Shockwave Therapy in Langley
At Opal Physio, we offer the latest and most effective treatments to help our patients achieve optimal health and wellness. One of the advanced therapeutic services we provide is Shockwave Therapy. This non-invasive treatment has been proven to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility for various musculoskeletal conditions.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy (SWT), also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), Radial Shock Wave Therapy (RSWT) or Pressure Wave Therapy, uses acoustic waves to deliver high-energy sound waves to injured tissues in the body at cellular levels. These waves stimulate the repair and regeneration of bones, tendons, and other soft tissues.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave Therapy is a noninvasive treatment that delivers acoustic waves which induce mechanical stress, creating microtrauma (controlled damage) in the targeted tissues. This microtrauma stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by increasing blood flow, promoting the formation of new lymphatic vessels, and enhancing collagen production. The overall effect is accelerated tissue repair and reduced inflammation.
Therapeutic Effects of Shock Wave Therapy
Tissue regeneration: Shock wave therapy promotes tissue regeneration by stimulating cell growth and repair mechanisms. The high-energy sound waves that pass through the patient’s body enhance blood circulation and trigger the release of growth factors and stem cells, which aid in repairing and regenerating damaged tissues. This is particularly beneficial in treating tendonitis, ligament injuries, and fracture healing.
Elimination of calcification: SWT effectively breaks down calcifications, particularly in conditions like calcific tendonitis of the shoulder. The shock wave triggers the growth of new blood vessels and aids in fragmenting the calcium deposits, which are then reabsorbed by the body, reducing pain and restoring normal function to the affected area.
Pain relief: Pain relief is one of the most considerable benefits of shock wave therapy. The mechanism involves reducing the transmission of pain signals in the nerve fibres, desensitizing nerve endings, and subsiding inflammation. The shockwave decreases the substance P levels, responsible for pain transmission, providing long-lasting relief. The treatment also stimulates the production of endorphins and enkephalins, natural painkillers produced by the body, providing immediate and long-term relief from chronic pain conditions.
Muscle relaxation: SWT promotes muscle relaxation by reducing muscle tone and tension. The mechanical energy from the shock waves disrupts the hypertonic muscle fibers, reducing local ischemia and increasing blood flow, allowing connective tissues to relax and restore normal function. This effect is beneficial in treating muscle spasms and tension-related pain.
Chronic inflammation reversal: SWT effectively addresses chronic inflammation by reducing inflammatory mediators and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances. SWT helps resolve chronic inflammation and its associated symptoms by improving blood flow and stimulating cellular repair.
The combined effects make shock wave therapy a versatile treatment for most musculoskeletal disorders.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy offers numerous other benefits for treating various medical conditions. Here are some other key advantages:
- Non-invasive treatment: SWT offers a non-surgical treatment approach, reducing the risk of complications and recuperation time associated with invasive procedures.
- Quick and effective: Most treatments are completed within 20 minutes, and patients often experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions.
- Minimal side effects: There are few side effects, and most patients experience only temporary discomfort or redness at the treatment site during the procedure and are generally well-tolerated.
- Accelerated healing: This treatment speeds up the healing process for soft tissue injuries, bone fractures, and chronic pain. It promotes faster recovery and return to regular daily activities.
- Versatile application: Effective for various conditions, including tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, epicondylitis, and more.
- High success rates: Proven efficacy in numerous clinical studies for various conditions. Provides sustainable relief and improvement in function, reducing the need for repeated treatments.
- Enhanced quality of life: It improves mobility by reducing pain, increasing the ability to perform physical activities, and leading to a better overall quality of life for patients.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is effective in treating a wide range of chronic conditions, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral epicondylitis/Lateral Epicondylalgia): Pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow.
- Calcific Tendinopathy: Calcium deposits in tendons, often in the shoulder.
- Achilles Tendonopathy: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
- Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee): Inflammation of the patellar tendon.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain in muscles and soft tissues.
- Trigger Points: Localized areas of muscle tightness.
- Hip Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa in the hip.
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in bones caused by repetitive force.
- Chronic Pain Conditions: Various other chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.
- Heel Spur: Bony calcaneal growths in the heel
- De Quervain Tenosynovitis: A condition caused by overuse injury to the thumb and wrist tendons
- Knee Ligament Injuries: Ligaments can be injured in the knee after a fall or twisting during sports, work, or any regular activity.
- Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD): Whiplash injury is caused by forceful movement of the neck during car accidents, any trauma, and sports. This can cause neck pain, headache, reduced movements and muscle tightness in the neck.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The median nerve gets compressed by the surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and leading to pain, numbness and tingling of the hand and wrist
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session?
When you go for a shockwave treatment session, you can expect a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to help alleviate pain and promote healing in various musculoskeletal conditions. the procedure is as follows:
Initial Consultation:
- Assessment and diagnosis: Your physiotherapist will assess your condition, review your medical history, and determine if shock wave therapy is appropriate for you.
Preparation:
- Explanation of procedure: The therapist will explain the procedure, its benefits, and what to expect during and after the treatment.
- Positioning: You will be positioned comfortably, often lying down or sitting, depending on the area treated.
Treatment Session:
- Application of gel: A special conductive gel is applied to the treatment area to ensure efficient transmission of the shock waves.
- Clinical application of Shock Waves: The therapist uses a handheld device to deliver shock waves to the targeted area. The device is moved over the treatment area in a controlled manner.
- Sensations: You may feel a tapping or pulsating sensation. The intensity can be adjusted based on your comfort level. Some discomfort may occur, but it should not be painful.
Duration:
- Treatment session length: Each session typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
Post-Treatment:
- Immediate aftercare: The therapist may provide advice on managing any temporary discomfort or swelling.
- Activity recommendations: You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period after the session.
Follow-Up
- Scheduled sessions: A course of multiple sessions (usually 6=8) is often recommended for optimal results.
- Progress monitoring: The therapist will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Side Effects
- Side effects: Expect possible mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site, which typically resolves quickly.
By understanding these steps, you can approach your shock wave therapy sessions with confidence and a clear expectation of the process and its benefits.
Why Choose Opal Physio for Shockwave Therapy in Langley?
- Experienced professionals: Our team of highly skilled and certified physiotherapists is trained in the latest Shockwave Therapy techniques.
- State-of-the-art equipment: We use the latest and most advanced shockwave therapy devices to ensure optimal results.
- Personalized treatment plans: We tailor each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of our patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes and reduce any adverse effects and provide comfort.
- Comprehensive care: We offer a holistic approach to treatment, combining Shockwave Therapy with other physiotherapy techniques to enhance recovery.
FAQ
Our approach to shockwave therapy in Langley
At Opal Physio, our team of experienced physiotherapists takes a personalized approach to Shockwave Therapy.
We understand that each individual’s condition is unique, and we tailor our treatments based on clinical evidence and use custom protocols in treatment to address specific needs, patient’s pain tolerance and goals.
By combining Shockwave Therapy (SWT) a conservative treatment approach with comprehensive rehabilitation programs, we aim to provide lasting relief and support long-term recovery for our clients.
Book an Appointment
Ready to experience the benefits of Shockwave Therapy in Langley? To learn more about our Shockwave Therapy Services or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey to recovery.
At Opal Physio, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Let us help you achieve your health goals with our advanced Shockwave Therapy services.