A Stimulating Way to Induce Healing
What is Radial ShockWave?
Radial ShockWave Therapy ( RSWT ) originated in the mid 1980s in Europe, but it was not common in the U.S. until the last decade. Shockwaves were developed in a medical environment originally to treat kidney stones.
A shockWave is a physically generated sound wave that occurs when an object reaches the speed of sound. These shockwaves can occur in nature such as when a jet plane flies overhead or after lightning strikes. Radial ShockWave technology is achieved with a compressor and applicator to generate the shockwave, high energy percussion, and transmit the sound wave using water soluble gel into scarred and/or calcified soft tissue.
The healing process is increased by creating a stimulus or irritation to the tissue. The irritation from the shock waves creates new vessel blood formation or “neovascularization” to the damaged area. This influences an increase in blood circulation and metabolism, where damaged tissue will regenerate and heal.
What Does Radial ShockWave Help?
Radial ShockWave is a well-researched and effective treatment for chronic conditions and has been otherwise resistant to common therapies.
Issues such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis and thickening
- Epicondylitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow)
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
- Calcific tendonitis of the Rotator Cuff in the shoulder.
It is also very effective for hallux limitus associated with painful bunions, though it will not cure the structural defect of bunions. In keeping with the research and providing evidence-based use of this treatment, we have utilized this treatment for chronic low back pain, sacroiliac pain, and osteoarthritis in the knees.
What to expect during treatment.
1st: Locate Treatment Area
The area to be treated is located using palpation to deliver the therapy precisely.
2nd: Apply Gel to Treatment Area
Sufficient amount of gel is applied to the area located in step 1. Use of gel is necessary to transfer the acoustic waves efficiently and smoothly.
3rd: Initiate Treatment
The ShockWave applicator is slightly pushed against the area to be treated and the start button is pressed.
Radial ShockWave Therapy is applied without medication, for example Cortisone injections. The treatment stimulates and effectively supports the body’s self-healing mechanisms. It is usual to experience immediate pain relief following the treatment and hence improved movement.
Find out if Radial ShockWave Therapy is right for you!
Call today to schedule an assessment with one of our specialists!