How Shockwave Therapy Can Restore Mobility

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive, safe, and effective treatment option for soft tissue injuries that haven’t responded to more traditional therapies. For some patients, ESWT can be an alternative to living with limited mobility or undergoing surgery.

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, our team of experienced medical practitioners delivers safe, effective shockwave therapy to reduce pain and restore mobility. 

The basics of shockwave therapy

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is delivered through a transmitter that sends acoustic waves deep into injured or inflamed tissue. 

The vibration caused by these waves helps to stimulate a healing response, signaling your system to deliver blood and growth hormones to the affected area. 

These growth factors not only help speed up the healing process but can reduce pain, improving your mobility as stiffness recedes. ESWT operates using kinetic energy, which can also break up calcium deposits, eliminating calcification-related irritation. 

Shockwave therapy helps restore mobility 

Plantar fasciitis was the first condition shockwave therapy was approved by the FDA to treat. This condition is painful and can significantly limit mobility, as walking can feel like agony.

More recently, shockwave therapy has made headlines for successfully treating tendinopathy, which is acute or chronic inflammation of the tendons. Both of these soft tissue injuries are commonly caused by injury or overuse. 

Rotator cuff injuries are common among athletes, and ESWT is gaining favor among sports stars for its ability to treat minor tears, helping players avoid surgical intervention.

ESWT is also great for other sports-related injuries like shin splints, runner’s knee, or tennis elbow, all of which can cause severe mobility issues.

Seniors suffering from arthritic hips or bursitis can also enjoy restored mobility thanks to ESWT, which helps reduce pain and make walking and moving around more bearable. 

Age-related calcification issues like heel spurs or bony growths in the knee joint can also be alleviated with shockwave therapy. 

For all of these conditions, shockwave therapy can reduce pain and promote healing, restoring mobility and range of motion.

Your first ESWT appointment

Compressed air creates kinetic energy, which is transmitted to the part of the body being treated through a hand-held device operated by your provider. You feel a deep vibration, similar to that produced by a massage chair, but occurring directly under the transmitter. 

You don’t have to do anything to prepare for or recover from your shockwave therapy treatment, and you usually feel results after just 1-2 treatments, which can be repeated when necessary.

To learn more about ESWT, schedule a consultation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.