New Recovery Tool at Elevate: Shockwave Therapy
I’m always on the lookout for new modalities and tools to help my clients, so when I first heard about the use of shockwave therapy in sports medicine, it sounded like a great addition to my toolkit. After using my shockwave machine for a few weeks now, I’ve been delighted by my clients’ responses.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive option to treat various musculoskeletal conditions effectively. It uses sound waves emitted from a wand, which is applied to or near the site of injury or pain, to promote natural healing by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the repair of tissues. One client said, “It feels like an ultrasound wand with a small Theragun attached.” A shockwave therapy treatment takes between 7 and 15 minutes per site of application.
What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?
Wide Range of Applications - I enjoy incorporating shockwave therapy because it’s versatile. Thus far, I’ve treated low back pain, tennis elbow, and patella tendonitis with it. Additional conditions that could benefit from shockwave therapy include plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, and muscle strains.
Non-Invasive Treatment - Some of my treatments, like dry needling, aren’t of interest to everyone. I’ve found a greater willingness from my clients to try shockwave therapy, and once they experience the results, they’re excited to do it again.
Pain Relief - Many of my clients report instantaneous pain relief in the treated area. Although the effect tapers off initially, with repeated treatments, the pain relief lasts longer.
Are there any downsides to shockwave therapy?
There are some circumstances where shockwave therapy shouldn’t be used, such as during pregnancy, less than six weeks after a steroid injection, or if you have a Pacemaker. As with all treatments, people tolerate the sensation differently. Some of my clients report no pain during the treatment while others find it to be one of the more painful ones. Lastly, the machine is loud!
Interested to see if shockwave therapy can help you reduce your pain and move better? Schedule a free consultation with me, and let’s find out!