If you’ve been living with chronic pain or musculoskeletal injuries, you may have heard of shockwave therapy as a potential treatment option. Whether it’s for chronic tendon pain, muscle injuries, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, shockwave treatment is a non-invasive therapy gaining popularity for its ability to promote healing and alleviate discomfort without the need for medications or surgery.
But if you’re new to shockwave therapy, you might have questions about what to expect during your first session. How does the treatment work? Is it painful? What can you do to prepare?
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Before we dive into what to expect during the session, let’s first explore what shockwave therapy actually is. Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing in injured tissues. Initially developed to treat kidney stones, it is now used for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including soft tissue injuries, tendinopathies, and joint pain.
The shockwaves are delivered via a hand-held device that emits pulses of energy into the affected area, stimulating blood flow, reducing pain, and accelerating tissue healing. Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic conditions that haven’t responded well to traditional treatments like rest, medications, or physical therapy.
1. Initial Consultation with the Chiropractor
When you visit your chiropractor for your first shockwave treatment, the session typically begins with an initial consultation. During this consultation, your chiropractor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess the injury or condition being treated. You’ll discuss your symptoms, pain levels, and any previous treatments you may have tried.
The chiropractor will also explain the shockwave treatment process in more detail and answer any questions you might have. This consultation is essential to ensure that shockwave therapy is the right treatment for your specific condition.
What to expect:
- A detailed discussion of your medical history
- An assessment of your pain or injury
- A personalized treatment plan based on your needs
2. Preparation for the Shockwave Treatment
Once your chiropractor has assessed your condition and confirmed that shockwave therapy is appropriate, the next step is preparing the area to be treated. Before applying the shockwaves, the chiropractor will typically apply a gel to the affected area. The gel helps the shockwaves travel effectively through the skin and into the tissues below. This step is important for ensuring that the shockwaves can reach the targeted area without resistance.
The treatment area will be exposed, so wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the injury or pain site, whether it’s the lower back, shoulder, knee, or another area.
What to expect:
- Application of a conductive gel to the treatment area
- Positioning of your body to ensure proper targeting of the treatment
3. The Shockwave Treatment Process
Now comes the core of the session: the application of the shockwaves. Your chiropractor will use a hand-held device to deliver the sound waves to the injured tissue. The device is applied directly to the skin, and you will feel a series of pulses or vibrations as the shockwaves are emitted.
During the treatment, the chiropractor will adjust the intensity of the shockwaves based on your comfort level and the specific condition being treated. While some patients report feeling mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the treatment, the procedure is generally well-tolerated, especially when compared to other invasive treatments like injections or surgery.
In some cases, you may experience a feeling of warmth or mild soreness in the treated area after the session, which typically fades within a few hours to a day.
What to expect:
- Pulses of energy applied to the skin
- Mild discomfort or pressure during the treatment
- The chiropractor may adjust the intensity depending on your response
4. Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
After the shockwave treatment, your chiropractor will provide instructions on how to care for the treated area. While the recovery process is generally quick, your chiropractor may recommend specific exercises or stretches to improve the healing process and increase mobility.
Some patients experience immediate pain relief after their first session, while others may notice gradual improvements over the following days. It’s common to undergo several shockwave therapy sessions, depending on the severity of your condition, with most treatment plans ranging from 3 to 6 sessions.
What to expect:
- Mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area
- Possible improvement in pain and mobility after the first session
- A follow-up plan that may include additional shockwave sessions or complementary chiropractic treatments
5. Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Pain Relief
Shockwave therapy offers several benefits, especially for patients looking for non-invasive, drug-free treatment options. Here are some of the key advantages of this treatment:
- Non-invasive: No needles or surgery required, making it a safer alternative to traditional methods like injections or surgery.
- Pain relief: Shockwave therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, helping to reduce pain naturally.
- Faster healing: By improving circulation and encouraging tissue regeneration, shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process.
- Reduced inflammation: It helps reduce swelling and inflammation, which are often at the root of chronic pain conditions.
For patients struggling with conditions like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or back pain, shockwave therapy offers a promising, long-lasting solution.
Final Thoughts
Shockwave therapy is a revolutionary treatment for those suffering from chronic pain, tendon injuries, and musculoskeletal conditions. When delivered by a skilled chiropractor, it can be a game-changer in pain management and tissue healing. By stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging tissue regeneration, shockwave therapy offers relief without the need for invasive procedures or long-term medication.
If you’re considering shockwave therapy for your pain management, it’s essential to consult with a trusted partner in chiropractic care. A chiropractor can assess your needs, customize a treatment plan, and guide you through the process to ensure the best results. Whether it’s for chronic back pain, tendon injuries, or other musculoskeletal conditions, shockwave therapy could be the key to faster healing and long-term pain relief.
