the skin to help transmit the waves, and the procedure is performed without anesthesia. You should discuss any anti-inflammatory medications you are taking with your provider as they might interfere with the healing process.
Overall, shockwave therapy is a well-tolerated procedure that offers a promising alternative to surgery and pain medication by helping your body repair itself naturally over a few weeks.
FAQs
Are there any risks or contraindications associated with shockwave therapy?
The risks of shockwave therapy are low, usually involving temporary soreness or swelling at the treatment site. It is not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with tumors, active infections, or recent tendon ruptures. Patients should discuss their current medications with their provider to avoid potential interference with the healing process.
How should a patient prepare for a shockwave therapy session?
There is minimal preparation required for shockwave therapy. A gel is applied to the skin to facilitate wave transmission during the procedure, which is performed without anesthesia. Patients should consult their healthcare provider regarding any anti-inflammatory medications they are taking, as these might hinder the therapy's effectiveness.
What are the expected benefits and recovery time after shockwave therapy?
Patients usually experience symptom relief such as reduced pain and improved mobility within a few weeks after completing 3 to 5 therapy sessions of 15-30 minutes each. There is generally no significant downtime, and patients can typically resume their regular activities immediately after treatment.
What conditions are typically treated with shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and stress fractures. It is effective in treating persistent pain in joints or tendons and stiffness linked to chronic overuse injuries or osteoarthritis, especially when traditional treatments have not relieved symptoms.
What is shockwave therapy and how does it work?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes acoustic waves to heal injuries and chronic conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and bones. By producing sound waves, the therapy targets the affected area to break down calcifications and scar tissue, promote blood flow, and accelerate the body's healing process over multiple sessions.