Acoustic shockwaves, a type of high-intensity mechanical energy, are delivered in brief bursts to soft tissues that are wounded, scarred, uncomfortable, or inflamed as part of shockwave therapy, a non-surgical treatment. It was first created in the 1980s to remove kidney stones (lithotripsy), but it has since developed into a potent remedy for various musculoskeletal conditions. Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT), another name for this therapy, is a tried-and-true way to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s biochemical reactions, which aids in healing. The high-energy acoustic waves boost metabolism and blood flow, activate collagen synthesis and fibroblasts, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. It relieves muscular trigger points, breaks down scar tissue, dissolves calcific deposits, lowers inflammation, and activates osteoblasts, which are cells that repair broken bones. Mechanisms that alter pain perception at the neurological level, such as the gate-control hypothesis and hyperstimulation analgesia, are used to alleviate pain.

Converging waves that reach into deeper tissues are used in Focused Shockwave Therapy (F-SWT), which is perfect for treating diseases that are below the surface. Piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and electrohydraulic systems produce these waves.

For superficial injuries, Radial Shockwave Therapy (R-SWT) works better because it creates pressure waves that radiate outward from the applicator. It is excellent for treating larger or more superficial areas, even if its penetration depth and intensity are lower than F-SWT.

In some cases, combined shockwave therapy (C-SWT) effectively addresses both deep and superficial tissues.

Many chronic musculoskeletal and soft tissue disorders can be effectively treated using shockwave therapy, including:

Foot Pain:

• Plantar Fasciitis
  
  
• Achilles Tendinopathy (mid-portion and insertional)
  
  
• Heel Pain
  
  
• Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
  
  
• Morton’s Neuroma
  
  
• Tendonitis in the foot and ankle
  
  
• Nerve impingement or ligament injury in the foot
  
  

Ankle Pain:

• Chronic Ankle Pain (including osteoarthritis and instability)
  
  
• Ligamentous defects in the ankle
  
  
• Gastrocnemius muscle strain
  
  

Lower Leg Pain:

• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
  
  

Knee Pain:

• Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
  
  
• Knee Osteoarthritis
  
  
• IT Band Syndrome
  
  
• Insertional pain around the knee
  
  
• Medial or lateral collateral ligament strains
  
  

Upper Leg and Hip Pain:

• Hamstring Injuries/Tendinopathy
  
  
• Quadriceps Injury
  
  
• Hip Bursitis and Tendinopathy
  
  
• Gluteal Muscle Strain/Tendinopathy
  
  
• Iliopsoas Bursitis or Hip Flexor Tendinosis
  
  
• Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
  
  

Elbow Pain:

• Lateral Epicondylosis (Tennis Elbow)
  
  
• Medial Epicondylosis (Golfer’s Elbow)
  
  
• Little League Elbow
  
  
• Triceps or Biceps Elbow Injuries
  
  

Shoulder Pain:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries and Tendinopathy (including calcific)
  
  
• Frozen Shoulder
  
  
• Biceps Injuries
  
  

Hand and Wrist Pain:

• Sprains, Strains, and Tendon Injuries
  
  

Bone Conditions:

• Stress Fractures (Delayed Healing)
  
  
• Fracture Nonunions
  
  
• Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
  
  

Other:

• Myofascial Trigger Points
  
  
• Spasticity from neurological conditions (Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis)
  
  

A detailed consultation and physical examination are the first steps in your treatment. After reviewing your medical history, we’ll identify the problematic area and decide whether imaging is required. Before continuing, we will go over the steps, advantages, and possible drawbacks.

To improve shockwave transmission, a water-based gel will be given to the treatment region while you are in a comfortable position. The shockwaves are applied with a portable applicator. You might experience quick, pounding pulses, which are sometimes compared to a “deep tissue massage” or “little jackhammer.” Although some discomfort is typical, you can change the intensity to suit your comfort level. Usually, sessions last five to twenty minutes.

Two to five sessions, typically once a week, are beneficial for the majority of patients. Sessions may be scheduled differently for issues that are neurological or related to bones. Plans for treatment are modified in response to your response and level of recovery.

Redness, bruises, or pain after therapy are normal and transient. After treatment, we recommend avoiding taking NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or ice because these can impede the healing process. If pain treatment is required, acetaminophen can be administered. Within a day, you can usually resume your regular activities, though your condition may require some modifications. While some individuals see relief right away, others see improvement gradually over a few weeks.

At Club Five Health, we prioritize our patients while providing skilled care. Our skilled physical therapists and chiropractors have received advanced training in shockwave therapy. To guarantee successful outcomes, we utilize the newest shockwave technology and customize each treatment plan to your unique condition.

We support integrated, holistic care. This entails treating the underlying cause of your pain and preventing recurrence by combining shockwave therapy with physiotherapy or chiropractic services. To guarantee an accurate treatment response, we avoid local anesthetic and concentrate on clinical targeting, giving therapy precisely where it matters most. We also place a high priority on patient education so that you are aware of your disease, treatment, and recovery at every stage.

Your comfort and recovery are our primary goals, and we will support you throughout the whole process.. At Club Five Health, shockwave therapy is more than just a form of treatment; it’s a means of regaining function, strength, and a pain-free existence.