Millions of people in the United States and around the world live with chronic pain. Living with constant pain can have a profound negative impact on a person’s health, well-being, and ability to function. Many people rely on medications to cope with this condition, but many of these drugs are not approved for long-term use or have the potential to be addictive.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can reduce pain and help the body heal. Many people experience relief after just one short session. The results continue to develop over several sessions, allowing people to regain mobility and experience less pain.
This article will explore how extracorporeal shockwave therapy works and its benefits. Reach out to the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn more about this holistic therapy or to schedule an intake appointment.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects the daily lives of millions of people in the United States. According to a study from the NIH, new chronic pain cases are outpacing diabetes, hypertension, and other common conditions.
Chronic pain often results after an injury. People may experience lingering pain for weeks, months, or even years after the injury. Chronic pain can also be a symptom of medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, ulcers, shingles, and ulcers.
Research suggests that some lifestyle factors and mental health conditions may also lead to chronic pain. People with obesity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), vitamin D deficiency, and those who smoke may be more likely to develop chronic pain. Aging, repetitive motions at work, and genetics may also affect a person’s risk of living with pain.
Chronic pain affects people in different ways. It can impact a person’s mental health and quality of life, keep people from working, and make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. It can keep people from sleeping well.
It is essential to address chronic pain so that people can regain functioning and feel better. However, many of the traditional methods of managing chronic pain, including opioid medications, are ineffective or dangerous.
People who live with chronic pain require holistic therapies that address the roots and symptoms of this condition.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive therapy that reduces pain and promotes healing throughout the body. Generally, ESWT involves using gentle shockwaves to encourage more effective healing of bodily tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy was initially developed to reduce inflammation in the bones, ligaments, fascia, muscles, and tendons. Since its invention, health practitioners have found it effective in helping those with stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) regain muscle function. It can also help those with chronic pain reduce their symptoms and restore function.
There are two primary methods of applying extracorporeal shockwave therapy. First, the focused shockwave method uses concentrated impulses to specific areas of the body. A clinician uses an extracorporeal shockwave therapy machine to apply these impulses to an area where an injury has occurred or pain is present. Focused shockwave therapy sessions typically last between 5 and 15 minutes and do not cause pain.
The second method involves using radial shockwaves to encourage the healing of bodily tissues. This method delivers energy deeper into tissues using focused, higher-energy shockwaves.
How Can Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treat Chronic Pain?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy supports the body’s natural healing process and addresses pain in severeal ways. Here is a brief overview of how ESWT can treat chronic pain at the source.
Tissue repair
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy causes a short-term increase in inflammation around the site of an injury or pain. This initial burst of inflammation can encourage the body to send healing cells and extra blood flow to the area. The body responds to the shockwaves by increasing collagen production and breaking down damaged tissue faster. This process can encourage faster, more effective healing.
Reduce pain sensations
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is proven to reduce pain through several channels. First, people who undergo this type of therapy notice decreased pain sensations in the treatment area. Second, people had a reduction in unmyelinated (unprotected) nerve fibers, which are associated with pain sensations. Finally, the therapy activated the brain’s serotonergic system, which is part of the body’s natural pain management system.
Break down scar tissue
Scar tissue that forms after an injury can contribute to long-lasting pain. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help break down scar tissue, allowing the body to replace it with more flexible tissue. This can reduce stiffness and pain while allowing for a a greater range of movement.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a holistic, noninvasive therapy that supports the body’s natural healing process. Contact The Hartman Center specialists today to learn more about ESWT.
How Does Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Work?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a safe, noninvasive, painless treatment for a range of conditions that can cause pain. Knowing what to expect before starting ESWT sessions can be helpful.
Here is an overview of what to expect from extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Preparation
First, it is crucial to work with your doctor or health practitioner to ensure extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a good fit for your needs. A medical professional may conduct assessments or screenings to determine the best course of treatment for each person’s pain and other symptoms.
Preparing for ESTW sessions typically requires going to the clinic and wearing clothing that allows the practitioner to access the affected area.
Treatment
During extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions, the practitioner will apply a special gel to the affected area. This gel will allow the shockwaves to penetrate the muscles or tissues more deeply. Then, the practitioner will apply the ESTW machine to the affected area.
The ESTW instrument may appear like a gun. This allows the shockwaves to have the greatest impact on a specific area of the body. Once the practitioner has applied the device to the affected area, they will turn on the machine.
Most people do not experience any discomfort during sessions. Treatment sessions may last between 5 and 15 minutes.
Recovery
The health practitioner will provide specific instructions about how to manage recovery. Typically, people may be required to limit physical activity for up to two weeks after treatment.
Results
Some people experience the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy after just one treatment. People may notice less pain and other improvements within a day or two of their initial treatment session. Generally, people receive ESTW sessions regularly for several weeks to allow for optimal results.
Contact the Hartman Center specialists to learn more about the process of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and to find out if it is a good option for your unique needs.
Understanding the Benefits of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been proven to safely and effectively support the body’s natural healing process and reduce pain. Here are some of the most significant benefits of using ESWT as part of your pain management treatment plan.
Effective
Multiple studies have proven the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in reducing pain and promoting effective healing. This simple, holistic therapy can help people reduce pain, improve functioning, and help people enjoy a better quality of life.
Non-invasive
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses painless sound waves to penetrate the body’s tissues deeply. This process is quick, painless, and noninvasive. This allows people to experience significant benefits without pain, unpleasant side effects, or downtime.
Non-medicinal
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help to reduce pain without the need for dangerous or addictive prescription pain relievers. People who prefer not to take these drugs or who have not experienced relief from them may benefit from incorporating ESWT into their holistic pain management plan.
Safe
ESWT is a safe, noninvasive therapy. Patients attend short, painless sessions and typically do not experience significant adverse side effects after treatment. Multiple studies have shown that this therapy is safe and effective.
Convenient
ESWT recipients do not have lengthy preparation or recovery periods. Treatment sessions last just 5 to 15 minutes, and most do not experience unwanted side effects. They may attend treatment sessions and return to their usual daily activities without problems.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a time-tested therapy that can have a significant positive impact on people’s quality of life. Contact The Hartman Center specialists to explore the benefits of this holistic therapy.
What Injuries and Conditions Can ESWT Treat?
Medical and natural health professionals alike are beginning to recognize extracorporeal shockwave therapy’s role in chronic pain management. Instead of relying on addictive, dangerous pain relievers or time-consuming therapies, ESWT provides a fast, effective, and non-invasive way to address ongoing pain.
Some of the conditions extracorporeal shockwave therapy may treat include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis in the knees
- Post-fracture pain
- Shoulder tendinopathy
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Spinal and supraspinal spasticity after stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy
People with these and other conditions may benefit from extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is generally considered to be safe and effective for most people. However, there are some cases when ESWT may not be recommended, including people who:
- Are pregnant
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Have bone cancer
- Have metal pins or plates in the treatment area
- Have a nerve disorder
- Have an infection in the treatment area
- Have received steroid injections in the past 90 days
Consult with a medical professional to determine if extracorporeal shockwave therapy is likely to be safe and effective in your case.
Find Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Contact The Hartman Center to learn more about the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Discover how this safe, non-invasive therapy can help you address the roots of chronic pain and improve your quality of life.