As an athlete, experiencing an injury can be a frustrating and debilitating experience. Sports injuries often require a long period of rest and recovery, which can slow down your progress and ultimately impact your performance. Fortunately, with advancements in technology, there are new treatments that can speed up the recovery process and minimize downtime. Shockwave therapy is one such treatment that has been gaining popularity among athletes, especially those who suffer from tendinopathy.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body's natural healing process. It is often used to treat soft tissue injuries, such as tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow. The sound waves are delivered directly to the injury site using a handheld device, which creates a series of pressure waves that penetrate deep into the tissue. This triggers the body's natural healing process, increasing blood flow, stimulating the formation of new blood vessels, and promoting tissue regeneration.
How Does It Work?
During a shockwave therapy session, the therapist will apply a conductive gel to the skin and use a handheld device to deliver the pressure waves to the affected area. The treatment is relatively painless and lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the injury. The number of sessions required will depend on the extent of the injury and the individual's response to the treatment. Most people will require three to six sessions, with one week between each.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has many benefits in treating sports injuries and tendinopathy. Some of these benefits include:
- Non-invasive: Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment, which means there is no need for incisions or surgery. This reduces the risk of complications, and there is no downtime required.
- Effective: Shockwave therapy is effective in treating a variety of soft tissue injuries. It has a success rate of up to 80%, higher than many other treatments.
- Cost-effective: Shockwave therapy is relatively affordable compared to other treatments, such as surgery or lengthy physiotherapy sessions. Many insurance plans also cover it.
- Fast recovery: Shockwave therapy stimulates the body's natural healing process, so recovery times are typically much quicker than other treatments.
- Minimal side effects: Shockwave therapy has few side effects, and any that occur are usually mild and temporary. These may include redness, bruising, or swelling in the treated area.
Doylestown Chiropractic & Physical Therapy
If you ever encounter an injury or need expert guidance, look no further than Advanced Spine and Sports Medicine. Our team of skilled sports medicine professionals specializes in the treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries. Feel free to contact us at (215) 515-9991 or visit our website for further details.