Millions of people live with chronic pain related to aging, injuries, medical conditions, and other causes. Chronic pain can make many aspects of everyday life, such as working, sleeping, exercising, and more, very challenging. In addition to impacting daily functioning, chronic pain can cause or worsen emotional and psychological conditions.

Many people use medications to manage chronic pain, and others simply accept the limitations it causes as their new normal. However, there are holistic therapies that can address the underlying causes of pain and help the body heal.

Shockwave therapy (formerly called extracorporeal shockwave therapy) is a holistic, non-invasive pain treatment. This therapy uses shockwaves to target specific areas of the body affected by pain. It typically has minimal side effects and requires little to no downtime after sessions.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a proven method of addressing the underlying causes of pain. However, many people may hear that this therapy uses concentrated shockwaves and wonder if it is painful.

This article will explore what to expect during and after treatment, the potential benefits of this therapy, and where to find shockwave therapy near you. If you or a loved one lives with pain, know that you are not alone. Contact the holistic health specialists at the Hartman Center to explore ESWT or our other therapies.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (sometimes simply called “shockwave therapy”) is a non-invasive therapy that can boost your body’s natural healing abilities. During treatment, a trained practitioner applies gentle shockwaves to areas of the body affected by pain, inflammation, or tissue damage. These shockwaves activate the body’s healing systems, leading to improvements in blood flow, tissue regeneration, and the breakdown of scar tissue and other damage.

Shockwave therapy isn’t just another treatment for the sensation of pain. Instead, it addresses the roots of pain, stiffness, and limited mobility by:

• Supporting tissue repair
• Reducing inflammation
• Breaking down scar tissue
• Reducing unmyelinated nerves in the affected area
• Activating the brain’s natural pain management systems

While some pain treatments mask pain by dulling sensations, shockwave therapy addresses multiple systems related to pain. This means people who undergo shockwave therapy can experience significant, long-lasting pain relief, even when other approaches have failed.

Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

People living with chronic pain may try to manage it in many ways, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Chronic pain can make even the simplest of tasks feel much more challenging. Many people experience long-term physical and mental health complications related to their pain or the limitations it creates.

While living with chronic pain can be very challenging, many people are hesitant to try new therapies to treat it out of fear that they may cause even more discomfort. This may be true for shockwave therapy. So, is shockwave therapy painful?

The short answer is, no, shockwave therapy is not painful. While the term “shockwaves” may trigger alarm in some people, this therapy does not actually use electric shocks. Instead, this term describes gentle low-energy acoustic pressure waves delivered through the skin into muscle and other tissue affected by pain.

While most people agree that shockwave therapy isn’t painful, some people report feeling a range of sensations during treatment sessions. These might include:

• Tapping
• Pulsing
• Dull aching for brief periods

During treatment, a practitioner will adjust the pressure and intensity of the shockwaves to maintain your comfort throughout the session. These sensations are typically short-lived and manageable, and most people report minimal discomfort after treatment sessions end.

Before beginning shockwave therapy, a trained practitioner will assess your needs and evaluate your current level of pain. They will design a treatment plan to address your pain while maintaining your comfort. During sessions, your practitioner will use your feedback to make adjustments, ensuring the effectiveness of the shockwave therapy and maintaining your comfort.

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy Sessions

Shockwave therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive approach to treating pain. Understanding what to expect at each stage of treatment can help you explore this effective pain management approach with confidence.

Here is a closer look at what people experience before, during, and after shockwave therapy sessions.

Before starting treatment

Before starting shockwave therapy, your medical practitioner will assess your current needs, medical history, and other aspects of your health to determine if this treatment is the best fit. This assessment may include tests and screenings to determine if it is appropriate and safe for you.

If your medical practitioner determines that shockwave therapy is a good fit, you may begin treatment. Before sessions, your practitioner will discuss any steps you will need to take to prepare. In many cases, your practitioner will ask you to wear loose, comfortable clothing that provides access to the treatment area.

