If your physician told you that you need shockwave therapy, you might feel a little apprehensive. But there’s no need to worry. This kind of therapy is non-invasive and has been shown to be an effective treatment for various conditions. Here’s all you need to understand about shockwave therapy.
What exactly is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a kind of treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the body. It is an effective therapy for several conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow. You can also use this therapy to treat other musculoskeletal conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The pain is often worse when you first get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is a clinical syndrome known for pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. The pain is often worse with activity and can make it difficult to walk or run.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a condition that results in pain in the elbow and forearm. The pain is often worse when you grip something or lift your arm.
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions
You can also use shockwave therapy to treat other musculoskeletal conditions, such as shoulder pain, hip pain, and back pain.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy promotes the body’s natural healing process. The sound waves create micro-traumas in the tissue, which signals the body to start repairing the area. The therapy also increases blood flow to the area, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients that are essential for healing.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions. If you are considering shockwave therapy, discuss it with your doctor to see if it is right for you.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
Patients often wonder if shockwave therapy is painful. While some patients experience discomfort during the treatment, this is generally mild and short-lived. In addition, most patients find that the benefits of the therapy outweigh any discomfort experienced during the treatment.
However, suppose you do experience any pain during the treatment. In that case, your doctor can adjust the settings on the device to minimize discomfort.
Can I Exercise After Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a treatment that employs sound waves to alleviate pain and promote healing. The treatment is non-invasive and relatively painless, making it a popular choice for those seeking alternatives to surgery or medication. But what about exercise? Is it safe to work out after shockwave therapy? According to most experts, it is best to avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the treatment. It gives the body time to recover and prevents the risk of further injury. However, gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching, are generally considered safe and may even help to speed up the healing process. So if you’re up to it, a light workout may not be out of the question. Just be sure to listen to your body and stop if you start to feel any pain.
Why Rest is Important After Shockwave Therapy
Rest is important after shockwave therapy because it helps the body to heal. When you exercise, your body needs more energy to repair the muscles, tendons, and other tissues damaged during the workout. If you don’t give your body enough time to rest, it can lead to further injury.
So, if you’re considering shockwave therapy, talk to your doctor about what you can expect. The treatment is safe and effective for various conditions, but it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and take it easy after the treatment.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. The therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the body and is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Most patients find that the benefits of shockwave therapy outweigh any discomfort experienced during the treatment. Of course, avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours after shockwave therapy is vital to allow your body time to heal correctly. But light exercise, such as walking or stretching, is generally considered safe and may even help to speed up the healing process. So if you’re feeling up to it, a light workout may not be out of the question. Just be sure to listen to your body and stop if you start to feel any pain.
