Injuries, chronic illnesses, aging, and other conditions can cause pain. Living with pain can be very challenging. Lingering pain can decrease quality of life and impact functioning. It can keep people from sleeping well, leading to fatigue and mood changes. Some research suggests that chronic pain can even affect your mental wellness and cognitive abilities.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment method that can improve the body’s ability to heal. This holistic therapy uses focused shockwaves or radial pressure waves to address pain in specific areas of the body. The treatment is generally comfortable, causing little to no discomfort and having minimal side effects.
This article will explore some of the applications and benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. You will learn:
- How ESWT works
- What conditions may benefit from ESWT
- The benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- What to expect during ESWT sessions
- The potential side effects of ESWT
- Where to find extracorporeal shockwave therapy
If you or a loved one lives with pain, find holistic therapies to address it at The Hartman Center. Contact our intake team to learn more about our ESWT or our other therapies, or to schedule your first appointment.
What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that supports the body’s natural healing process. This non-invasive treatment method uses gentle shockwaves to promote healing of injuries, inflammation, and other tissue damage throughout the body.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be a good option for people who have tried other pain-relief methods without relief from their symptoms. Because this therapy uses gentle shockwaves and is non-invasive, people typically do not experience discomfort during or after treatment sessions. ESWT may prevent people from needing more invasive treatment methods, including steroid injections or surgery.
Medical professionals first developed ESWT as a treatment for kidney stones. They discovered they could use gentle, focused shockwaves to break up stones, allowing them to pass safely and efficiently.
During the 1990s and 2000s, medical professionals began to explore new methods for utilizing ESWT. They discovered that this technology could encourage faster and more effective healing in tendons, bones, fascia, and ligaments. Some began to use this treatment to help patients with neurological disorders improve motor control and reduce muscle spasticity.
Today, many medical practitioners offer ESWT as part of a holistic approach to pain management. Instead of simply treating pain with medications, extracorporeal shockwave therapy can help address the roots of pain, providing deeper, longer-lasting relief.
How Does ESWT Address Pain?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy addresses pain in several ways. Here is an overview of how ESWT works to promote healing and reduce pain.
Supports tissue repair
ESWT uses gentle shockwaves to cause short-term inflammation at the site of an injury or chronic pain. The body responds to this increase in inflammation by sending extra blood flow and healing cells to that part of the body. The body also begins to break down damaged tissues more efficiently and boosts collagen production, resulting in quicker and more effective healing.
Breaks down scar tissue
Scar tissue from injuries or surgeries can cause lingering pain and limited range of motion. ESWT can help break down scar tissue quickly, allowing the body to replace it with more elastic tissue. This can help reduce pain and increase flexibility.
Reduces pain sensations
Research has shown that extracorporeal shockwave therapy can reduce perceived pain in several ways, including:
- Decreasing pain sensations at the treatment site
- Reducing the number of unmyelinated nerve fibers associated with pain sensations
- Activating the brain’s natural pain management system
People may experience decreased pain during and after ESWT sessions, as well as a long-term reduction in pain because of effective tissue repair.
Contact The Hartman Center to explore the potential pain-relieving benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy or to schedule your first appointment.
What Conditions Does ESWT Treat?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can be used to address a wide range of conditions. Here is an overview of some common uses for ESWT.
Foot and ankle injuries
Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, heel spurs, and other foot and ankle-related issues can cause significant pain or reduce mobility. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy utilizes gentle shockwaves to promote more efficient healing in these areas, enabling individuals to experience reduced pain and improved functionality.
TBI-related spasticity
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke can cause cognitive changes affecting muscle control. Individuals with these conditions may experience impairments in fine motor control and strength, which can impact their daily functioning. They may also experience overactivity or a loss of control.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been shown to reduce spasticity by increasing muscle tone and improving muscle function. It may also help reverse the resulting damage to tendons and muscles, leading to improved functioning.
Kidney stones
Mental professionals first used ESWT to break up kidney stones, which are calcified masses of minerals that accumulate in the kidneys. The gentle shockwaves can break up these stones without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. This allows the stones to pass naturally during urination.
Injuries and overuse
Musculoskeletal issues, such as tennis elbow, knee pain, strains, and others, can cause both acute and long-term pain. ESWT supports the body’s natural healing process by encouraging additional blood flow and healing cells to the site of an injury. It also enables the body to replace stiff scar tissue with healthy, flexible tissue. This can lead to a better range of motion and fewer pain sensations.
Osteoarthritis
Emerging research indicates that extracorporeal shockwave therapy may help alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees. This gentle, non-invasive therapy promotes more effective healing and may help people regain functioning.
Back pain
Some research suggests that extracorporeal shockwave therapy may effectively relieve back pain, including chronic low back pain that reduces mobility. ESWT promotes blood flow to the affected area and may help the body build healthier, more flexible tissue in damaged areas.
Contact The Hartman Center specialists to explore ESWT and determine if it is a good option for you.
What to Expect During ESWT Treatment Sessions
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment with minimal discomfort and downtime. It can be helpful to know what to expect before your first session.
Here is a quick overview of what to expect from your ESWT sessions.
Before treatment
Before you begin extracorporeal shockwave therapy, your medical practitioner will evaluate your medical history and current needs to determine if it is appropriate for you. This may include undergoing assessments and screenings.
You may begin therapy sessions once your provider has determined it is appropriate for your needs. They may advise you to wear comfortable clothing that will allow them to access the area to be treated.
During treatment
During treatment sessions, your practitioner will apply a special gel to your bare skin over the affected area. This gel allows the shockwaves to go deep down into the tissue.
Next, the practitioner will place the ESWT instrument on the affected area and turn on the machine. Most people do not experience pain or discomfort during treatment sessions. Typically, sessions last 15 minutes or less.
After treatment
Recovery from ESWT may involve limiting strenuous physical activity for several days or up to two weeks after a treatment session. Your practitioner will provide personalized instructions on how to manage your recovery after ESWT sessions.
Some people experience noticeable benefits after just one ESWT session. Some notice less pain or a greater range of motion within one to two days of their initial treatment session. People may receive regular sessions over the course of several weeks to enhance the benefits of this holistic therapy.
Potential Side Effects and Limitations of ESWT
While extracorporeal shockwave therapy is generally considered safe for most people, some people should not engage in this treatment. These include those who:
- Are pregnant
- Have received steroid injections in the past 90 days
- Have an infection in the area to be treated
- Have metal plates or pins in the treatment area
- Have a nerve disorder
- Have bone cancer
- Have a blood clotting disorder
Many people do not experience discomfort during treatment. However, people may experience short-term side effects after treatment sessions that include:
- Mild bruising
- Tingling
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Numbness
- Mild swelling
ESWT can reduce pain, increase range of motion, and help people significantly improve their daily functioning. Many people find that the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy far outweigh the potential side effects.
Contact The Hartman Center specialists now to learn more about the benefits and risks of extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Our intake team members are happy to discuss your treatment options and help you schedule your first appointment.
Find Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive therapy that can significantly reduce pain and increase range of motion for people with a broad range of conditions. Contact the specialists at The Hartman Center to learn more about this gentle and effective pain management therapy, or to explore our other holistic treatment options.