Shockwave Therapy: An Effective Way to Treat Chronic Pain Conditions

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What Is Shockwave Therapy?

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Shockwave therapy (SWT) is a non-invasive treatment which uses abrupt pulses of mechanical energy that are similar to acoustic soundwaves. When Dr. Kleinberg applies SWT, he puts a lubricating gel on the SWT wand and then places the wand against the skin of your injured area. Once he activates the wand, the acoustic waves are sent through your skin to the injured tissue. When the injured tissue gets stimulated, your body is prompted to send nutrients and blood to the area, which increases the flow of oxygenated blood and stimulates your body’s ability to heal. If your soft tissue contains scar tissue or calcified tissue it will help to soften or loosen up these tissues. There are numerous highly regarded scientific research studies that have supported the efficacy of shockwave therapy treatment.

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Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

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SWT is a type of therapy which uses a low energy shockwave so that no anaesthesia or injections are required. You may feel mild discomfort or a dull ache as the SWT wand presses against the injured part of your body. Dr. Kleinberg will adjust the amount of force necessary for the clinical treatment but also to your tolerance level. After treatment you may feel some discomfort which is similar to having worked out at a gym or had a fitness routine. There may be some local tenderness in the area. This is actually a mild inflammatory response which indicates that the body is trying to heal itself naturally. This is one of the goals of SWT and it is important not to take any anti-inflammatory medication which may slow down your results. Dr. Kleinberg usually recommends ice applications for 10 to 15 minutes as needed. Otherwise you should be able to resume all your normal daily activities after treatment.

 

What Areas of My Body can be treated with Shockwave Therapy?

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In its earlier uses, SWT was used to break up calcific kidney stones. Later on, the treatment was modified so that soft tissues injuries, especially those of the chronic nature, could be treated. Areas of treatment include feet, elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, lower legs, upper legs and the lower back. There are a wide range of conditions that are amenable to SWT treatment. SWT can also be used to help alleviate other concerns such as poor flexibility, muscle cramps, and loss of range of motion.

 

What are Some Advantages of using Shockwave Therapy?

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SWT is a drug-free, non-invasive and relatively painless treatment. It is an excellent way of helping to alleviate acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, improve mobility of joints and soft tissues and speed up the process of injury recovery. There is no skin penetration and therefore no risk for infection. From Dr. Kleinberg's experience, it is one of the most effective modality tools that he has ever used in his practice.

 

How Long Does Each Shockwave Therapy Treatment Take?

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Treatment time depends on the type of injury and its severity. The average treatment time is approximately 5 to 10 minutes per area of treatment.

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Is Shockwave Therapy a Standalone Treatment for my Condition?

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The application of SWT will depend on your specific condition. Sometimes Dr. Kleinberg only uses SWT for certain problems and at other times he will augment with different types of modalities and manual therapies. Whatever Dr. Kleinberg is treating, you will receive guidance on exercise, postural advice and preventive techniques to ensure that your condition does not return.

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How Many Treatments will I Require with Shockwave Therapy?

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The number of treatments that you require will depend on your specific condition. The minimum amount of treatments is usually 3 to 6 sessions but can be up to 10 to 12 depending on your problem. The maximum impact of SWT is felt within 8 to 12 weeks from the beginning of treatment as this is how long it takes for soft tissue regeneration to occur in your body. You may notice improvements in function and diminishment in pain within the first few weeks of treatment, but you will see the greater results within 2 to 3 months of treatment.

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Are There Any Side Effects or Contraindications?

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Dr. Kleinberg doesn't use SWT if there are any circulatory or nerve disorders, infections, bone tumors or metabolic bone conditions present in the soft tissue areas of concern. SWT is not used near open wounds, in skin inflammatory disorders or during pregnancy. SWT is not applied to your neck, head, face or chest areas. When Dr. Kleinberg treats a patient with SWT, he considers the area of concern and ensures that there are no contraindications to care. As noted above, aside from mild post-treatment pain, there are no other side effects from this treatment, and it is considered to be very safe.

 

Are There Extra Costs for Shockwave Therapy?

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In our clinic, the charge for SWT is the same as a regular 15-minute visit which is $50 for an adult, $46 for a senior citizen or student. Most extended healthcare insurance plans will cover these visits.

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What types of Conditions do are helped by Shockwave Therapy?

 

• Plantar Fasciitis & Achilles Tendinitis

• Patellar Tendinopathy

• Ligament injuries of the knee

• IT Band Syndrome

• Trochanteric tendinopathy

• Piriformis Syndrome & Chronic hip hypomobility

• Chronic lumbar strain

• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis & Calcific Tendinitis

• Chronic shoulder strain

• Lateral Epicondylitis & Forearm Tendinitis

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Myofascial pain syndrome

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If you have a condition not listed here or you have further questions regarding Shockwave Therapy or you would like to book an appointment, please call our office for more information at 905-738-6303.