Shock Wave Therapy (SWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to break up scar tissue and promote healing. It is often used to treat chronic pain, such as back pain, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow.
SWT therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area. These sound waves cause micro-fractures in the tissue, which stimulates the body's natural healing response. The body then produces new blood vessels and collagen, which helps to repair the damaged tissue and reduce pain.
SWT therapy is typically administered by a chiropractor or other healthcare professional. The treatment is usually painless, although some patients may experience mild discomfort. SWT therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or medication.
There is some evidence to suggest that SWT therapy can be effective for treating chronic pain. A study published in the journal Pain found that SWT therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Another study, published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology, found that SWT therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic tennis elbow.
However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of SWT therapy for other conditions. SWT therapy is a relatively new treatment, and there is still limited data on its long-term safety and efficacy.
If you are considering SWT therapy, talk to your chiropractor or other healthcare professional to see if it is right for you. They can discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment and help you decide if it is a good option for your individual needs.
Here are some of the benefits of SWT therapy for chiropractic patients:
Reduces pain:Â SWT therapy can help to reduce pain in a variety of conditions, including back pain, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow.
Improves function:Â SWT therapy can help to improve function in the affected area. This can make it easier to perform daily activities, such as walking, running, and lifting objects.
Promotes healing:Â SWT therapy can help to promote healing by stimulating the body's natural healing response. This can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected area.
Non-invasive:Â SWT therapy is a non-invasive treatment, which means that it does not require surgery or injections. This makes it a safe and effective option for many patients.
If you are considering SWT therapy, talk to your chiropractor or other healthcare professional to see if it is right for you. They can discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment and help you decide if it is a good option for your individual needs.