Why Shockwave Therapy is Leading the Future of Musculoskeletal Treatment

Shockwave therapy is changing how we treat musculoskeletal issues. It's a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to heal. This therapy helps reduce pain and offers a safer choice than surgery or long-term meds.  More people are looking for safe and effective ways to heal. Shockwave therapy is becoming more popular with doctors and patients alike.

Studies show shockwave therapy works well for chronic problems like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis. For example, it has a 92% success rate for chronic plantar fasciitis. New uses like StemWave shockwave therapy are making treatments better and more effective.

Imagine living without the constant aches and pains that limit your movement, energy, and overall well-being. So many people are suffering these days with chronic pain and they just haven't found a good solution with medicine, Cortisone shots or surgery.  What if the solution didn’t involve invasive surgeries, addictive medications, or long recovery times? Enter shockwave therapy – a cutting-edge treatment that's rapidly becoming the future of musculoskeletal care. By targeting injured joints and tissues with powerful, focused energy sounds waves, this therapy accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, creates new blood vessels and cells, and restores mobility. Whether it’s chronic pain, tendon injuries, whiplash injuries or muscle strains, shockwave therapy offers an advanced solution that could change the way you approach pain relief.  More and more medical doctors, orthopedic doctors and chiropractors are offering this high-tech therapy to their patients suffering with frozen shoulder, disc herniations, carpal tunnel, rotator cuff impingement, osteoarthritis, bone on bone knee pain, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. 

People are frustrated with mainstream medicine; they are discovering that traditional methods of pain management only provide temporary relief or mask symptoms. Shockwave therapy, on the other hand, goes to the root of the problem by stimulating the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Imagine the freedom to move with ease again, free from the pain that’s been holding you back. This therapy has already helped countless individuals just like you regain their quality of life—no surgery, no downtime, just effective, long-lasting results.  People don't only want to get out of pain, they want to be pain free to do their favorite activities like gardening, walking their dog, hiking, running a 1/2 marathon, pickleball tournaments, tennis, cross-fit and traveling.

If you’ve been struggling with stubborn aches, pains, or injuries that just won’t heal, now is the time to explore this innovative treatment. As a leading provider of shockwave therapy in our area, we’ve seen firsthand how it transforms lives. Don’t let pain control your life—take control with a modern solution designed to help you heal faster and get back to doing what you love. Reach out today to find out how shockwave therapy can work for you!

Key Takeaways

  • Shockwave therapy promotes healing using high-energy acoustic waves that penetrate deep into the injured area for knees, shoulders, wrists, neck, back and feet.

  • It offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery and medication.  This can be done in a chiropractic or orthopedic office; you don't need a referral; you don't need anesthesia and there is no downtime or heavy medication to take. 

  • Recent studies show a success rate of up to 92% for chronic plantar fasciitis.  StemWave is the #1 manufacturer of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, (ESWT), and have been FDA approved for this treatment. 

  • Innovations like StemWave shockwave therapy are enhancing treatment options.  This company has done the most research and trials to make sure the patient gets the maximum benefit and healing from ESWT. 

  • Ongoing research continues to support its efficacy across a range of conditions such as rotator cuff tendinitis, biceps tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, patellar tendinitis, hamstring tears, sprained ankles and IT band syndrome. 

The Rise of Shockwave Therapy in Musculoskeletal Treatment

Acoustic shockwave therapy has quickly become popular in treating musculoskeletal issues. It uses powerful sound waves that penetrate deep into the injured area, and stimulate healing by bringing in blood flow and growth factors. This therapy has been spreading quickly, now NFL teams and other professional sports teams are using it; and you can find it in your local area provided by some chiropractors, sports medicine doctors and physical therapy clinics. 

Introduction to Acoustic Sound Wave Therapy

Acoustic sound wave therapy is a big step forward in treating muscle injuries and bone problems. It sends waves to the affected areas to kick-start healing at a cellular level. This therapy is effective in reducing pain and aiding recovery.  The body has its own natural ability to heal, ESWT helps to enhance this and that is why it is one of the safest and most effective alternative treatments for sprain, strains and tendinitis. 

