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Shockwave Therapy in Reno
The term “shockwave therapy” may be a new concept for some, but it is a widespread modality used to facilitate healing for a variety of medical conditions. With its progressive technological advancements, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®), often referred to as ESWT or shockwave therapy, delivers an evidence-based, non-surgical solution for patients suffering from acute or chronic pain. It addresses the increasing demand for patient convenience, less down-time and risk, as well as better clinical outcomes for patients.
With certain studies revealing over 90% of patient satisfaction with the treatment, it is a therapeutic modality we are excited to offer at Northern Nevada Chiropractic.
What Is Shockwave Therapy and What Does It Do?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive modality that uses high-intensity acoustic shock waves directed into specific tissues to promote healing. Through induction of a safe amount of stress on the tissue, it helps break up scar tissue, improve microcirculation, and boost local metabolism. It serves as an alternative treatment to surgical intervention or medication management and can be a great adjunct to rehabilitation.
What Is Shockwave Therapy Used For?
Shockwave therapy has shown incredible results for orthopedic conditions. Studies on shockwave therapy point to the therapeutic benefits of reducing inflammation, improving microcirculation, and enhancing collagen production. From rotator cuff pain to plantar fasciitis to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, these benefits promote reduced pain and expedited healing.
At NNC, we are using shockwave therapy to successfully treat acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain and/or pain that significantly impairs mobility or quality of life. Areas include:
- Foot and ankle
- Lower extremity
- Upper extremity
- Back and chest
- Shoulder
- Neck
- Myofascial trigger points
6 Shockwave Therapy Treatments for $500
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Focused vs. Radial Shockwave Therapy
The two primary forms of shockwave therapy include focused and radial shockwaves. Both offer varying benefits but differ in their means of energy production, therapeutic applications, and overall impact.
Systems with radial pressure waves tend to be more affordable and generate energy using a pneumatic system. Their waves have the greatest degree of energy at the source which reduces as it travels away from the transmitter. This type of shockwave therapy is most beneficial for the treatment of superficial conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
Conversely, focused shockwave therapy devices are more effective for deeper treatment areas such as a hip flexor or deep fracture site. Waves can travel up to 12cm and maintain their power throughout the depth of application. The generation of energy involves an electromagnetic field that is created by opposing magnets during application. In addition to pain relief and circulatory benefits, this type of shockwave treatment can also stimulate growth factors and contribute to the release of nitric oxide, promoting anti-inflammatory effects.
What Common Conditions Can It Treat?
Joint Pain
Shockwave therapy signals the body to kickstart the natural healing process. In doing so, it can offer individuals with joint pain enhanced circulation to affected regions, pain relief, and tissue repair.
Tennis Elbow
Similarly, numerous studies point to the benefit of shockwave therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow. By directly stimulating blood vessel creation and healing it helps sufferers exit the chronic inflammatory state that often occurs in tennis elbow.
Tendonitis
Besides joint pain and tennis elbow, research also suggests that shockwave therapy can improve pain ratings, overall function, and healing of inflamed tendons in tendonitis conditions. In one of many studies, results showed improvement in reported Achilles tendinopathy symptoms in 20/23 studied patients.
Osteoarthritis
Finally, shockwave therapy shows promise for individuals suffering from arthritic pain through the modification of cartilage and subchondral bone. With 58.5 million people suffering from arthritis in the US alone, it provides hope to reduce daily pain and improve functional mobility.
The bottom line, shockwave therapy can be useful for a variety of conditions through an increase in cellular metabolism, revascularization, pain reduction, and enhanced circulation.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Yes! With all of its benefits, shockwave therapy is also non-invasive and side effects are minimal at most. That said, there are a few contraindications to the treatment which should be maintained:
- Pregnancy
- Pacemaker
- Active infection over treatment site
- Tumor at or near the treatment site
- If you received a recent steroid injection
- If taking oral anticoagulation medication
- Blood clotting disorders
- If you are unsure if the treatment is right for you, speak with your chiropractor before initiating the therapy.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Depending on the condition, results can be expected within six treatment sessions. Of course, it is important that alongside shockwave therapy, you address the underlying faulty biomechanics that led to the condition to achieve long-lasting benefits.
