Millions of people in the United States and around the world struggle with chronic aches and pains. Living with ongoing pain can have a profound impact on your mental health, functioning, and overall quality of life.
People living with chronic pain may experience poor sleep, fatigue, low mood, and difficulty doing the things they need to do to simply get through the day. Some research even suggests that living with chronic pain can have a profound, negative impact on a person’s mental and cognitive health.
Medical professionals may prescribe medications to help people manage their chronic pain. However, many of the medications that reduce chronic pain can have dangerous side effects, including physical dependence. Medications do not address the roots of pain and typically cannot be used long-term, making them ineffective for many people living with chronic pain.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a holistic therapy that addresses the source of pain, rather than simply masking it with medications. This non-invasive treatment activates the body’s innate healing systems, allowing people to experience long-term relief from their pain.
This article will explore what ESWT is and provide guidance on how to prepare for your first treatment session. You’ll learn about the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and where to find ESWT near you.
You don’t have to simply live with your pain or resort to medications with unwanted side effects to manage it. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can provide real, lasting pain relief. To learn more about ESWT or to schedule your first appointment, contact the specialists at The Hartman Center. We look forward to supporting you in your wellness journey.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic approach that enhances the body’s natural healing ability. ESWT utilizes gentle shockwaves to break down scar tissue, promote tissue regeneration, and alleviate pain sensation. It is non-invasive, and people typically experience little to no discomfort during sessions.
During treatment sessions, a trained provider simply applies a wand that administers concentrated sound waves into the tissue. People typically attend three to six sessions, depending on their condition and other factors.
There are two methods of administering ESWT. Focused shockwave therapy involves applying highly concentrated pulses to a specific area of the body. This treatment is quick, with sessions typically lasting just 5-15 minutes.
Radial shockwave therapy works similarly to focused shockwave therapy. However, this relatively new method utilizes higher-energy shockwaves that can penetrate deeper into the tissue.
People may receive extracorporeal shockwave therapy to treat inflammation or injury to the bones, fascia, muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Initially, ESWT was primarily used to treat common injuries, such as tennis elbow or foot injuries. However, further research has shown ESWT to be effective in restoring muscle elasticity and function after stroke or TBI.
Most people tolerate ESWT well and experience significant, lasting benefits. The promise of meaningful pain relief and the non-invasive nature of ESWT make it an appealing therapy for people living with pain.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With ESWT?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is an effective and non-invasive therapy that can be included in a holistic approach to pain relief. Individuals experiencing pain, stiffness, or discomfort due to a variety of conditions or injuries may benefit from this type of treatment.
Here is an overview of some conditions that ESWT may help.
Foot and ankle injuries
Injuries to the foot or ankle can significantly impact your quality of life, mobility, and daily functioning. Pain in the feet, legs, or ankles can be challenging to address, but extracorporeal shockwave therapy offers lasting pain relief that targets the roots of the problem.
Conditions such as heel spurs, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses gentle, targeted shockwaves to affected areas.
These shockwaves can promote healing of inflammation or scar tissue by activating the body’s natural healing process. The result? Less pain and greater flexibility, which leads to improved mobility and enhanced daily functioning.
Back pain
Millions of people live with back pain that affects their mood, functioning, sleep, and more. Back pain can result from various factors, including injuries, aging, overuse, and others.
Research suggests that extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be effective at relieving back pain. People living with all types of pain, including low back pain, may benefit from ESWT.
The concentrated shockwaves promote healing by increasing blood flow to affected areas. This allows the body to rebuild healthy, flexible tissue to replace the existing tissue causing pain. It can also activate the body’s innate pain management system, allowing the muscles to relax. Less pain and greater flexibility can result in improvements in functioning, quality of life, and mobility.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes pain and reduced mobility of the joints. It is the result of reduced cushioning tissue at the ends of bones, which can lead to friction and pain in the knees, shoulders, hips, and other joints.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been shown to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis by supporting the body’s ability to heal and regenerate new, healthy tissue. This non-invasive therapy may address the issues causing pain instead of simply masking pain with medications.
TBI and stroke-related muscle spasticity
Traumatic brain injuries and stroke can impact cognitive functioning. Some of these cognitive changes may affect muscle control, leading to a loss of control, stiffness, or unwanted movements. Individuals experiencing these cognitive changes may lose motor control or strength, which can significantly impact their daily functioning.
ESWT can reduce the muscle-related symptoms of stroke or TBI in several ways. It may promote better muscle tone, improve functioning, and reverse muscle or tendon damage associated with these conditions. People may experience improvements in their functioning, strength, and coordination, with less pain and spasticity.
Overuse injuries
Knee pain, tennis elbow, strains, and other musculoskeletal issues can cause short and long-term pain. People may experience acute pain after an injury or sustain long-term pain after long periods of use. This pain can prevent people from enjoying their hobbies and affect their overall activity levels and quality of life.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses gentle, focused shockwaves to encourage more effective healing and muscle relaxation. This non-invasive approach can help to break up scar tissue and rebuild healthy, supple tissue. It may reduce pain, increase mobility, and allow for a greater range of motion.
How Should I Prepare For My First ESWT Session?
You will receive instructions from your practitioner before beginning ESWT. It is important to follow their instructions closely to avoid potential problems during treatment and to maximize your benefits during sessions.
Generally, there are some steps you may be asked to take before your first ESWT session. Here is an overview of some common instructions you may receive.
Have a consultation
One of the first steps you must take when preparing for your first ESWT session is to consult with your chiropractic neurologist. Your specialist will gather information about your medical history, current health conditions and pain, medications you are taking, and other relevant details.
This information is critical to the success of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Consulting with your provider will help them determine the most appropriate course of treatment and ensure they can effectively guide your care before, during, and after sessions.
Stop taking NSAIDs
Your provider may advise you to stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, for at least two weeks before your first ESWT session. These drugs may impair the effectiveness of ESW. Your provider will likely tell you not to take NSAIDs at any point during treatment.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is essential to effective healing. Your provider may advise you to stay hydrated before your first treatment session and throughout the ESWT process.
Wear loose clothing
As you prepare for your first session, it is important to wear loose, comfortable clothing that will allow your provider to access the affected area. Your practitioner must be able to apply the ESWT applicator to your bare skin, so keep this in mind as you dress before your first appointment.
Schedule your treatment sessions
Work with your provider to schedule all of your treatment sessions before beginning treatment. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions build upon each other, so it is crucial to attend each appointment of your series. Missing sessions can result in ineffective healing or minimal results, or may require you to start treatment from the beginning.
Contact the Hartman Center specialists to learn more about preparing for your first ESWT session or to get more information about this gentle but effective treatment.
Find Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Now
You do not have to simply live with your pain or accept it as your new normal. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an accessible, non-invasive approach to treating pain that addresses the cause of pain instead of temporarily dulling the physical sensation.
The Hartman Center offers thoughtful, comprehensive pain treatment programs that incorporate ESWT and other holistic therapies. Addressing pain by treating the whole person leads to better, longer-lasting results that can improve your functioning, mobility, and quality of life.
If you or someone you love struggles with pain, explore extracorporeal shockwave therapy by reaching out to our treatment team today. We look forward to learning more about you and joining you on your journey to holistic health.