Background / About:
In the world of Physical Therapy there are many simple tools and fancy machines, but few bring the evidence Shock Wave Therapy has produced in recent years. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic tendon irritation in the form of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), hip bursitis and calcific tendonitis, to name a few. These conditions are frustrating for many because of nagging symptoms & long recovery periods.
Shock Wave Therapy, also known as Extracorpal Shockwave Therapy, or Radial Shockwave Therapy, promises new hope for patients who have failed traditional conservative treatments, but still wish to avoid surgery or painful injections. Shock Wave therapy uses compressed air to send pneumatic waves through the irritated tissue. Research has shown that the use of Shock Wave Therapy not only helps stimulate production of new collagen and connective tissue but can also help alleviate pain by “pushing” chemicals out of the area associated with pain and inflammation (Wang, 2012).
Effects of Shock Wave Therapy:
- Increased blood flow / cellular metabolism
- Analgesic effect (pain reduction) via gate theory of pain
- Breaks down calcium deposits in long standing cases of tendonitis (Calcific tendonitis)
Conditions treatable with Shock Wave Therapy:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder tendonitis & calcific tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
- Medial / lateral epicondylitis (golf and tennis elbow)
- Hip tendonitis / bursitis
Shockwave Therapy produces the best outcomes when used as part of a traditional program of appropriate stretching, strengthening, and massage. By combining Shock Wave Therapy with a tailored Physical Therapy program, SportsCare can promise its patients the best possible outcome without surgery.
During treatment the patient is comfortably positioned and the affected body part is covered with a thin layer of gel or oil to help conduct the energy transferring waves. The applicator head is then slowly moved over and around the pain epicenter until appropriate dosage has been reached. The best part is how quick the treatment is – only 5-10 minutes.
In recent years, strong evidence has proven Shock Wave therapy to be a tremendous weapon against common, stubborn ailments. Gresham SportsCare Physical Therapy is pleased to offer Shock Wave Therapy as part of a holistic approach, offering our patients the highest quality of care possible. Call today to set up your appointment with one of our caring therapists!