If you have a soft tissue injury such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendonitis, or tennis elbow, then you might be offered Shockwave Therapy as a treatment option.
This is a non-invasive therapy that’s growing in popularity since it can promote healing and relieve pain without the need for surgery or medication.
But what exactly is Shockwave Therapy, and how does it work?
Understanding the science behind this advanced medical technology can help you make informed decisions about your care. In this blog, we’ll take a deeper look into what makes Shockwave Therapy so effective and how it helps the body heal.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a procedure where high-energy sound waves are passed through the skin to injured tissues. The sound waves create a pulse of energy that causes what’s known as a “controlled micro-trauma” to the cells in the targeted area.
The body sees each micro-trauma as an injury, triggering a healing response in the affected cells, meaning that they increase their blood flow, produce new collagen, and release vital growth factors into any injured tissue. This accelerates the overall healing of the musculoskeletal injury being treated.
Scientists in the German Ministry of Defence first started exploring the effects of shockwaves on tissue in 1969, but early observations about how shockwaves might impact the human body date back to World War II. By the early 1980s, doctors were using a form of Shockwave Therapy known as lithotripsy to break down kidney stones or gallstones. Physicians then noticed that shockwave therapy may improve bone density or treat soft tissue injuries.
Since then, evidence has mounted to support the efficacy of this treatment for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. As a result, it is now increasingly available as a treatment option.
The physics of shockwaves
Let’s explore the physics of Shockwave Therapy more closely.
As we’ve mentioned above, shockwaves are high-energy sound waves that travel through the body to target areas of injury or pain. Unlike the sound waves we hear as we go about our daily lives, shockwaves are specifically designed to deliver focused energy to deep tissues without causing damage to the skin or surrounding areas.
These sound waves are mechanical, meaning they create a sudden change in pressure when they pass through the body, which triggers a series of biological responses that aid in healing.
In a therapy device, shockwaves are generated by converting energy into sound waves. These waves are directed through an applicator and penetrate the body, reaching the affected tissue with precision. As we’ve seen, the energy delivered by these shockwaves stimulates tissue repair and reduces pain by increasing blood flow and promoting cellular regeneration.
It’s important to understand that not all medical sound waves are the same.
For example, while ultrasound also uses sound waves for medical treatments, it operates at a much higher frequency and lower intensity compared to Shockwave Therapy. Ultrasound waves are used primarily for imaging or to stimulate superficial tissue healing, whereas shockwaves deliver deeper energy to promote healing in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This difference in frequency and energy output is what makes Shockwave Therapy uniquely suited for treating chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis.
What are the benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
Having touched on the mechanics of Shockwave Therapy, what are the benefits of this treatment? Here are eight that stand out:
- Pain relief: Studies show that Shockwave Therapy can reduce pain through nerve desensitisation and by reducing the release of pain transmitting chemicals in the body.
- Improved blood flow: Shockwave Therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in the treated area, which improves circulation and speeds up healing.
- Tissue regeneration: The mechanical energy from shockwaves triggers cellular processes that promote tissue repair. This includes stimulating collagen production (the key protein in healthy connective tissues) and aiding the regeneration of damaged tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
- Reduced inflammation: Shockwave Therapy has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which is key to treating chronic inflammatory conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.
- Breaking down calcifications: Sometimes, wear and tear or injuries to tendons can result in our bodies creating small deposits of calcium crystals. If these build up, the calcification of usually flexible tissue can cause pain and reduce mobility. Shockwave Therapy breaks down these deposits, reducing pain and giving you back your natural movement.
- Non-invasive treatment: Shockwave Therapy offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery for various musculoskeletal conditions. Evidence shows that it’s a safe and effective option for suitable candidates, with minimal side effects and no downtime.
- Shorter treatment times: Treatment sessions are typically short (around 30-40 minutes, depending on the injury), and people often see significant improvement after just a few sessions, making Shockwave Therapy a convenient option when you’re living a busy life (and who isn’t these days?!).
Research from 2006 found that this treatment can reduce recovery time by up to 50% when compared to conventional therapies. - High success rates: Statistics listed by Shockwave Canada show that Shockwave Therapy is associated with an 84% success rate and 91% improvement rate across a broad range of conditions, including Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow.
Combining Shockwave Therapy with other treatments
Another major benefit of Shockwave Therapy is that it can be safely combined with physiotherapy, exercise, medication, and other treatment options. This means it’s another powerful tool to help you return to full movement and fitness.
If you do end up needing surgery, it can also be used to support your recovery.
Conclusion
Look out for our next blog where we’ll explain more about how Shockwave Therapy is delivered and what the recovery timeline might look like.
Shockwave therapy is one of the most advanced medical technologies currently available for treating muscular and tendon injuries. The growing body of clinical evidence shows that it is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment option that harnesses your body’s natural healing mechanisms.
To find out more and take the first step toward a pain-free life, book your Shockwave Therapy consultation at The Physio Box today.
