Medically Reviewed By Dr. Nicholas Manteris, DC
Introduction
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans, interfering with daily life, work, and overall well-being. For those in Lafayette, CO, searching for a non-invasive, effective treatment option, shockwave therapy offers hope. At Flow Concierge Healthcare, we are proud to provide advanced therapies like acoustic wave therapy to help our patients achieve lasting pain relief.
In this post, we’ll explain what acoustic wave therapy is, the conditions it treats, how it works, and why it’s becoming a popular alternative to surgery or medications for chronic pain management.
What Is Acoustic Wave Therapy?
Acoustic Wave Therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These waves deliver targeted energy to damaged tissues, promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow.
The therapy is performed using a handheld device that delivers controlled pulses of energy to the treatment area. It’s quick, safe, and doesn’t require any downtime, making it an ideal option for busy individuals seeking effective pain relief.
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How Does Acoustic Wave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy works by introducing high-energy sound waves to the affected area. These waves create microtrauma in the tissue, triggering the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Here’s how it works:
Increased Blood Flow: The therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, improving circulation and nutrient delivery to damaged tissues.
Reduced Inflammation: The waves help break down calcified deposits and reduce inflammation, alleviating pain and stiffness.
Enhanced Cellular Repair: Shockwaves promote the production of collagen, a key component in tissue repair and regeneration.
Pain Modulation: The therapy disrupts pain signals, providing immediate and long-lasting relief.
Conditions Treated with Acoustic Wave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is versatile and can effectively treat a variety of conditions, including:
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis can make walking and standing unbearable. Shockwave therapy targets the inflamed tissue in the heel, reducing pain and promoting healing.
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2. Tendonitis
Whether it’s tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or Achilles tendonitis, shockwave therapy helps reduce inflammation and repair damaged tendons.
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3. Shoulder Pain
Calcific shoulder tendinitis and rotator cuff injuries can benefit significantly from shockwave therapy, which enhances mobility and reduces discomfort.
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4. Back Pain
Chronic back pain caused by muscle tension or soft tissue damage can be alleviated with this treatment.
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5. Sports Injuries
Athletes often turn to shockwave therapy to recover from injuries like shin splints, stress fractures, and hamstring pain, allowing them to return to their sport faster.
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6. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Emerging research shows that low-intensity shockwave therapy can be effective for treating vascular-related ED by improving blood flow to the area.
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What Are The Benefits Of Acoustic Wave Therapy
1. Non-Invasive
Unlike surgical interventions, shockwave therapy doesn’t require incisions, anesthesia, or downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment.
2. Effective for Chronic Pain
Studies show that shockwave therapy is highly effective for treating chronic pain conditions, often providing relief when other treatments have failed.
3. Stimulates Natural Healing
By triggering the body’s own repair mechanisms, shockwave therapy promotes long-lasting recovery without relying on medications.
4. Quick and Convenient
Most sessions last only 15-30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
5. Safe and Well-Tolerated
Shockwave therapy has minimal side effects and is well-tolerated by most patients. Some may experience mild discomfort during treatment, but this typically subsides quickly.
What to Expect During an Acoustic Wave Therapy Session
When you visit Flow Concierge Healthcare for shockwave therapy, here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation
During your initial visit, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and determine if shockwave therapy is the right treatment for you.
- Treatment
You’ll be comfortably positioned, and the treatment area will be exposed. We’ll apply a gel to facilitate the transmission of shockwaves, then use the handheld device to deliver energy pulses.
- Post-Treatment
There’s no downtime after shockwave therapy. You may experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness in the treated area, but these effects are temporary.
Most patients require 3-5 sessions, spaced about a week apart, to achieve optimal results.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Acoustic Wave Therapy
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for pain management and tissue repair.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.
Research in the American Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrated that shockwave therapy effectively treated calcific tendinitis in the shoulder, with 91% of patients reporting reduced pain and improved mobility.
Studies on low-intensity shockwave therapy for ED have shown promising results, with many patients experiencing improved erectile function after treatment.
These findings underscore the versatility and efficacy of shockwave therapy as a non-invasive solution for chronic pain.
Take the First Step Toward Balance and Vitality
Call Flow Concierge Healthcare now at (303) 335-7688 or book your appointment online