Chronic pain is a common issue that many individuals face, often resulting from conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, or sports injuries. Traditional treatments such as medication or surgery may not always provide long-term relief, which is where shockwave therapy comes in as an effective, non-invasive option for pain management. This therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain, offering a safe alternative to more invasive treatments.
For those living in San Diego, CA, shockwave therapy for chronic pain is increasingly popular due to its proven ability to alleviate pain and improve mobility without the need for surgery or prolonged recovery times. In this article, we’ll discuss what you can expect during a shockwave therapy session and how it can help manage chronic pain.
What Is Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to promote healing and reduce pain in soft tissues, muscles, and tendons. The therapy is designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by increasing blood flow and encouraging tissue regeneration.
The shockwaves are applied to the affected area through a hand-held device that delivers targeted energy pulses to the painful tissues. This process helps to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, which leads to pain relief and faster healing.
For patients with chronic pain, shockwave therapy offers an effective solution when other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, have not yielded the desired results.
What Are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain?
Shockwave therapy provides several key benefits for individuals suffering from chronic pain:
- Non-Surgical: Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, meaning it does not require surgery or incisions. It’s an excellent alternative for individuals who wish to avoid the risks and downtime associated with surgery.
- Promotes Natural Healing: By stimulating the body’s healing mechanisms, shockwave therapy encourages the regeneration of damaged tissues, helping to speed up recovery.
- Pain Reduction: The therapy works by reducing pain at the source, targeting the muscles, tendons, and soft tissues to alleviate discomfort without relying on medications.
- Improved Mobility: Many patients find that shockwave therapy helps improve their range of motion and flexibility as it reduces pain and inflammation in the affected area.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
If you’re considering shockwave therapy for chronic pain relief, it’s important to know what to expect during the treatment. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of a typical session:
1. Initial Consultation
Before undergoing shockwave therapy, you’ll meet with a chiropractor or healthcare provider who will evaluate your condition and determine whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your specific needs. This consultation will typically include a discussion of your medical history, an assessment of the affected area, and possibly diagnostic imaging to understand the extent of the injury or condition.
2. Preparing for Treatment
Once you’re cleared for treatment, the area to be treated will be cleaned and marked, if necessary. You may be asked to lie down on a treatment table, depending on the area of pain. A gel will be applied to the treatment area to help the shockwaves travel through the skin and reach the underlying tissues.
3. Shockwave Application
The practitioner will use a handheld device to deliver shockwaves to the affected area. The device will emit high-energy acoustic pulses that are directed toward the targeted tissues. You may feel a sensation of pressure or mild discomfort during the treatment, but the intensity is generally tolerable. Most people find that the sensation is not overly painful, though it can vary depending on the area being treated.
Each treatment typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the severity of the pain.
4. Post-Treatment
After the session, you may experience mild soreness or discomfort in the treated area. This is normal and should subside within a few hours. Some patients report feeling immediate relief from pain, while others may notice gradual improvements over the course of several treatments.
How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions required will vary depending on the severity of the pain and the individual’s response to treatment. Most patients require between 3 to 6 sessions, with each session spaced about one week apart. Your chiropractor or healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific condition and pain level.
While some patients experience relief after just a few sessions, others may need additional treatments to achieve optimal results. It’s important to follow your treatment plan and attend all recommended sessions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
Shockwave therapy is generally considered safe, with few side effects. However, as with any medical treatment, there may be some risks. Common side effects include temporary soreness, redness, or swelling in the treated area. These effects typically resolve within a few hours to a day.
Shockwave therapy is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders, pregnancy, or active cancer. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that shockwave therapy is a safe option for your condition.
Finding Shockwave Therapy Near Me in San Diego, CA
If you’re looking for shockwave therapy near me in San Diego, CA, you can trust Herfindahl Chiropractic, a reliable chiropractor in San Diego, CA, to provide effective and non-invasive treatments for chronic pain. The clinic offers personalized shockwave therapy sessions that are tailored to your unique needs, helping you achieve lasting pain relief without the need for surgery.
