An Innovative Solution
Shockwave Therapy was first used in the treatment of Kidney stones and Gall stones, in the 1980s. It didn’t take Medical Professionals long to discover that this therapy could also be used effectively for a wide range of medical conditions. Shockwave therapy involves a projectile in the handpiece to cause a mechanical “pressure wave” into the affected area. The forces of the acoustic pulses penetrate the tissues and stimulate the cells in the body which are responsible for healing bones and connective tissue.
Some of the benefits of Shockwave therapy include: reversing chronic inflammation, releasing trigger points, breaking down calcification, new blood vessel formation, and the stimulation of collage production.
Shockwave therapy can be administered by Physiotherapists and Chiropractors at Avita Health. The duration of a Shockwave treatment is usually 5 to 10 minutes. Treatment plans generally involve 3 to 5 sessions, as part of the Physiotherapy or Chiropractic visit.
Is Shockwave therapy painful?
Shockwave therapy is non-surgical and non-invasive, however, it is not uncommon to feel a low level of discomfort in the area that is being treated, during the session. Many patients describe the sensation as “pulses against the skin”.
Here is a partial list of just some of the conditions which can be effectively treated with Shockwave Therapy:
- Shoulder – calcific tendinosis (rotator cuff muscles)
- Elbows – golfer’s and tennis elbow
- Feet – Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs
- Knee – Patellar tendonitis, Shin pain, Jumper’s knee
- Legs – Shin splints, IT band friction syndrome
- Hip – Trochanteric bursitis
- Neck – pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Bones – Stress fracture, non unions
- Nerves – Morton’s Neuroma
Common Questions about Shockwave Therapy
How does Shockwave Therapy actually work?
Research has shown that Shockwave therapy works by breaking down scar tissues, increasing blood flow and stimulating tissues in a number of ways.
- Shockwave treatments actually effect the breakup of calcification in injured tendons and scar tissues
- Shockwaves effect the release of chemicals which then stimulate cells to reduce inflammation
- Shockwave causes the release of chemicals which help cells to induce tissue repair
How long does it take for Shockwave treatments to work?
Shockwave treatments only last about 4-5 minutes. They are generally done once a week over a period of 3 to 6 weeks in total.
How effective is Shockwave Therapy?
It is reported that the clinical success rate of Shockwave therapy is as high as 91%. The benefits of treatments are cumulative and results are often more optimal after three to four treatments.
Effectiveness statistics- IMPROVEMENT FOR:
CALCIFIC TENDINITIS 91%
CALCIFIC TENDINITIS OF THE SHOULDER 83%
ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY 76%
TENNIS ELBOW 77%
RADIAL AND ULNAR HUMERAL EPICONDYLITIS 80%
PLANTAR FASCIITIS 90%
MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS 80%
PATELLAR TENDINITIS/ ACHILLODYNIA 88%
Source: http://shockwavecanadainc.ca/treatable-conditions-effectiveness/
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
Shockwave can be mildly uncomfortable, however the intensity can be controlled by the Practitioner administering the treatment, in order to keep it within your personal level of comfort.
Who Administers Shockwave Therapy?
At Avita Health, Shockwave treatments can be administered by our Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and our Kinesiologist.
Are Shockwave Therapy treatments covered by Extended Health plans?
Shockwave treatments are included in the cost of your regular Physiotherapy or Chiropractic visits and are therefore covered to the same extent that your regular visits are.
Are you a candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave treatments are generally safe for most people, including children, but it is advisable to consult with your Physician if you are taking anti inflammatory medications, blood thinners, have active cancer, or are pregnant. We cannot treat areas with open wounds, lesions or infections.
Which Shockwave Machine does Avita Health use?
Not all Shockwave machines are created equal. At Avita we have chosen a top of the line Storz Shockwave Machine. It is handmade in Switzerland and is the machine of choice for many NHL, NFL, MLS, MLB, NBA teams.
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