Shockwave therapy is often a relatively painless procedure. The most common side effects include slight soreness or tenderness at the treatment site, which should resolve within a few days.
The therapist will apply a water-based gel to the area of the body being treated, then move the handheld device over the affected areas.
Preparing for Your Appointment
It’s a good idea to dress comfortably on the day of your appointment, and it’s important to stay hydrated because this promotes healing. During your first session, the therapist will examine the affected area and discuss your symptoms, medical history and goals for treatment. A gel will then be applied to the affected area and the therapist will use a handheld device to deliver the shockwaves. You may feel a slight sensation of pressure or discomfort during the treatment, but it’s usually well-tolerated.
Shockwave therapy works by creating controlled micro-trauma in the soft tissue, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. This process helps to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow and stimulate the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the affected area. Most people experience pain relief after just one session, although the results can take a few weeks to become fully apparent.
While shockwave therapy can help alleviate chronic pain, it’s important to remember that it works best when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other therapies, including physical therapy, massage, a stretching and strengthening program, and consultation with a podiatrist Buderim. If you rely solely on shockwave therapy to heal your injury, your results might not be as significant or may not last as long. For this reason, it’s important to follow your therapist’s recommendations regarding the number of sessions you should attend.
Arriving on Time
Shockwave therapy is a painless treatment that has been used for years to treat a variety of health conditions and injuries. It works by sending sound waves to the area and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
It can help with a wide range of issues, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and shoulder bursitis. The shockwaves will stimulate the blood flow in the area and help with inflammation. It can also improve flexibility and mobility.
During the session, you will sit or lie down while the practitioner moves the device over the affected area. They may apply some ultrasound gel to the area to increase transmission of the sound waves. Depending on your condition and the location of the injury, you may feel some discomfort during the treatment. The good news is that this will go away shortly after the session.
The shockwaves can cause some numbness in the area and sometimes even a bit of bruising, but they should not be painful. If you have any severe pain or bruising in the area, talk to your doctor about it.
Most people who undergo shockwave therapy will need several treatments, and it is important to arrive on time for your appointments. If you are taking any medications, it is a good idea to stop two weeks prior to your first treatment. You should also avoid using NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, as these can increase your sensitivity to the shockwave treatment.
During the Session
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve any physical intrusion into the body. You will only need to wear comfortable clothing, preferably items that allow for easy access to the area of injury. You may also want to bring a water bottle to help you stay hydrated, as this aids in overall healing.
During the session, you will be asked to sit or lie down in a comfortable position as the therapist uses a hand-held device to deliver shockwaves into the injured area of your body. A gel is applied to the area beforehand, similar to how it would be used during an ultrasound, and helps the sound waves transfer from the device to your body without losing energy.
The shockwaves cause a microtrauma to the affected tissues. This initiates the body’s natural response by sending more blood to the area, accelerating and stimulating your own self-healing mechanisms. You may experience some pain or a tingling sensation during treatment, which is not uncommon. If you feel this is too much, ask your physiotherapist to reduce the intensity of the shockwaves.
You will likely need multiple sessions of shockwave therapy to achieve optimum results. This is because the effectiveness of this treatment depends on several factors, including medical history, symptom severity, and location of the problem. In addition, it is advisable to maintain a stretching and strengthening program recommended by your physiotherapist to get the most out of this treatment.
Post-Session Care
During the session, your therapist will apply a gel to the area of pain or injury. They will then use a handheld device that emits shockwaves into the affected tissue. You may feel some discomfort or a tingling sensation, but it shouldn’t be painful. You can discuss the intensity of the shockwaves with your therapist to ensure you’re comfortable.
Afterwards, you’ll need to rest for several hours after the treatment. You might experience some soreness or bruising at the site, but this should resolve within a few days. Make sure to take it easy for this period and continue following the stretching and strengthening regimen your physical therapist created for you.
Shockwave therapy is proven to be effective in treating a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. It can be used alone or as part of a larger treatment plan that includes other therapies like physical therapy and medication.
It’s important to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin two weeks before your first session and throughout your treatment. These medications can interfere with the body’s natural healing processes and can lead to complications. If you do need to take painkillers, a low dose of Tylenol is typically safe.
