Shockwave

What is shockwave therapy?

With the potential to reduce pain and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, extracorporeal shockwave (shockwave) therapy is often used to treat common musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. This noninvasive, natural approach carries minimal risk, complications, recovery time, and downtime.

The Orthohealing Center was among the first clinics in the United States to administer shockwave. And in partnership with esteemed colleagues in London, Singapore, and Dubai, our trailblazing team introduced cutting-edge tools to advance knowledge and application of the technique.

What are the benefits of shockwave?

Clinical studies indicate that shockwave therapy may alleviate pain and promote healing. This safe, nonsurgical procedure requires no anesthesia or incisions. Sessions last only 10 to 30 minutes each, and there is minimal downtime afterwards. Many treated patients report improved mobility, decreased pain, and an ability to resume their daily activities with greater ease.

When can I expect results from shockwave treatments?

MRI evidence supports statistically significant reductions in bone marrow inflammation in the knee joint six months post-treatment, with complete symptom resolution after twelve months. However, result times vary, based on individual factors and the specific condition being treated. Some patients experience immediate symptom relief after only one treatment, while others may require multiple sessions before noticing any significant improvement.

For optimal results, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommended treatment plan.

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?

Shockwave may be used alone or in conjunction with cell therapies to address many acute and chronic orthopedic conditions such as:

  • Plantar fasciitis (heel spurs)
  • Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
  • Shoulder tendinitis
  • Bone edema associated with knee arthritis
  • Acute muscle strains and tears

Although most often applied for musculoskeletal issues, shockwave has the potential to expedite the healing of bone and stress fractures.

How does shockwave therapy deliver effective pain relief?

This therapy uses shockwaves to disrupt the pain pathways of inflamed nerves at the cellular level and foster the restoration of healthy nerve function. The process is aimed at stimulating the growth of new blood vessels to facilitate natural healing.

Although most individuals tolerate the treatment well, we can apply a local anesthetic or use a numbing cream to minimize any potential discomfort during the procedure. In session, a handheld device targets and delivers soundwaves to the affected area, creating microtrauma to engage the body’s natural healing response. Mechanical pressure from the soundwaves increases blood flow to the site, potentially promoting the formation of new blood vessels and improved circulation. The soundwaves may also boost the production of collagen, a protein that plays a crucial role in tissue repair. This combination of increased blood flow and collagen has been shown to accelerate healing and help with pain reduction.

How many sessions of shockwave are typically needed?

The number of sessions required depends on individual factors and the specific injury or condition being addressed the course of treatment involves three to five sessions, spaced at weekly intervals. If PRP is incorporated into the treatment plan, it’s best to conduct shockwave on the same day as the PRP procedure and then resume shockwave therapy after two weeks.

While some patients report immediate pain relief, the natural healing process for injured tissue typically takes about eight weeks. Patients can typically resume their regular activities between treatment sessions if they are comfortable doing so.

Are there side effects associated with shockwave?

While considered safe, there are some potential side effects and risks associated with shockwave therapy. Common side effects include mild discomfort or pain during the procedure, bruising, and temporary numbness. These symptoms are usually temporary and self-resolving.

Please note that bleeding disorders and pregnancy are contraindications to this treatment.

Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?

Shockwave is a cost-effective treatment option. However, it is not covered by insurance. For more information, please visit: https://www.shockwavetherapy.org/about-eswt/introduction/.

Shockwave treatment studies

There is a wealth of published research supporting the efficacy of shockwave, including double-blind randomized controlled studies. In a study involving 250 patients with Plantar fasciitis, for example, those who received shockwave showed a notable reduction in pain when compared against those who did not. Another notable shockwave study found MRI evidence of statistically significant reductions in bone marrow inflammation in the knee joint six months post-treatment, with complete symptom resolution after twelve months.

As bone inflammation (bony edema) has been linked to the higher pain levels, these findings are particularly meaningful for patients diagnosed with knee arthritis—they reveal that the resolution of bony edema directly correlates with pain reduction and improved functionality.

Please click through on the links below for access to studies.

Regenerative Medicine to Keep You Moving