What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured or damaged tissues. It is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions, such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and calcific shoulder tendonitis and has several potential benefits:
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ESWT can reduce pain by disrupting pain signal transmission and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
It is particularly effective for chronic pain conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and calcific shoulder tendinitis.
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Shockwaves stimulate blood flow and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), which enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to injured tissues.
This accelerates the healing process for conditions like tendon injuries, stress fractures, and non-healing wounds
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ESWT can decrease inflammation by breaking down calcifications and scar tissue, which often contribute to chronic pain and restricted mobility.
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Unlike surgery, ESWT is non-invasive, meaning there are no incisions, minimal risk of infection, and no need for anesthesia.
It is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, such as temporary redness or swelling at the treatment site.
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By reducing pain and promoting healing, ESWT can restore range of motion and improve functionality in affected areas, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip or foot.
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Patients can typically resume normal activities shortly after treatment, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
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ESWT is particularly beneficial for chronic conditions that have not responded to other treatments like physical therapy, medications, or corticosteroid injections.
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In some cases, ESWT can help patients avoid the need for surgery, reducing associated risks, costs, and recovery time.
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ESWT is used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and nerve conditions.
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinitis
Tennis and Golfer’s elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Calcific shoulder tendinitis
Stress fractures
Low Back Pain
Neck Stiffness
Frozen Shoulder
Knee Pain
Neuropathy
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Many patients experience long-term relief after a series of ESWT treatments, reducing the need for ongoing interventions
How it works
The future of Shockwave Therapy is bright, with ongoing research expanding its applications and improving its efficacy. As technology advances and our understanding of its biological effects deepens, ESWT will likely become a cornerstone of non-invasive treatment for a wide range of conditions.
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Shockwaves are high-energy sound waves that travel through the skin and soft tissues to reach targeted muscles, tendons or ligaments.
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The shockwaves create microtrauma in the tissue, which stimulates the body's natural healing response. This process is called mechanotransduction, where mechanical energy is converted into biological activity.
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Neovascularization: Shockwaves promote the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), improving blood flow to the injured area and enhancing tissue repair.
Stimulation of Cell Activity: The therapy activates fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen) aiding tissue regeneration.
Reduction of Inflammation: Shockwaves can reduce pro-inflammatory markers and decrease pain by disrupting pain receptors in the treated area.
Breakdown of Calcifications: In conditions like calcific tendinitis, shockwaves can help break down calcium deposits in soft tissues, allowing the body to absorb and remove them.
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Shockwave therapy can reduce pain by overstimulating nerve endings in the treated area, leading to a temporary decrease in pain signals (a phenomenon called the gate control theory of pain). It may also reduce substance P, a neurotransmitter associated with pain.
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o Neovascularization: Shockwaves promote the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), improving blood flow to the injured area and enhancing tissue repair.
o Stimulation of Cell Activity: Shockwaves activate fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen), Mitochondria, enhanced ATP production to improve cellular energy metabolism and tissue regeneration.
o Reduction of Inflammation: Shockwaves can reduce pro-inflammatory markers and decrease pain by disrupting pain receptors in the treated area.
o Breakdown of Calcifications: In conditions like calcific tendinitis, shockwaves can help break down calcium deposits in soft tissues, allowing the body to absorb and remove them.
o Increase Microcirculation: Blood and lymph circulation are improved, facilitating healing
o Release of Substance P: Reduces the sensation of pain
COnditions Treated
The future of shockwave therapy is promising. With ongoing research into its effectiveness for a wider range of conditions and improvements in the technology, shockwave therapy may become a go-to non-invasive option for treating a variety of conditions with fewer side effects compared to traditional methods. The following are conditions that are commonly treated using Shockwave Therapy:
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Heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia
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Chronic pain in the Achilles tendon
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Inflammation of the tendons in the outer elbow
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Similar to tennis elbow but affecting the inner elbow
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Knee pain caused by overuse or strain on the patellar tendon, just below the “knee cap”.
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Shoulder pain due to repetitive stress or injury to the rotator cuff
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Inflammation of the bursa in the hip
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Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint
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Fingers bend inward due to thickening and tightening of the tissue beneath the skin of the palm.
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Chronic pain from trigger points in muscles
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Calcium deposits in tendons, particularly in the shoulder
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Some evidence suggests it may help with pain relief in joints
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What to Expect
At the core of Marin Shockwave is a belief in the power of a holistic approach to healing. Our treatments restore balance and vitality to your body, incorporating a range of complementary therapies and technologies, ensuring that every patient receives the most comprehensive care possible.
Effective Therapy: In as little as 3-5 20-minute treatments, Shockwave therapy has been shown to promote healing, reduce pain, and enhance mobility—helping you get back to doing what you love.
Holistic Care: We treat the whole person, incorporating not just shockwave therapy, but other healing practices such as massage, acupuncture, cupping and Graston Technique for optimal results.
Professional Experience: With decades of knowledge and expertise in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation, we support your total health and wellbeing.
Personalized Treatment: We understand that each person is unique, which is why we customize our treatments to meet your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