History and Evolution of Shockwave Therapy

The history of shockwave therapy began in the 1980s for treating kidney stones. Its success led to more research for treating muscle injuries and bone issues. By the late 1990s, studies showed it worked well for conditions like tennis elbow and heel pain. Today, many patients see improvement after using ESWT, making it a key part of treatment.  When comparing ESWT to mainstream medicine's pain injections or surgeries, there are a few noticeable differences.  ESWT helps to enhance the body's natural healing process, it boosts blood flow and growth factors to help create new blood vessels and tissue.  A prescription medication or surgery forces a chemical reaction that is not natural in the body.  This is why you see chronic pain patients getting addicted to prescription pain medicine, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers.  This is why often times in medicine, we see patients with post-surgical low backs, shoulders, hips and knees still having major pain and mobility issues.  ESWT definitely has its limits, it is not there to fix every condition, sometimes the only option is to get surgery and we understand this.  

Mechanisms of Action in Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is amazing for treating tendon, fascia, cartilage and ligament injuries, and it helps with non-union bone fractures. It works by sending high intensity sound waves into a specific area like the knee, shoulder or ankle; it boosts healing by helping to create new cells, new tissue and new blood vessels. 

How Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) Works

ESWT uses an electrode that creates a shockwave; this creates a sound wave that comes out of a device, goes through ultrasound gel and penetrates your skin to get to the affected area.  These sound waves actually aggravate the damaged tissue; this tricks the body into thinking there is a new injury and this kick-starts the healing process.  Many healing proteins and growth factors are activated by shockwave therapy. These proteins and growth factors help heal bones and damaged tissues by laying down new collagen fibers and reducing inflammation. 

Biological Effects and Cellular Responses

Shockwaves have many effects on the damaged and injured tissues.  As we get older our body cannot create the same healing response as if we were young.  EWST enhances the healing process because our body, in its state, is not able to do this on its own.  Think of shockwave therapy as adding premium fuel to your car; it just makes this work better.  Taking anti-inflammatory medicine does not enhance the healing process of the body, nor does any type of Cortisone shot or orthoscopic surgery.  Many chronic pain sufferers have chosen quick fix, or band aid type treatments like medicine and surgery; but they don't always give the desired result the patient is hoping for.  With shockwave therapy, says, Dr. Hamel, a big benefit is that we know if the patient is going to respond after 3 sessions; if they do not, it is probably not going to work for them.  If you compare this with extensive rehab and physical therapy, sometimes 3 times a week for 3 months; ESWT is a much easier and less expensive option. 

In short, ESWT is a game-changer for treating soft tissue injuries, arthritis and inflammatory conditions. There are not too many natural, alternative therapies that help promote the body fixing itself.  NFL and NBA teams are already using this; it is available to everyone although not many people know about it; search online for a local shockwave therapy provider near you to give it a try; you have nothing to lose and everything to gain with this revolutionary, high tech, non-invasive therapy. 

Shockwave Therapy Compared to Traditional Treatments

Healthcare is always getting better, and shockwave therapy is a big step forward. It's not just about treating pain; it's about doing it in a way that's safer and more effective. Unlike surgery, shockwave therapy is non-invasive. This means less risk of complications and a quicker recovery.

Advantages Over Surgery and Medications

Shockwave therapy beats traditional treatments like medication and surgery in many ways. Here are some key benefits:

  • It lets you get back to your daily life fast because recovery time is short.

  • It's a non-invasive method that avoids surgery risks like infections.

  • It helps you use less pain meds, which can be harmful and addictive.

  • It can lead to long-term healing because it helps grow new tissue.

  • Many people see quick results, feeling better after just a few sessions.

Studies show shockwave therapy works well with most musculoskeletal conditions. For example, people with chronic heel pain saw an 86% drop in pain. Other studies found up to 65% of people got better with conditions like plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder and Achilles tendinitis. This shows shockwave therapy might be better than surgery for most common chronic joint and musculoskeletal injuries.  Surgery is sometimes necessary, but only consider this as your last resort. When we look at outcomes from knee, hip, low back and foot surgeries, often times these patients have long term side effects and still have pain.

