Over 20% of American adults live with some type of chronic pain.
If you are part of this group, you might be searching for some relief. Shockwave therapy might be your answer.
But what is it? How does it work? And is it safe?
We’ve put together this guide to help you answer those questions. So let’s get started!
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
The name “shockwave” makes this therapy seem scarier than it actually is.
In the most basic terms, shockwave therapy treats a number of medical conditions by creating low-energy acoustic waves that shoot through a patient’s skin and affect the injury directly. It is especially good for relieving chronic pain.
The goal of this therapy is to help trigger a patient’s body back into the natural healing process. Because of this, shockwave therapy can treat the following conditions:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fascitis
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Calcific tendonitis
- Heel spur
- Shin splints
- Patellar tendonitis
But this is just a quick list. You can use shockwave therapy on any part of the body. In fact, you can even use acoustic wave therapy for ED.
Benefits of Getting This Therapy
Perhaps the biggest benefit of shockwave therapy is that it’s non-invasive. This means you don’t need any anesthesia or pain medication of any kind. The risk of something going wrong is also almost non-existent.
It’s a safe procedure that doesn’t have many side effects.
Common Questions About Shockwave Therapy
It’s important to ask questions about shockwave therapy before scheduling your first treatment. We’ve listed some of the most common questions below, but it’s also a good idea to talk about the therapy with your doctor.
Here are a few things you need to know.
Does It Hurt?
You might feel some mild discomfort during the therapy. But it shouldn’t be super painful.
If it does start to hurt, make sure you tell your therapist. They’ll be able to adjust the treatment so you feel more comfortable.
Can Anyone Get It?
Most people can get shockwave therapy, but there are a few exceptions. For example, people who are pregnant, who have other medical conditions, or who’re taking certain types of medication should talk to their doctor first.
Children also aren’t good candidates for this treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There aren’t many side effects that come from shockwave therapy.
But you will feel sore after the procedure, and the treated area might have some swelling and tenderness for a few days afterward.
This is normal. Remember, shockwave therapy triggers the body’s natural healing process. So the inflammation is a sign that it’s working.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
Every patient is different, so it’s impossible to answer this question. The amount of treatment you need will depend on your specific injury and circumstances.
However, most patients receive at least three rounds of treatment. Each procedure is scheduled at least one week apart. So the entire process (if you only get three treatments) will take just under a month to complete.
Making Your Health a Priority
Shockwave therapy is a great treatment option for people suffering from chronic pain. But it might not be the best fit for everyone. Make sure you talk to your doctor before getting this treatment.
Are you ready to make your health a priority in your life?
Make sure you check out more of our blogs for other helpful health tips.
