How Safe is Shockwave Therapy?
Chances are, you might not have a good understanding of what shockwave therapy really is. For many people, the words bring up instant anxieties. We may think it’s unsafe, an unreliable practice, or a severe form of treatment for us to escalate to. Nowadays, though, shockwave therapy stands as a highly endorsed treatment option for many chronic illnesses, injuries, and conditions. So, how safe is it? Could it be an option for your ongoing pain? Let’s find out.
This blog discusses the overall safety and benefits of shockwave therapy, outlining what it is and the conditions it can treat. If you’re considering shockwave therapy to treat your pain, reach out to the Northern Spinal team today for a consultation.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shock therapy, sometimes referred to as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a method of therapy that tackles ongoing pain. It can be used across a range of chronic illnesses and injuries that cause serious, long-lasting pain to a patient. Shock therapy essentially works by sending high-energy radial waves straight to the source of pain. These waves will help to ease discomfort by increasing blood flow, stimulating natural muscle repair and promoting regeneration.
The practice has provided many physiotherapists with a new way of fighting musculoskeletal conditions, which can cause severe pain but can often be difficult to treat. Where traditional methods of therapy often don’t work, shockwave therapy can be a viable and effective option. Nowadays, you can often see it being utilised at the highest level of sports therapy, as injuries and ongoing pain for athletes can often be combatted with this practice.
Who Can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?
There is a wide range of injuries and illnesses that shockwave therapy can effectively treat. Chronic conditions make up a large portion of cases that use this form of therapy, as shockwave therapy works well to ease discomfort from injuries or illness and stimulate the body to heal itself in problem areas. Here are a few common injuries and conditions that have been successfully treated with shockwave therapy:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendon injuries and discomfort
- Tendonitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Achilles injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
Why choose shockwave therapy? Well, there are a couple of reasons that shockwave therapy can be an effective and convenient method for pain treatment. Firstly, it is an option for escalated treatment that remains non-invasive. Where more common therapies aren’t working to help a patient’s comfort, shockwave therapy is a next step that isn’t invasive and doesn’t rely on any surgical steps to target problem areas. It’s comfortable, easy, and can help with more severe conditions.
Secondly, it’s a fast process. Sessions don’t last that long, and it often only takes a handful of sessions over the course of a few weeks to see long-lasting, successful results. Many people will report a decrease in pain after just one session. Likewise, the recovery period is relatively short, and you will find that you’re back on your feet and feeling back to normal within just a couple of days.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
The short answer is a simple yes. Shockwave therapy and completely safe in almost all circumstances, and any conditions that are not advised to be treated with this therapy (nerve disorders, bone tumours, certain circulatory problems) will be entirely avoided by professionals. The side effects are minimal. Patients may report symptoms such as:
- Mild swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness in the surrounding area of pain
However, recovery tends to be swift. For many, shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive, efficient, and highly successful treatment option!
Enquire About Shockwave Therapy Treatment Today for Pain Relief
Are you struggling with ongoing pain? Are you looking for more treatment options for your condition? Shockwave therapy is nothing to feel anxious about. With all the understanding on your side, it may be a serious option to consider as you look to manage your pain. At Northern Spinal, we have a team of professionals ready to sit down and chat you through whether shockwave therapy could be the right next step for you. Book an appointment with us today for a consultation, and let’s start building your perfect treatment plan.