Evidence-Based Comparisons with Other Therapies

Comparing shockwave therapy to other treatments shows its strengths. Here are some key points:

Treatment Method

Success Rate

Notes

Radial Shock Wave Therapy

78%

Works well for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Electrohydraulic High-Energy Shock-Wave

86%

Greatly reduced pain in chronic heel pain.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

70%

Helps with chronic heel pain.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

N/A

Improved life quality in chronic back pain.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

N/A

Helped with chronic back pain.

These studies show shockwave therapy can offer lasting benefits. It's a great option for treating musculoskeletal issues for patients who are tired of mainstream medicine treatments. Knowing these facts can help you choose the best pain management option for you.

Applications of Shockwave Therapy in Musculoskeletal Conditions

Shockwave therapy is used to treat many musculoskeletal issues. It helps with tendon injuries and degenerative conditions. It's effective for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, osteoarthritis, lumbar disc herniations, neuropathies and bursitis.

Treatment of Tendon Injuries and Chronic Pain

Tendon injuries can cause long-term pain and limit movement. Shockwave therapy is a promising treatment because of its healing nature and ability to regenerate healthy tissue. It has helped many patients with plantar fasciitis feel less pain and improve their mobility. For many sports like tennis, pickleball, basketball and running; plantar fasciitis is one of the most common injuries. ESWT has proven to help get these athletes back to their sport, being active, competitive and pain free.  Studies show it has great treatment outcomes for tendinitis and tendinopathies. For example, it has helped with rotator cuff calcific tendinitis and chronic plantar fasciitis. It has also reduced plantar fascia thickness by about 0.92 mm, showing it aids in healing.

Use in Degenerative Conditions and Fractures

Shockwave therapy is also good for degenerative conditions. It helps with bone healing in nonunion fractures. Research shows it's effective, with significant results.  It has been shown to reduce lesion size in conditions like osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A systematic review found a mean decrease of 8.44 mm in calcium deposit diameter for calcific tendinitis. It has also improved symptoms for chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

Recent Studies Supporting Its Efficacy

Recent studies have shown shockwave therapy's effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal disorders. A meta-analysis looked at 63 studies. It found:

Condition

Study Count

Mean Reduction in Lesion Size (mm)

Statistical Significance (p-value)

Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis

11

8.44

Plantar Fasciitis

7

0.92

0.04

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

9

4.84%

0.05

This data shows shockwave therapy can help with symptoms and healing. As research goes on, it will likely help more people with tendon injuries and degenerative conditions.

Patient Experience with Shockwave Therapy

Learning about the patient experience with shockwave therapy can help you know what to expect. This overview covers what happens during sessions and common side effects. It prepares you for the journey ahead.

What to Expect During a Session

A session usually lasts 8-10 minutes. When you arrive at the clinic, you'll talk with your practitioner about your condition. Then, an ultrasound gel is applied to the area to help the shockwaves penetrate through the skin and into the injured tissues. Many say it feels like a deep tissue massage or it feels like their joints are lighter or have more air in them.

Possible Side Effects and Recovery Time

Side effects of shockwave therapy vary, but most people feel mild discomfort. Some might experience pain, swelling, or bruising. But serious problems are rare. Recovery is usually quick, allowing you to get back to normal activities right away. This fast recovery makes shockwave therapy appealing for those who want to get back to their routines quickly without worry about long healing times or months of physical therapy.

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy is leading the way in treating musculoskeletal issues without surgery. It's a big deal in healthcare today. Studies show it works well, especially for chronic problems like plantar fasciitis, which affects 10% of people. Every year, over 2 million people in the U.S. get treated with ESWT. This shows that it is becoming more and more common in terms of non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.

Looking into shockwave therapy can help you find relief from muscle injuries and bone problems. Research keeps showing it's effective in reducing pain and improving mobility. People see big improvements after 1 treatment and often full recovery with uncomplicated conditions in 6-8 weeks.

This ESWT therapy is getting better, and it's changing healthcare for the better and more orthopedic doctors and chiropractors are starting to provide it in their offices. It means fewer surgeries and lower healthcare costs. Knowing about shockwave therapy gives you one more option to treating your injuries; if you are tired of medicine and pain shots not working, ESWT is a great alternative.

