Shockwave therapy is an effective and non-invasive treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It is usually performed in a clinical setting and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but no anesthesia is required.
As the sound waves penetrate through the skin, it can cause a feeling of warmth or a strong tapping sensation. Depending on the intensity of the therapy, these pulses can range from feeling like gentle tapping to more intense pulsing. Most patients describe it as a mild to moderate discomfort during treatment that usually subsides quickly. During the session, the patient will be monitored closely by the clinician and adjust the intensity in accordance with the patient’s tolerance.
The results of shockwave therapy will vary depending on the condition being treated, but typically take 4-6 weeks to show improvement. The clinician will provide instructions for aftercare activities such as stretching and strengthening exercises that should be done at home following each session to promote healing and improve mobility and strength.
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment option for many types of chronic pain conditions affecting tendons and muscles. It is quick and relatively painless with minimal side effects.
