Shockwave Therapy in Huntington Beach
Shockwave therapy, or in medical terms, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a relatively new healing alternative used extensively in orthopedic and rehabilitation medicine. It uses controlled mechanical pulses or waves that produce a sonic event. The primary outcome of a pulse is a direct mechanical force that is transferred through the skin deep into tissues.
At Health Pro Wellness Center, we offer shockwave therapy as a non-surgical approach to help with a variety of joint and muscle conditions and injuries.
How does it work?
Research indicates that the benefits associated with shockwaves are based on the body’s inflammatory healing response. It is thought that these pulses cause microtrauma to the diseased or damaged tissues. This microtrauma results in inflammation, which triggers the body to send healing cells and increase the flow of blood to the injured site.
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ESWT may also increase the effects of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy being directed into the affected area.
We may recommend ESWT as a component of your overall care plan, including chiropractic care and any other therapies that may benefit your unique situation, such as PRP or exosome therapy.
Many patients also utilize this technology as part of their post-workout recovery plan, as it can help release trigger points, break up scar tissue and calcification, and relieve pain.
Each session is short and usually lasts 5-10 minutes, including prep time. We find shockwave to be most effective when done with active exercises and movement, so your doctor will recommend appropriate exercises or simple movements for each session.
Based on your specific circumstances, your doctor will recommend a particular number of visits. For most patients, 6-12 sessions typically provide the desired results.
Orthopedic surgical journals put the success rate of ESWT at between 65% to 91% (Ioppolo, et al., 2014). More importantly, the side effects are minimal and negligible (Wang, 2012), as it is a non-surgical, completely natural option.
What Conditions Does It Help?
Most tendon issues such as tendinopathies (formerly called tendinitis or tendonitis) can be helped. The vast majority of research shows positive and beneficial effects for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis.
The FDA approved the use of shockwave or ESWT for plantar fasciitis in the year 2000 and for lateral epicondylitis in 2002 (Wang, 2012). The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons also found some evidence for ESWT to benefit individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Learn More Today
Contact us today to learn more about shockwave therapy, or to book your first appointment. Same-day appointments available.
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Wang C. J. (2012). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 7, 11.
Ioppolo, F., Rompe, J. D., Furia, J. P., & Cacchio, A. (2014). Clinical Application of Shock Wave Therapy (SWT) in Musculoskeletal Disorders. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 50(2), 217-230.
