What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ?
If you’re dealing with a stubborn tendon or muscle pain—say in your elbow or hamstring—your doctor might suggest shockwave therapy. Don’t worry, it’s nothing like those dramatic shock treatments from old movies. This isn’t about jolts of electricity.
Instead, shockwave therapy is quite straightforward. Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive regenerative treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions.
It accomplishes this by releasing growth factors in the injured tissue. It doesn't need surgery and doesn't hurt. It's like giving your body a gentle nudge to help it heal itself.
Let's take a quick trip back to when shockwave therapy started. It wasn't always about fixing sore muscles and joints.
Originally developed in the early 1980s to break up kidney stones, this innovative therapy has since been adapted to treat a wide range of sports injuries and chronic pain conditions. By delivering targeted sound waves to injured tissues, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) promotes the body’s natural healing process, making it an effective option for reducing pain and enhancing recovery.
What Injuries Can Shockwave Therapy Help With?
Shockwave therapy can help with many types of pain and injuries. Here are some common ones:
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Tennis elbow
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Shoulder tendinopathy
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Patella tendinopathy (Jumper’s knee)
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Shin splints
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Hamstring injuries
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Golfer’s elbow
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Calcific tendinopathy
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Rotator cuff
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Heel spurs
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Gluteal tendinitis
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Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
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Retrocalcaneal bursitis
ESWT also heals general conditions like Heel Pain, Hip Pain, Elbow Pain, Ankle Pain, Thigh Pain and tendon pain in arms and legs.
Shockwave therapy isn't just about fixing a specific pain or injury. It's about opening the door to a healthier life and less pain for people dealing with ongoing pain and injuries. It's a leap forward in helping our bodies heal without the need for invasive procedures, offering a chance to get back to our daily lives with less discomfort.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work ?
Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy shockwaves to the affected area, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. These shockwaves increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the production of collagen, a crucial protein for tissue repair.
This combination of effects leads to a reduction in pain and an improvement in function. Shockwave therapy is versatile and can be used to treat conditions such as tendinopathies, bursitis, and osteoarthritis, making it a valuable tool in physical therapy and sports medicine.
Typically administered by a sports medicine specialist or physical therapist, this treatment can be used in conjunction with physical therapy to maximize recovery outcomes. The combined approach helps to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
What to Expect from Treatment
During a shockwave therapy session, the patient lies on a table while the therapist applies a gel to the area being treated.
This gel helps the acoustic waves from the handheld device transmit more effectively into the tissues. The therapist then administers high-energy waves directly to the targeted tissues using the device.
Each treatment session typically lasts between 5 to 20 minutes and is usually painless, though some individuals may feel mild discomfort which quickly subsides.
The entire process involves multiple sessions, where the duration, number of pulses, and intensity of the shockwaves are tailored to meet the patient's specific needs. Most patients are able to immediately resume their normal activities after the therapy with little to no downtime required.
There's no need for cuts, no risk of infection, and you won't be stuck in bed recovering for ages.
Shockwave Therapy: Focused vs. Radial
Focused shockwave therapy (F-SWT) and radial shockwave therapy (R-SWT) differ in their application and effects. Radial pressure wave therapy, another term for R-SWT, generates pressure waves that peak at the applicator but diminish in intensity as they move deeper into the body.
This contrasts with F-SWT, which delivers faster, more intense waves that penetrate deeper tissues. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right therapy for specific conditions.
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Focused Shockwave Therapy: This type reaches deeper into the body and is more accurate.
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Radial Shockwave Therapy: This type covers a bigger area but doesn't go as deep.
How effective is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment, especially beneficial for chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
It works by targeting injured tissues with calibrated shockwaves, which help in several ways. It Delivers strong shockwaves, causing microtrauma and cavitation bubbles which Improves blood flow and activates cells for tissue repair.
Pain Relief
Many patients experience a significant decrease in pain—about 70-80%—after just a few treatments. Effective for specific ailments like plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow, as confirmed by studies in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Inflammation Reduction
The therapy also reduces inflammation by lowering inflammatory cytokines by 30% and decreasing the number of inflammatory cells within joints by 25%. This helps alleviate pain and stiffness, enhancing patient comfort.
