Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and can severely impact quality of life. From back and neck pain to plantar fasciitis and other musculoskeletal conditions, many people struggle to find lasting relief through traditional methods like medication, physical therapy, injections, or even surgery. However, a relatively new treatment known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is offering new hope for those suffering from chronic pain. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to treat chronic pain and injuries. Shock wave devices were originally developed to break up kidney stones, but doctors soon realized they could also be used to treat various orthopedic conditions. The shock waves help trigger the body’s natural healing process and promote the growth of new blood vessels in the treated area.
During ESWT treatment, a device is used to direct focused shock waves toward the painful area of the body. No incisions are required. The shock waves penetrate deep into the tissue and create tiny micro-tears.
While this may sound counterintuitive, these micro-tears actually promote healing. The body responds by sending nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to the area to assist with repair and regeneration. The increased blood flow also helps eliminate built-up toxins.
Patients usually experience an alleviation of pain following just a few short ESWT sessions.
Benefits of ESWT:
- Non-invasive with no surgery required
- Little to no downtime
- No anesthesia needed
- Faster recovery than surgery
- Relieves pain safely and effectively
- Improves function
- Promotes healing of injured tissue
- Minimal side effects
- Covered by many major insurance providers
Because it is non-invasive and does not require surgery, ESWT offers many advantages over traditional surgical procedures for pain relief. The risk of complications is extremely low.
The technology has been studied extensively and has been used worldwide for decades. The shock waves penetrate deep into tissue to create a robust healing response, unlike medications which only mask the pain temporarily.
While multiple sessions are usually needed for optimal results, improvements are often noticed after the very first treatment. The protocol can be tailored to each patient’s unique situation and medical history.
ESWT is performed on an outpatient basis and patients can quickly return to normal activities with little downtime. It is a safe option for many patients, even those who cannot have surgery or prefer to avoid surgical treatments.
ESWT can be used to treat:
- Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
- Pain in the bottom of the foot (metatarsalgia)
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Tennis elbow
- Golf elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
- Low back pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Post-surgical pain
For patients suffering from chronic orthopedic pain, ESWT could provide the relief they’ve been searching for. Accurate Chiropractic Clinic now offers extracorporeal shock wave therapy at our office in Brooksville, FL.
Our experienced providers use the latest technology to precisely target the painful area, stimulate healing, and dramatically reduce discomfort. Treatments are customized based on each patient’s condition and goals.
Accurate Chiropractic Clinic also provides chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy, and other services to address pain at its source and help patients restore mobility and function. Our team takes the time to fully evaluate each individual and develop an integrative treatment plan. Our passion is giving patients the tools they need to get back to living their lives pain-free.
To find out if ESWT is right for you, call Accurate Chiropractic Clinic today at (352) 684-2707 or stop by our office located at 12082 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34613. Our caring staff will answer any questions you have and help you determine if advanced shock wave therapy could relieve your chronic pain.
