Shockwave Therapy
West Coast Chiropractic uses both focus and radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to non-invasively treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions, post-operative surgical conditions, sports injuries, and other acute traumas.
RADIAL SHOCKWAVE
Covers a broader area, targeting muscle chains, trigger points, and myofascial adhesions. They are ideal for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and Achilles tendonitis.
FOCUS SHOCKWAVE
Penetrates deeply to treat conditions near the bone or calcified areas without damaging surrounding tissue. Things like stubborn tendinopathies, bone-adjacent pain, or calcific buildup.
This therapy activates the cellular mechanisms so that the body naturally regenerates and heals.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses intense energy waves, or “shockwaves,” to reduce pain and promote healing in chronic orthopedic conditions. By targeting injured soft tissue, ESWT helps alleviate discomfort and accelerates the body’s natural repair process.
ESWT delivers low-energy sound or acoustic waves to stimulate a skeletal muscle response. This triggers reactions within the cell’s core and structures, enhancing tissue healing. The shockwaves generate positive pressure in tissues, leading to energy absorption, reflection, and transmission. These effects can address calcified tissues, improve healing, and change how pain is perceived.
Shockwaves also activate chemical signals that stimulate the body’s inflammatory healing response, aiding cell regeneration and recovery.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
What To Expect During A Shockwave Therapy Session
During a Shockwave Therapy session, your therapist will use a handheld device connected to a machine that generates sound waves from compressed air. Before starting, they’ll apply ultrasound gel to the skin, which helps the shockwaves penetrate effectively. The device is then moved over the injured area with light pressure, targeting the affected tissues.
The sound waves increase blood flow to the area, which can cause mild localized irritation. This irritation stimulates positive cell repair and regeneration, prompting the body to heal. As a result, damaged or wounded tissues recover, reducing pain and discomfort.
A typical Shockwave Therapy session lasts 10 minutes. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the treatment, but the therapist will adjust the intensity to ensure it remains manageable. Wearing loose clothing can enhance comfort during the session.
The number of sessions required depends on the treated condition and the patient’s needs. Your therapist will create an individualized plan to ensure optimal recovery and results.
Shockwave treatment is a safe, effective, and non-invasive option for managing pain, improving mobility, and accelerating healing, making it a popular choice for patients with persistent injuries.
How Shockwave Therapy Works to Heal Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions
Shockwave Therapy is a versatile treatment that can be tailored to address various musculoskeletal injuries. By modulating factors such as energy flux density, number of impulses, treatment focus (focused and radial shockwave), session frequency, and post-treatment protocols, the therapy is highly adaptable to each patient’s specific needs.
Cellular Effects of Shockwave Therapy
One primary mechanism through which Shockwave Therapy promotes healing is stimulating the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy-carrying molecule essential for cellular processes. This activation initiates cell signalling pathways and modifies ion channel function in the cell membrane, facilitating cellular repair and recovery.
Additionally, ESWT treatment induces the release of nitric oxide, a molecule with analgesic, angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects reduce pain, enhance blood vessel formation, and control inflammation in injured tissues.
Collagen Synthesis and Tissue Repair
Shockwave Therapy accelerates collagen synthesis, critical for repairing tendons, ligaments, and other musculoskeletal structures. While collagen is naturally produced in the body, shock waves enhance its formation, improving the density and strength of newly repaired fibers. This expedited process promotes quicker and more robust recovery.
Tendon and Bone Healing
The treatment also boosts the proliferation of tendon cells (tenocytes) and supports the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells—stem cells that generate bone and cartilage. Enhanced tenocyte growth aids in tendon recovery, while osteoprogenitor activation promotes the formation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes, facilitating bone and cartilage repair. This cellular activity is particularly beneficial for healing stress fractures or other bone-related injuries.
Shockwave Therapy’s ability to adjust treatment parameters ensures that it delivers targeted and effective care for soft tissue and musculoskeletal dysfunctions. This non-invasive therapy is a powerful option for patients seeking relief from chronic pain and injuries by boosting natural cellular processes like collagen synthesis, tendon repair, and bone regeneration.
Whether you’re recovering from tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, or a bone stress injury, Shockwave Therapy offers a scientifically proven pathway to healing and restoration.
