Shockwave therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for chronic pain. It uses sound waves to stimulate the body’s healing process and reduce inflammation, leading to a reduction in pain. So, how often can you have shockwave therapy for chronic pain?
Below, we discuss how shockwave therapy works and how often you can undergo treatment sessions for the safe and effective treatment of chronic pain.
How Exactly Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy also referred to as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a treatment that uses acoustic sound waves, delivered directly to the injured tissue. The treatment procedure is very similar to when you undergo an ultrasound. A gel is applied to the area, which increases sound wave conductivity. Patients only experience mild discomfort, not pain, during each session.
Shockwave therapy is believed to trigger a cascade of cellular and biochemical responses that promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain. Below are just some of the mechanisms triggered by shockwave therapy sessions:
- Neovascularization – Shockwave therapy has been shown to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the affected area, which can increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues, promoting healing.
- Stimulation of collagen production – Shockwave therapy has been shown to increase the production of collagen, a key component of connective tissue that helps support and strengthen the affected area.
- Inhibition of pain receptors – Shockwave therapy may also help inhibit pain receptors in the affected area, thereby reducing the sensation of pain.
Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for chronic pain with promising results. Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective for a range of conditions, including knee pain, shoulder pain, foot pain, muscle strain, tendon and cartilage tears, stress fractures, and osteoarthritis – all of which can cause chronic pain – which is why it is used by chiropractors and sports medicine specialists for treating pain patients.
How Often Can You Have Shockwave Therapy Sessions?
You can absolutely get multiple shockwave therapy sessions. Shockwave therapy produces immediate results, even after the first session. However, many patients require multiple sessions for long-term and substantial relief.
Regular rest periods between each shockwave therapy session are essential. Specialists typically recommend one-week intervals, however, this may change depending on your individual circumstance. For instance, patients treated with shockwave therapy for chronic pain due to tendonitis may receive treatments every few days in the beginning, with sessions decreasing over time.
For the right patient, shockwave therapy can bring much-needed relief. To find out if you are a good candidate for the treatment, consult a qualified medical professional trained and experienced in administering shockwave therapy.
Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain in Dallas, TX
Shockwave therapy is just one of the many treatments the sports medicine doctors at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine use to treat athletes who are in pain. We use the PiezoWave Therapy System to target injuries at varying depths. Our team consists of chiropractic doctors and medical professionals who are also athletes like most of our patients, and we fully understand the motivations and desires of someone who plays sports. We are committed to helping you achieve a life that is not governed by pain.
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, we give you highly advanced, compassionate care. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office today at (972) 503-7272 or use our online form to book your appointment.
