Shockwave therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment for those suffering from many chronic tendon and joint disorders. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists are fully trained to offer Shockwave Therapy in Calgary.
Shockwave therapy works by sending acoustic energy waves into the soft tissues or bones, which causes a controlled micro-trauma in the affected tissue. This micro-trauma essentially re-injures tissue on a cellular level and results in the breakdown of scar tissue that has built up in the area. The controlled re-injury of tissue allows the body to regenerate blood vessels, muscle fibers, and bone cells, which leads to faster healing and less pain.
Shockwave therapy is an effective modality in the management and elimination of pain. Shockwave is effective because the acoustic energy waves applied during treatment stimulate an increase in metabolic activity in the affected tissue. The Shockwave can break down calcific deposits through the production of cavitation bubbles, and its analgesic reaction mechanism helps reduce pain signals.
Relative and absolute contraindications for the use of shockwave therapy include:
1) Blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin or Heparin
2) Heart or circulatory problems
3) Cancer in or around the treatment area
4) Pregnancy
5) Diabetes
6) Nerve or blood supply being too close to the site of treatment
7) Cortisone injection in the area to be treated less than one month prior to shockwave therapy
Anyone with soft tissue injuries can benefit from shockwave therapy, especially athletes. Shockwave therapy provides a safe and non-surgical alternative for those suffering from chronic injuries.
Learn more about our shockwave therapy services in Calgary by contacting us today. All of our chiropractors and physiotherapists are trained to use shockwave therapy.
GTPS is a common hip condition that causes pain around the lateral hip. It is caused by inflammation in the soft tissues that attach to the outside of the hip, and tends to hurt at night. Shockwave helps restore bloodflow deep in the hip, and allows the body to use the acute healing cascade to eliminate the inflammation that is causing pain.
Tendinopathy is a type of chronic overuse injury, where the tendon is repeatedly strained until small tears form in the tendons. Some of the more common tendinopathies which respond well with shockwave treatment are gluteal tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tendinopathy. These can usually be resolved in 3-6 treatments using shockwave therapy.
Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendon where it attaches to the bone. Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow are the most common types of tendinitis in the elbow. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis is the inflammation and pain of the tendon felt on the outside of the elbow and forearm whereas Golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis is the inflammation and pain of the tendon felt on the inside of the elbow and forearm. Shockwave restores vascularization to these areas, promotes healing, and reduces pain.
A heel spur is a small bony growth because of a calcium deposit that occurs on the heel of the foot which causes pain and inflammation around the heel. Shockwave is one of the few interventions that can successfully relieve the pain associated with this bony change.
Plantar fasciitis is the condition where the fascial connective tissue band under the sole of the foot gets inflamed or irritated. It most commonly presents as pain with the first few steps in the morning, and is relieved by stretching and wearing shoes. Shockwave therapy has been shown to resolve plantar fasciitis in 3-5 treatments in 91% of cases.
Muscular trigger points or ‘knots’ are tight and painful spots in muscles. They cause deep aching when the muscle gets tight and are generally caused by overuse. Shockwave gets the muscles to release, and restores bloodflow to the muscle.
The sensation of shockwave therapy is usually described as similar to a quick sting. Many patients feel very mild discomfort and some describe the sensation as pulsing or tapping, depending on the treatment area. Generally, the treatment should feel slightly uncomfortable according to the patient’s tolerance level but should not be painful and unbearable.
Few sessions usually provide pain relief for most patients. You should feel better after the first or second treatment. Some patients see immediate improvement. Generally, Shockwave treatments are usually performed once/a week for 3-to 5 treatments. Sometimes 1-to 2 additional treatments may be needed depending on the condition.
Shockwave therapy is incorporated into Chiropractic and Physiotherapy treatments along with the other treatment methods to help accelerate healing and decrease pain for various musculoskeletal conditions. There is no extra charge for Shockwave treatment. Encompass Sports Therapy employs all-in-one pricing, meaning that if our therapist uses the Shockwave, Deep Tissue LaserTherapy, Active Release, Taping, and Needling, the patient still pays the same price.
Shockwave Therapy treats a wide range of conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel spurs, IT Band Syndrome, Hamstring Injuries, Jumper’s knee, Achilles Tendinopathy, and Calcific Tendinopathy of Rotator Cuff, Tennis Elbow, and Golfer’s Elbow to name a few.
No, Shockwave Therapy treatment does not require a referral from your primary care physician. Any licensed practitioner such as a Chiropractor and Physiotherapist can administer treatment.
Licensed health practitioners who perform Shockwave Therapy in our clinics are Chiropractors and Physiotherapists.