FAQ

What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?

Shockwave therapy helps with many muscle and bone issues. It treats tendon injuries, chronic pain, and osteoarthritis. It also aids in healing nonunion fractures. Most people seeking out shockwave therapy are coming in for treatment for frozen shoulder, knee arthritis, carpal tunnel, patellar tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis. Most any condition involving tendinitis and inflammation seems to respond well to shockwave therapy.

How does extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) differ from traditional treatments?

ESWT is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to heal and relieve pain. It's definitely safer compared to surgery or medication, and there is little to no downtime. With ESWT you can go into your local shockwave therapy providers office, get the treatment, and then walk out and continue on with your daily routine. With traditional medical treatments you usually need a referral from your primary doctor, it takes weeks to get in, you get a Cortisone shot or orthoscopic surgery on your knee or shoulder and then you have to rest. With ESWT it is enhancing healing and repair naturally; this is something your body should be able to do but for whatever reason it can’t. With mainstream medicine they are either adding a foreign substance, (medication or Cortisone shot), or they are removing something with surgery; like meniscus surgery, bone spur surgery; or Achille tendon repair.

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Most people feel mild discomfort during treatment, like a deep massage. Some might experience pain, swelling, or bruising. But serious problems are rare. You feel a bit of a prickly sensation during the treatment, this is due to the boost of circulation into the injured area; this means healing is taking place.

How long does a shockwave therapy session last?

Sessions last 8-10 minutes, depending on the condition. You can usually go back to your normal activities right after. For treatment of one area like the shoulder, knee, plantar fascia; there are about 400-500 pulses that are used. Immediately after the treatment the patient will check their mobility to see what improvements there are.

Can shockwave therapy help with chronic pain conditions?

Yes, it can significantly improve chronic pain. It's a good option for those looking for alternative pain relief and are tired of the idea of taking medicine or pain injections. Combining ESWT with physical therapy, chiropractic and corrective care exercises is excellent way to speed up healing time and repair.

What research supports the efficacy of shockwave therapy?

Wong et al. (2016) and Speed (2004) found ESWT effective for many musculoskeletal conditions. Meta-analyses also show it's better than traditional medical treatments for conditions like tendinitis. Initially ESWT was used for kidney stones but soon it was found out how well it worked for arthritis, inflammation and healing of damaged tissues.

Are there any risks associated with shockwave therapy?

It's considered safe, with few risks. You might feel pain or swelling, but serious issues are rare. Always talk to a healthcare professional about your specific situation. We have never seen any risks with our patients and shockwave therapy, says Dr. Hamel. Some patients with very severe conditions or other health conditions to where they are very slow to heal, take more sessions or they just don’t respond. If a patient is not seeing any improvement in pain reduction or mobility after 3 session, it is probably not going to work says Dr Hamel.

What should I do to prepare for shockwave therapy?

Wear comfy clothes and tell your practitioner about your medications and health. The area that you are getting worked on has to be accessible to the provider. The shockwaves have to go through the skin in order to penetrate deep into the injured area. During the treatment, make sure you are able to role up/ or down, your clothing to work on your shoulder, knee or foot.

How often will I need to have shockwave therapy sessions?

Session frequency depends on your condition and how you respond. You might need several treatments, spaced a week or two apart. Your doctor will decide the best schedule for you. For most uncomplicated conditions, (tendinitis, inflammation, sprain, strains), most patients hit fully recovery after 10 sessions and 6-8 weeks. Fully recovery for us, says Dr. Hamel, means the patient can do the activities they love to do with little to no pain. For complicated conditions, (ACL reconstruction, bone on bone knee pain, neuropathy, diabetics, lumbar disc herniations), they take more sessions; we recommend 20-24 ESWT treatments over the course of 3-6 months. It depends on the expectations of the patient; some patients want to be able to walk their dog and clean their house every day; other patients want to be able to golf 5 times a week, go to cross-fit every day or play in competitive pickleball tournaments. It comes down to getting the patient where they want to go without pain and irritation.

Source Links

Hamel Chiropractic and Wellness