Improved Blood Flow
Shockwave therapy promotes the growth of new blood vessels by 45%, enhancing blood circulation to the affected areas and speeding up the healing process. This improvement in blood flow is crucial for effective treatment outcomes. Because it improves blood flow, it’s also used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Cellular Repair and Tissue Regeneration
On a cellular level, shockwave therapy fosters tissue repair and growth. It increases levels of essential growth factors like eNOS and VEGF by up to 40%, boosts collagen production by 50% for repairing connective tissues, and accelerates cell growth rates by 35%, facilitating rapid recovery and regeneration of damaged tissues.
Shockwave Therapy Benefits for Pain Relief
Shockwave therapy provides a revolutionary, cost-effective solution that rapidly alleviates pain, enhances mobility, and accelerates tissue healing—improving your overall quality of life without the need for invasive procedures or medications.
The sensation experienced during shockwave therapy is often likened to a deep tissue massage, which patients find both intense and beneficial.
A big win of shockwave therapy is how well it eases pain and also speeds recovery of injuries. People often feel way better and can do more after just a few goes at this therapy.
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Activates stem cell healing
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Reduces Pain quickly
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Improves ease of mobility
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Benefits extend far beyond initial treatment.
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Increases blood circulation
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Rapid results that are scientifically validated.
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Avoids pharmaceuticals.
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No surgery, no incisions.
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Proven and secure method for various conditions.
What's great about shockwave therapy is it doesn't involve cutting you open, putting you to sleep, or making you stay in the hospital.
This means you won't have to worry about the usual surgery risks like getting an infection or having trouble with anesthesia.
Shockwave Therapy Compared to other therapies
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is often compared to other treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s how it stacks up against some common alternatives:
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Shockwave Therapy vs. Surgery
Shockwave therapy is safer than surgery. Surgery can bring risks like infections and anesthesia problems. Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, meaning no cuts, no scars, and fewer risks. It’s also cheaper.
A full shockwave treatment plan costs between $600 and $2500. Surgery can cost a lot more from $20,000 to $50,000. You recover faster with shockwave therapy. You can get back to normal life almost right away.
Surgery can take weeks or months to recover from. Both can really help but shockwave therapy is less trouble. It treats muscle pain and tendinitis well without needing to cut you open. Surgery might be needed for very bad damage but shockwave therapy is great for many problems.
Typically, there are no side effects. Some may feel slight discomfort during treatment, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Long-Term Pain Medication
Shockwave therapy addresses the underlying issue causing pain. Unlike pain medications, which only mask the pain temporarily, shockwave therapy works to heal your body.
It’s safer too.
Long-term use of pain medications can lead to stomach issues, dependency, and other health problems. Shockwave therapy is known for having minimal side effects, making it a safer choice for many.
Over time, it can be cheaper. Pain medications can become a recurring expense, adding up over time.
For example, if pain medication costs $50 per month, that adds up to $600 per year. Over five years, this totals $3000, which is more than the cost of most shockwave therapy treatments. And you would still not have overcome the root cause of the problem.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Physical Therapy
Shockwave therapy works faster. Physical therapy takes time to show improvement. Shockwave therapy gives quick pain relief and fixes tissues faster. It might cost less in the long run.
Physical therapy sessions might seem cheaper at first, but you usually need many sessions, which adds up. On average, a single physical therapy session can cost between $50 and $150. If you need 20 sessions, this can total between $1000 and $3000.
Both are effective. Physical therapy is good for long-term rehab. Shockwave therapy is also very effective, especially for faster recovery.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Corticosteroid Injections
Shockwave therapy heals the root cause. Corticosteroid injections only give temporary relief by reducing inflammation. Shockwave therapy promotes long-term healing by healing the root cause.
It’s safer. Repeated injections can weaken tendons and have other side effects like joint infection, nerve damage, weakening of tendons, thinning of bones (osteoporosis), and increased blood sugar levels.
Shockwave therapy is super safe and doesn’t weaken tendons or cause these issues. Overall cost can also be lower. Corticosteroid injections typically cost between $100 and $300 per shot. Because they often require multiple treatments, costs can add up quickly.
How Expensive is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy can cost between $250 to $450 per session. The exact price varies based on the type of treatment, location, and the healthcare provider. Most patients need multiple sessions for the best results, which can increase the total cost.
The cost of shockwave therapy is determined by the number of pulses used during treatment. For example, treating a small, superficial area might require only 1,000 pulses, costing around $100.
However, a larger or deeper area might need 3,000 pulses, increasing the price to $300. This pricing method ensures the treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs of the affected area.
Type of Treatment
Different types of shockwave therapy, like extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for musculoskeletal conditions and radial shockwave therapy for conditions like erectile dysfunction, have different costs.
