What is Shockwave Therapy?
In Shockwave Therapy, kinetic energy created is converted into acoustic energy through a process where compressed air is used to drive a projectile in a cylinder inside the hand piece to a shock transmitter. The acoustic waves then transmit into the underlying tissue. Acoustic waves interact with tissue causing overall effects of accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, pain relief and mobility restoration. Shock wave therapy can also help breakdown scar tissue and increase the healing process. It offers a non-invasive treatment solution to treating many conditions.
Does the treatment hurt and will I feel pain after the treatment?
Depending on the level of pain the patient may already be experiencing, there may be a slight feeling of discomfort during the treatment. Since most treatments can last about 5 minutes, most patients are able to tolerate the discomfort. The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted during the treatment if need be. There may be some residual soreness after the treatment which usually dissipates after a short time.
How many treatments will I need and how often?
The number of treatments will vary on the condition being treated. Usually most conditions need 3 to 5 treatments for a positive response. After 4 treatments it is good practice to have the condition re-evaluated.