Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a series of high-energy percussions to an injured or painful area. The waves are sound waves, not electric waves, and therefore it is quite safe to administer and receive.
Treatment produces an inflammatory response, making the body respond by increasing metabolic activity around the site of pain. This stimulates and accelerates the healing process, promoting the remodeling of dysfunctional collagenous tissues, such as tendinopathies, trigger points, and muscle strains, to name a few. Shockwaves can break down scar tissue and/or calcification.
What are the benefits of shockwave treatment?
Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural self-healing process, and there is often an immediate reduction of pain and improved range of motion! ESWT may also eliminate the need for surgery.
What to expect during a shockwave treatment at BioPed?
A shockwave treatment takes about 5 minutes and research has shown that 3 treatments delivered in one-week intervals are needed. Therefore, the total treatment time is 3 weeks. After this treatment schedule is completed, your condition is expected to gradually improve over the next few months. Optimal and desired results will be felt after 3 months and if not, your case will be reviewed by your BioPed clinician to determine the appropriate next step.
Shockwave may be cautioned or contraindicated with the following:
- Coagulation disorders, thrombosis, heart, and circulatory disorders
- Use of anticoagulants or blood thinners
- Tumour diseases, carcinoma, and cancer
- Pregnancy
- Infection and/or a wound in the area treated
- Children who are still growing
- Cortisone therapy administered up to 6 weeks before first treatment
Side effects may include the following, however generally subside after 5 to 10 days:
- Swelling, redness or hematomas
- Petechiae or bruising
- Pain
- Skin lesions; especially after previous cortisone therapy
What to expect following a shockwave treatment?
The shockwave treatment will trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s natural way of healing. After receiving your weekly treatment, you may experience some discomfort for 2-4 hours. In some cases, this discomfort can last up to 48 hours and in very rare cases, can last up to 5 days. Some bruising and swelling may also occur.
What should I do if I am in pain after a shockwave treatment?
An inflammatory reaction is normal and needed for proper healing to occur. For this reason, we advise against the use of anti-inflammatory medications & using cold therapy on the area. Don’t fret, any pain should subside within 24 hours. The use of acetominophen (Tylenol) is permitted as long as you don’t have any issues with this medication.
Use acetaminophen/Tylenol if needed as long as you don’t have any issues with this medication.
Even if your condition feels improved after a treatment, BioPed’s lower limb clinicians recommend decreased activity for 48 hours afterwards. This allows proper healing to begin to take place. Although the short-term effects can be exceptional, the full long-term effects can take a while longer. A successful treatment is considered when there’s been at least a 75% reduction in pain at the 3-month mark.
Success rates for musculoskeletal disorders average 65 to 91%!
Come See Us!
At BioPed Footcare, we are your foot & lower limb care team. For more information on Shockwave therapy and if it’s right for you, please visit bioped.com.
