Are you about to start Shockwave Therapy on the recommendation of a physiotherapist or have you been experiencing chronic pain following a sports injury, for example, and want to know whether Shockwave Therapy could help your recovery?
Whatever the circumstances, if you’re new to this non-invasive treatment option, then this post is for you. We answer the most common questions about what happens during the treatment, how it feels, the recovery timeline, and more.
What happens during a typical Shockwave Therapy treatment appointment?
In all likelihood, you’ll have an initial consultation with a physiotherapist to assess your injury and determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate before your first treatment (that’s certainly how it works here at The Physio Box Clinic). However, each appointment will usually start with a short review of your injury and current symptoms to assess whether you are recovering to the predicted timeline.
Next, you’ll be positioned comfortably, either seated or lying down, depending on the area to be treated.
The physiotherapist will apply a special conductive gel to the skin in the target area. This gel helps transmit the shockwaves more effectively and improves the contact between the therapy device and your body.
Finally, the clinician uses a specialised shockwave machine that creates energy waves that are transmitted into the underlying tissues in the treatment area using a handheld wand or probe.
The waves are either transmitted in a focused (narrow) pattern into a small area or in a radial (wider) pattern – for example, along the length of an injured tendon – depending on the treatment goal.
What does Shockwave Therapy feel like?
The Shockwave Therapy machine can be a little noisy when in use. You’ll hear an audible ticking or clicking sound caused by the machine using compressed air to create short, intense sound waves.
To accompany this sound, some people describe Shockwave Therapy as feeling like a tapping or pulsing sensation that may resonate within the treatment area for a couple of seconds after each ‘tap’. In other words, it’s like a strong, rhythmic vibration under your skin.
You may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure, but most people tolerate it well. It certainly shouldn’t be painful, but it can feel quite intense at times. Fortunately, the intensity of the shockwaves can be adjusted, so please do let your physiotherapist know if you feel the level needs reducing to be more comfortable.
Naturally, where on the body you’re being treated will affect what Shockwave Therapy feels like. Body parts with less skin and muscle may be more sensitive than fleshier areas!
As we saw in our previous blog about Shockwave Therapy, it does create controlled micro-traumas within the treatment area, which is the discomfort you might feel. Any discomfort usually subsides shortly after the session, and most people report significant pain relief over the course of treatment.
The potential timeline of a healing response after Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy works by stimulating your body’s natural healing response to injury. Therefore, you should experience ongoing improvements after each session and cumulatively across the entire course of treatment.
It is fairly typical to experience some numbness, tingling, mild swelling, redness, or bruising for around 48 hours post-treatment. This is actually a positive sign that your body is responding to the treatment and the healing process has started.
Some people, however, are lucky and report that their pre-treatment pain decreases straight away. It really depends on the problem being treated and your individual response.
As tissue repair begins, you should expect to feel less pain and to be more mobile within one to three weeks of your first treatment. By four to six weeks, the treatment area will be experiencing significant healing and functional improvements.
Generally, most people undergo three to five treatment sessions, spaced about one week apart. Again, this will depend on the severity of the condition and your individual response to treatment.
Your physiotherapist will carefully monitor your progress and can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Can anyone have Shockwave Therapy?
While research shows Shockwave Therapy to be a safe and effective treatment option for soft tissue injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Tennis Elbow, it isn’t suitable for everyone.
You may be advised against Shockwave Therapy if you have a blood clotting disorder, cardiac pacemaker, metal implant in the treatment area, cancer, or if you are pregnant or have had certain medications within the last six to 12 weeks, as just a few examples.
This is why it’s vital to have a consultation to discuss your individual case and medical history. A physiotherapist can help you explore all of your treatment options for the best outcome.
Dos and don’ts after a Shockwave Therapy treatment
Your physiotherapist will talk you through any particular dos and don’ts post-treatment. Typically, we would advise you to avoid strenuous activities, especially those that involve the treatment area, for at least 24 hours after your appointment – for example, don’t go for a run if you’ve had Shockwave Therapy for pain in your Achilles tendon!
Make sure you drink plenty of water as this should help your body to reduce any inflammation and boost tissue recovery.
If your physio recommends any specific exercises or movements, then make sure you follow their advice as this is intended to support your healing.
You should avoid taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen before or after your treatment, as it may interfere with the natural healing response triggered by Shockwave Therapy. Paracetamol is generally fine to take, but it’s best to check this with your physiotherapist first.
A safe and effective treatment
Shockwave Canada has collated research about the safety and efficacy of Shockwave Therapy, which you may find of interest. This research shows that the treatment has the following improvement rates:
- 84% for plantar fasciitis
- 91% for calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
- 77% for tennis elbow
- 76% for Achilles tendinopathy
- 95% for Myofascial Trigger Point
- 76% for patellar tendonitis 85% for hamstring injuries
Shockwave Therapy can be used in conjunction with many other treatment modalities and is 100% non-invasive. If you’re dealing with chronic pain because your body has been unable to complete the healing process, then this is a great treatment option to give nature a helping hand.
To find out more and take the first step toward a pain-free life, book your Shockwave Therapy consultation at The Physio Box today.