During shockwave therapy sessions

During shockwave therapy sessions, your practitioner will apply a special gel to your bare skin over the area to be treated. This gel will help the shockwaves reach deep into the muscle or tissue, where they can have the most effect.

The practitioner will apply the shockwave instrument to your skin over the affected area. Then they will turn on the machine, delivering deep-pressure waves into the tissue below. Typically, sessions last 15 minutes or less. Throughout your session, your practitioner will ask about any sensations you are experiencing and make adjustments as necessary.

After sessions

After your shockwave treatment session, your practitioner will advise you on any steps you need to take to support your recovery. In some cases, you may be asked to refrain from strenuous physical activity for several days after treatment sessions. However, in some cases, people may be able to return to their normal daily routines right away.

While sessions are typically not painful, some people experience mild side effects after undergoing shockwave therapy. These can include:

• Mild bruising
• Numbness or tingling in the treatment area
• Minimal swelling

These side effects are generally uncommon, minimal, and temporary.

Some people experience noticeable improvements in their pain or range of motion right away, while others begin to notice the benefits several days after treatment. People typically attend regular sessions over several weeks to support their ongoing recovery.

If you or someone you love lives with pain, you may benefit from shockwave therapy. Contact the specialists at the Hartman Center to learn more about shockwave therapy or to explore other complementary therapies to address pain.

Who Might Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an effective tool that can support meaningful, long-lasting relief from pain. This therapy doesn’t simply treat pain as a symptom to be masked. Instead, it activates the body’s innate healing ability and changes how the nervous system perceives pain. This can provide effective relief from chronic pain, even after other approaches have been unsuccessful.

People with a range of conditions can experience real pain relief through shockwave therapy. Here is an overview of how shockwave therapy addresses several common conditions associated with pain or mobility issues.

Back pain

Back pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain. Some research suggests that shockwave therapy may be effective at reducing back pain, including in the low back. By addressing inflammation and damaged tissue, shockwave therapy can reduce pain, increase mobility, and restore functioning, leading to significant improvements in quality of life.

TBI-related spasticity

A traumatic brain injury can cause cognitive changes that impact muscle control. People with a TBI may experience reductions in strength and motor control that make many aspects of life more challenging.

Shockwave therapy has been proven to reduce TBI-related spasticity by improving muscle tone and function. It can reduce inflammation and encourage the body to repair damage to muscles, tendons, and other tissues, leading to long-term reduction in stiffness and improving motor control.

Injuries

Healing from common injuries or overuse can be slow and painful. Over time, other muscles or tendons may also adapt to compensate for injuries in other parts of the body. This can lead to long-term pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.

Shockwave therapy addresses pain from injuries and overuse in several ways. First, it can reduce inflammation in the tendons, muscles, and tissues at the site of injury. It also encourages the body to break down scar tissue more effectively and replace it with healthy, pliant tissue. Finally, shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation at the injury site, which can reduce pain and increase mobility.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right For Me?

Shockwave therapy is an effective, non-invasive therapy that addresses the underlying roots of pain instead of simply dulling the sensation. People with injuries, muscle strain, osteoarthritis, loss of control due to TBI, and other conditions can regain mobility and decrease pain by undergoing shockwave therapy sessions.

While many people can benefit from this holistic treatment, some people may be advised to avoid it. These groups include people who:

• Are pregnant
• Have bone cancer
• Have recently received a steroid injection
• Have an infection in the area to be treated
• Have a disorder affecting the nerves
• Have metal pins or plates in the treatment area
• Have a blood clotting disorder

Your health practitioner will assess your needs and medical history to determine if shockwave therapy is right for you. Contact the specialists at the Hartman Center to learn more about shockwave therapy or to schedule an initial assessment to determine if it is right for you.

Learn More About Shockwave Therapy Now

Shockwave therapy is an effective, non-invasive therapy that may significantly reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness related to injury and a range of conditions. Contact the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn more about this effective therapy or to explore our other holistic treatment options.