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Shockwave Therapy
Sound-Based Treatments for Children and Adults
 

Non-invasive Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for neck and back muscles. Promotes pain relief, mus

What is Shockwave Therapy?  Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body's natural healing process.  Also known as Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), It can help relieve pain and promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It also is effective non-drug treatment that can be used to treat spasticity in both children and adults.

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How does Shockwave Therapy Work:  Shockwave therapy is a type of regenerative medicine (also known as orthobiologic therapy) and works by releasing growth factors in tissues that need healing. It does this by using sound or pressure waves to help heal injured tissues relieve pain. During a treatment session, the shockwave device is held on top of the skin over the area that is affected. The device then sends high-energy mechanical waves in the form of sound into the injured tissues, stimulating increased blood flow and growth hormones directly in the area, promoting new tissue growth. Shockwave also can also be used to treat spastic and chronically stiff muscles by reducing neuron excitability and modulating nerve conduction.

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What Type of Problems Benefit From Shockwave?  Shockwave therapy can be used on many different areas of the body and is especially a good treatment option when addressing:

  • Muscle Spasticity

  • Tendinopathy

  • Nerve Palsy

  • Ligament injuries

  • Bone injuries (such as stress fractures)

  • Joint Injuries

  • Shin Splints

  • Shoulder Pain

  • Knee Pain

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Heel Pain

  • Hip Pain and Bursitis

  • Achilles Tendinopathy

  • Non-union fractures​

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What Type of Neurological Conditions Benefit From Shockwave?  Conditions where symptoms of increased muscle tightness, tone and spasticity can also be helped by shockwave therapy. Shockwave can be effective for conditions that include: 

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Post-stroke Spasticity

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Parkinson's Disease

  • Peripheral nerve entrapment

  • Carpal tunnel Syndrome

  • Morton's Neuroma

  • Diabetic Neuropathy

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Is Shockwave Safe For Children?  Yes, shockwave can be used on children by a health care professional and can be an effective treatment to help children improve their symptoms and help with gross motor function. While often used on adults, Shockwave therapy can be especially helpful in cases where children may have muscle spasticity or spastic hemiplegia. We provide conservative treatments to children when using shockwave therapy and consider it's usage on a case-by-case basis.  It is generally well tolerated by children, who often notice pain relief after the first session. Common conditions we may use shockwave therapy for with a child include:

  • Muscle Spasms or Tightness

  • Tendonitis and Tendon Injuries

  • Osgood-Schlatter Disease

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Calcific Tendonitis

  • Chronic Soft Tissue Injuries

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Are There Side Effects or Complications?  Shockwave is very safe and side effects are extremely rare. This makes shockwave a very good choice for many different injuries and conditions. Conditions where shockwave is not appropriate include:

  • If you are pregnant

  • If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)

  • If you are taking oral anti-coagulants

  • If you have received a steroid injection in last 6 weeks

  • If tumors are present at the treatment site

  • If you have metal pins or plates in teh area that needs treatment

  • If you have a pace maker fitted

  • If you have an infections or skin abrasion at the treatment site​​

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What Can I Expect During My Treatment?  As the shockwave penetrates into your tissue, you feel a deep, and strong vibration. Many patients report if feels like small pulses against the skin. The for others can also feel relaxing and similar to a massage chair, only localized to the area you are looking to help heal. Treatments only require an area to be treated for a few minutes for effects. Results are often fairly quickly but can take a few treatments to reap the whole benefits.​ When you arrive for your treatment, it's helpful to wear loose clothing so you can move easily and best access areas needing treatment

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Blue futuristic soft smoke gradient flow

What Can I Expect After My Treatment?  When your treatment is finished you are able to go home and return to work and normal daily activities right away. You should avoid intense or high impact exercise such as running or other forms of activity for up to 24-48 hours when possible.​ In the days following you may experience some minimal swelling or redness in the treated area. This is normal and is indicative of the healing process and often subside within a day or two.

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How Many Treatments Are Needed?  Most patients require 3-5 sessions before significant pain relief is noticed. These treatments can be stand alone or included in your physical therapy treatment program. We often find effects are even more effective when combined with exercise and can discuss with you what exercises can be most beneficial to you.

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How Do I Start Using Shockwave Therapy?  We offer several options when choosing shockwave therapy. You can include in your current physical therapy program OR you can purchase block sessions. Most people see results in 3-5 sessions and we  offer 30 and 45 minute treatments when only using shockwave therapy for convenience. This also allow you do address multiple areas or concerns together in those sessions. Please reach out and let us know if you think shockwave may help you or your child or to set up an appointment. We love shockwave and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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