Shock Wave Therapy at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute is proud to offer Shock Wave Therapy, a non-invasive, cutting-edge treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, and musculoskeletal conditions. Shock Wave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting tissue regeneration, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Whether you’re dealing with chronic tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, or calcific shoulder tendinopathy, our experienced team is here to help you recover and regain your quality of life with this highly effective treatment.

What is Shock Wave Therapy?

Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic shock waves, which are high-energy sound waves, to target and treat various conditions that affect muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. These waves create microtrauma in the affected tissues, stimulating the body’s natural healing response by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and breaking down scar tissue or calcifications. Shock Wave Therapy is most commonly used to treat chronic conditions that have not responded to other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, rest, or medication. It is a safe and effective alternative to surgery and can significantly reduce pain and improve function without the need for invasive procedures.

Conditions Treated with Shock Wave Therapy

Shock Wave Therapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain or soft tissue injuries. Some of the most common conditions treated with Shock Wave Therapy at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute include:

• Plantar Fasciitis: One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Shock Wave Therapy can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with this condition and promote healing of the plantar fascia.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Achilles tendinitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Shock Wave Therapy can help accelerate healing and reduce pain in patients with chronic Achilles tendinitis.
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow tendons due to overuse or repetitive strain. Shock Wave Therapy can help reduce pain and promote healing in patients with chronic tennis elbow.
• Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy: This occurs when calcium deposits form in the shoulder tendons, causing pain and restricted movement. Shock Wave Therapy can help break down these calcifications and promote the healing of the affected tendons.
• Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee): Patellar tendinitis is an overuse injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone. Shock Wave Therapy can help alleviate pain and promote healing in patients with chronic jumper’s knee.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Shock Wave Therapy can treat shin splints, which cause pain along the shinbone due to inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the tibia.
• Trigger Points: Shock Wave Therapy is also effective in treating painful trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle that can cause localized pain and refer pain to other areas of the body.

How Does Shock Wave Therapy Work?

Shock Wave Therapy delivers focused, high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area. These waves penetrate deep into the tissues, stimulating several biological responses that promote healing and reduce pain. The key mechanisms of action include:

• Increased Blood Flow: Shock Wave Therapy stimulates new blood vessel formation, improving circulation in the affected area. This increased blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
• Collagen Production: The acoustic waves stimulate the production of collagen, a key component of connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Collagen is essential for tissue repair and helps strengthen the affected area.
• Breakdown of Calcifications: Calcium deposits can form within tendons and cause significant pain in conditions like calcific tendinopathy. Shock Wave Therapy helps break down these calcifications, allowing the body to reabsorb them and restore normal function to the affected tissues.
• Reduction of Pain: Shock Wave Therapy desensitizes nerve endings in the treated area, reducing pain. This pain-relieving effect often occurs quickly after treatment, lasting several weeks or months.
• Stimulation of Healing: The microtrauma caused by the shock waves triggers the body’s natural healing response. This includes activating growth factors that promote tissue regeneration and repair, allowing damaged tendons, muscles, and ligaments to heal more effectively.

The Shock Wave Therapy Procedure

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, Shock Wave Therapy is an outpatient procedure that typically takes only 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the treated area. The treatment is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia, making it a convenient option for patients seeking pain relief without surgery. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Consultation and Assessment: Before beginning Shock Wave Therapy, you will have a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists or podiatrists. During this consultation, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine whether Shock Wave Therapy is the right treatment for your condition. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be used to assess the extent of the injury or damage to the affected tissues.
2. Preparation for Treatment: During the procedure, you will be comfortably seated or lying down, depending on the treated area. A special gel is applied to the skin over the affected area to help transmit the shock waves more effectively.
3. Application of Shock Waves: The Shock Wave Therapy device is positioned over the area of pain, and the acoustic waves are delivered through the skin into the underlying tissues. You may feel a tapping or pulsing during the treatment, but most patients report little discomfort. The intensity of the shock waves can be adjusted based on your comfort level and the severity of your condition.
4. Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, there is no need for downtime, and most patients can return to their normal activities immediately. Some patients may experience mild soreness or bruising in the treated area, but this typically resolves within a few days.

Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy

Shock Wave Therapy offers several benefits for patients suffering from chronic pain or soft tissue injuries:

• Non-Invasive: Shock Wave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment, meaning no incisions, stitches, or anesthesia are required. This reduces the risk of complications and allows faster recovery than surgical treatments.
• Effective Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief after just one or two sessions of Shock Wave Therapy. The treatment can help reduce acute and chronic pain, allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.
• Faster Recovery: Shock Wave Therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, promoting speedier tissue repair and regeneration. This can reduce the overall recovery time for many conditions.
• Minimal Downtime: Shock Wave Therapy has minimal downtime, unlike surgical procedures, which often require weeks or months of recovery. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
• Long-Lasting Results: While some patients experience immediate pain relief, the full effects of Shock Wave Therapy may take several weeks to manifest as the tissues heal and regenerate. The treatment’s results are often long-lasting, with many patients experiencing pain relief for months after their final session.
• Avoids the Need for Surgery: For many patients with chronic conditions or injuries, Shock Wave Therapy provides an effective alternative to surgery. Shock Wave Therapy can help patients avoid the risks and complications associated with invasive procedures by promoting natural healing.

Who is a Candidate for Shock Wave Therapy?

Shock Wave Therapy is a suitable treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain or soft tissue injuries that have not responded to other conservative treatments. Candidates for Shock Wave Therapy typically include individuals with the following:

• Chronic Tendon Injuries: Patients with conditions like Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, or patellar tendinitis who have not experienced relief from rest, physical therapy, or medications.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who continue to experience heel pain despite trying other treatments like orthotics, stretching, or steroid injections.
• Calcific Tendinopathy: Patients with calcium deposits in the shoulder or other joints experiencing pain and limited range of motion.
• Chronic Muscle Pain or Trigger Points: Patients with chronic muscle pain or trigger points that have not improved with massage therapy, stretching, or medication.
• Athletes: Active individuals or athletes recovering from sports-related injuries that involve the tendons, muscles, or ligaments.

Recovery and Results

After Shock Wave Therapy, patients can return to normal activities without downtime. It is essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations for aftercare, which may include rest, ice application, or modifications to your activity level for a short period. Patients typically start to notice improvements in their symptoms within a few days of treatment, although the full effects of Shock Wave Therapy may take several weeks to develop fully. Many patients require multiple sessions, usually one week apart, to achieve the best results. The number of treatments needed will vary depending on the severity of the condition and how well the tissues respond to the therapy. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after completing a series of Shock Wave Therapy sessions. Why Choose Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute for Shock Wave Therapy? Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute is committed to providing our patients with the latest, most advanced treatments for chronic pain and soft tissue injuries. Our team of board-certified orthopedic specialists and podiatrists has extensive experience using Shock Wave Therapy to treat various conditions, helping patients recover and regain their quality of life.

• Experienced Specialists: Our team includes experts in musculoskeletal conditions and pain management who are dedicated to providing personalized care for each patient.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: We use the latest technology in regenerative and non-invasive therapies, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care.
• Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, we offer a full range of services to support your recovery and help you achieve lasting pain relief.

If you are suffering from chronic pain or a musculoskeletal injury, Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Shock Wave Therapy can relieve pain and promote healing.