Everything You Need to Know About Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment option for chronic pain and injuries. It is administered using a small, handheld device that directs targeted shockwaves into the soft tissues at the area of injury or treatment area. At First Choice Chiropractic, our chiropractor Dr. Tiffany Harris has had incredible success using shockwave therapy in Glendale, Peoria, and Phoenix, AZ, for patients who want an all-natural, drug-free alternative to pain management and injury recovery.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
As your body absorbs shockwaves into your injured tissues, it begins specific healing processes. These processes include sending increased blood flow to the treatment area and releasing growth factors, pain-killing hormones, and healing chemicals and nutrients. Focused shockwaves can break apart calcification in the tendons and bones, improving mobility and range of motion and relieving pain.
What Conditions Are Treated by Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective on repetitive stress injuries, overuse injuries, and sports injuries. Some of the most common conditions we treat are:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patella tendinopathy or jumper’s knee
- Tennis elbow
- Hamstring injuries
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Bony heel spurs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bursitis of the hip
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Post-surgical care
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Dr. Harris will hold the shockwave device against your skin at the targeted treatment area. You may feel some pressure and slight discomfort, but most people do not find the treatment painful. Any discomfort you feel will go away as soon as the treatment is over. Each treatment can take between 15-20 minutes, and you may receive three to five treatments over several weeks or months. Athletes can return to activity after 24 hours, and most people can resume non-strenuous daily activities immediately after treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
You might be a good candidate if:
- You have chronic pain from a soft tissue injury or repetitive stress injury
- Are recovering from orthopedic surgery
- Other treatment methods have proven ineffective
- You want to avoid surgery
- You want to reduce your reliance on prescription painkillers and improve your mobility and quality of life
You might not be a good candidate if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, have a bleeding or clotting disorder, or have an open wound or infection in the treatment area.
Learn More About Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain
If you are interested in exploring non-invasive, drug-free therapies that could offer long-term pain relief, shockwave therapy can be very effective. Dr. Harris can assess your injury or condition, discuss how your symptoms are affecting your life, and design a personalized treatment program. Call now to schedule an appointment, or book an appointment online for shockwave therapy in Glendale, Peoria, or Phoenix, AZ.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Shockwave Therapy
