Radial shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, is a relatively new form of treatment spreading across the medical fields. It utilizes a high-energy, low-frequency acoustical pressure wave to cause changes in a target tissue. Research has shown it to have excellent results treating stubborn musculoskeletal injuries including tendonitis, muscle strains, trigger points, tennis and golfers elbow, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and calcific tendonitis (these areas tend to not fully heal due to poor blood supply in the tendon and trigger points).

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Radial shockwave therapy is thought to initiate its changes in the body by recruiting stem cells from your body to restart the healing process, improving circulation by the creation of new blood vessels (increased capillary density), normalizing muscle tone, stimulates cellular activity and desensitizes chronically sensitized tissues.

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Radial shockwave therapy may not be comfortable at first, but is well tolerated with the pain subsiding relatively quickly and often it has immediate and lasting effects after only one session. The long lasting relief (the main goal) is acheived once the stem cells re-heal the area, and this process continues well after treatment, and can continue its benefits for 3-6 months after treatment has occurred. A common schedule of treatment is to start with 1-2x/week for 3-6 weeks, then progressively longer treatment intervals (or booster dose) to continue allowing the healing process to take place. It can be an excellent, low-risk alternative to surgery. 

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If you have any questions about shockwave therapy and if it is right for you, contact me!