Location of the Healthcare Provider
Costs can vary by city and country due to local pricing standards, cost of living, and competition among healthcare providers.
Number of Sessions
The total cost depends on how many sessions are needed. More severe conditions or slower responses to therapy may require more sessions.
Insurance Coverage
Currently, no insurance plans cover shockwave therapy, so patients must pay out-of-pocket.
Saving on Shockwave Therapy Costs
There are big opportunities when it comes to saving costs on Shockwave therapy as the price varies tremendously by clinic and deals. So here are a few things to look out for.
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Look for Package Deals
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Utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
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Compare Clinic Prices
Are there any side effects or complications?
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is very safe and non-invasive, especially compared to surgery or long-term medication. Here’s what you need to know:
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ESWT is safe with minimal risks.
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Fewer complications and faster recovery than surgery.
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No long-term medication side effects like stomach issues.
Who Should Not Undergo Shockwave Therapy?
Avoid Shockwave Therapy if you:
Have circulation or nerve disorders
Show signs of infection
Have bone conditions in affected areas
Have open wounds
Are pregnant
Use blood-thinning medication
Have severe circulatory disorders
Are a child
Have a cardiac pacemaker
Received a corticosteroid injection within the last 3 months
Are currently receiving cancer treatment
Have a blood clotting disorder
It is essential to consult with sports medicine specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.
What Happens After Your Treatment
Here's what to expect after your session:
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Back to Normal
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Feeling a Bit Sore
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More Sessions
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Pain Relief
Shockwave therapy is quick, doesn't break the skin, and doesn't need any time to recover, so it fits easily into a busy life.
After your treatment, you can usually just keep going with your day. Your therapist will keep an eye on how you're doing and tweak your treatment plan to make sure you get the best results.
Shockwave Therapy: Veterinary use
Shockwave therapy is a cool way to help pets heal faster from injuries or pain, especially in their muscles and bones.
Vets use it a lot because it’s safe and works well, helping our furry friends feel better without surgery.
Shockwave Therapy Articles
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive, effective solution for a range of musculoskeletal issues without the need for surgery or long-term medication.
By using sound waves to promote healing at the cellular level, this treatment can significantly reduce pain and improve functionality. It is particularly beneficial for conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and Achilles tendinopathy.
Patients benefit from minimal downtime and side effects, making it a convenient option for those with active lifestyles. Although the cost per session can vary, the overall expense is often lower compared to surgery or prolonged medication use.
With its ability to stimulate tissue repair and enhance blood flow, shockwave therapy stands out as a cost-effective and safe alternative to traditional treatments.
FAQ About Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to promote healing in injured tissues. It helps increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and speed up tissue repair.
There are two main types of shockwave therapy: Focused Shockwave Therapy, which reaches deeper and is more precise, and Radial Shockwave Therapy, which covers a larger area but does not penetrate as deeply.
Each session of shockwave therapy typically lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
Shockwave therapy is usually done once a week for a total of 3 to 6 sessions, depending on the condition being treated.
There is minimal recovery time needed. Patients can typically resume normal activities immediately after the session but should avoid heavy activities for 48 hours.
Shockwave therapy can be effective for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) by improving blood flow to the penile tissues. However, results can vary, and it's best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Side effects are minimal and may include temporary soreness or mild discomfort in the treated area.
Shockwave therapy typically costs between $250 to $450 per session.
Currently, most insurance plans do not cover shockwave therapy, so patients usually pay out-of-pocket.
Treating kidney stones with shockwave therapy, also known as lithotripsy, usually requires only one session.
During a session, you'll lie down, and a gel will be applied to the treatment area. The therapy lasts about 5 to 10 minutes. Settings can be adjusted for comfort. After the session, you can walk immediately and manage any soreness with paracetamol, avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs and ice.
Yes, shockwave therapy is effective for treating plantar fasciitis, often reducing pain and improving functionality.
To find shockwave therapy providers near you, check out JustHealthy’s Shockwave Therapy Near Me page. Just enter your address, and we’ll quickly show you the closest Shockwave Therapy Providers Near you. It’s simple and convenient!
Resources
• WebMD - Overview of Shockwave Therapy
• Boston Children’s Hospital - Treatments: Shockwave Therapy
• Cleveland Clinic Canada - Shockwave Therapy Services
• Mayo Clinic - The Evolving Use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
• PubMed - Research on Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
• UT Southwestern Medical Center - Shockwave Therapy for Sports Injuries
• Physiopedia - Detailed Guide on Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy