We are thrilled to announce the addition of shockwave therapy at Mc2 Health and Wellness. This innovative treatment has been making waves in the healthcare community due to its success in treating musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and other medical conditions. Here's a look at the history of this technology, how it works, and some fascinating applications beyond MSK complaints.
A Brief History of Shockwave Therapy
Originally developed in the 1980s to break down kidney stones (lithotripsy), shockwave therapy has evolved into a powerful tool for treating various soft tissue and orthopedic conditions. Over the years, its efficacy in enhancing tissue repair has been backed by research, leading to its use in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and now chiropractic care.
The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), involves applying acoustic waves to targeted areas of the body. These high-energy sound waves stimulate blood flow and promote the body’s natural healing processes. In the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, shockwave therapy improves tissue regeneration, reduces pain, and accelerates recovery.
How Effective is Shockwave Therapy for MSK Complaints?
Numerous studies have supported the use of shockwave therapy in treating musculoskeletal issues. Here are some key data points:
Plantar Fasciitis: In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, shockwave therapy was found to significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis compared to placebo treatments, with a success rate of around 60-88% depending on the treatment protocol .
Tendinopathies (such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis): Research shows that 65-91% of patients report pain reduction and functional improvement following shockwave therapy for chronic tendinopathies .
Calcific Shoulder Tendonitis: A study found that over 70% of patients experienced significant improvement in pain and shoulder mobility after shockwave therapy .
Shockwave therapy's non-invasive nature and lack of serious side effects make it an attractive alternative to surgery and injections for chronic conditions.
Chiropractic Uses of Shockwave Therapy
In chiropractic care, shockwave therapy has become a valuable treatment for a wide range of MSK complaints, including:
Chronic Tendinopathies: Conditions like tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries respond well to shockwave therapy. It promotes tissue healing in tendons that often suffer from long-term wear and tear.
Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis can be notoriously hard to treat. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate repair of the plantar fascia, reducing inflammation and pain.
Myofascial Trigger Points: For patients suffering from muscle pain due to trigger points, shockwave therapy can break down muscle tension, improving mobility and comfort.
Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain: Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility in joints, such as the knee or shoulder, especially in cases of early degenerative changes.
Additional Uses of Shockwave Therapy
While shockwave therapy is most well-known for its application in treating MSK conditions, it has proven effective in several other areas, including:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Shockwave therapy has been gaining attention as a non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction. Studies show that it can improve penile blood flow, contributing to better erectile function. Clinical trials have shown significant improvements in erectile function, with a success rate of up to 70% in men with vascular ED .
Chronic Wounds: Some studies have shown that shockwave therapy can promote tissue regeneration and improve healing times in patients with chronic wounds or diabetic ulcers .
Aesthetic Applications: There is growing interest in shockwave therapy’s potential to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of cellulite by stimulating collagen production and improving blood flow.
Special Offer: 10% Off Shockwave Therapy This Month!
To celebrate the introduction of shockwave therapy at Mc2 Health and Wellness, we are offering 10% off all shockwave therapy treatments for the month. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the benefits of this cutting-edge treatment, whether you are dealing with chronic pain or exploring some of the other innovative applications of shockwave therapy.
Call us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey toward healing with shockwave therapy!
Sources:
Gerdesmeyer L, et al. "Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Multicenter Trial." The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2008.
Speed C. "A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: Focused shockwave therapy in tendinopathy." The BMJ. 2014.
Harniman P, et al. "Shockwave therapy for lateral elbow pain: A systematic review." Physiotherapy Canada. 2004.
Vetrano M, et al. "Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Promotes Recovery from Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2013.
Clavijo RI, et al. "Shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction." Therapeutic Advances in Urology. 2017.
Wang CJ, et al. "Shock wave therapy for chronic diabetic foot ulcers." Journal of Surgical Research. 2013.
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