At Bow River Chiropractic in Cochrane, Alberta, the integration of innovative treatments is a cornerstone of providing effective care. One such advancement is shockwave therapy, a cutting-edge technique that has transformed the way chronic pain and injuries are managed. This non-invasive therapy accelerates healing, reduces discomfort, and helps patients regain mobility more quickly.
Shockwave therapy has gained widespread recognition for its ability to target stubborn musculoskeletal conditions that often resist traditional treatments. By harnessing acoustic waves, this therapy stimulates the body’s natural repair processes. As a result, patients experience not only pain relief but also enhanced tissue regeneration, making it a valuable addition to chiropractic care.
What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work
Shockwave therapy, sometimes called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), involves delivering high-energy acoustic waves directly to injured or painful areas of the body. These waves penetrate deep into tissues, triggering biological responses that promote healing. Unlike surgical interventions or long-term medication use, shockwave therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative with fewer risks and downtime.
The therapy is typically administered using a handheld device that emits controlled pulses of energy. These pulses stimulate blood flow, break down scar tissue, and encourage the formation of new, healthy tissue. Over a series of sessions, patients often notice significant improvements in pain levels and functionality.
The Science Behind Acoustic Wave Healing
Acoustic waves used in shockwave therapy are pressure waves that travel through tissues at high speed. When these waves reach the targeted area, they induce microtrauma—tiny, controlled injuries that prompt the body’s healing mechanisms. This process is similar to how exercise causes microtears in muscles that then repair stronger than before.
Research shows that these waves stimulate the release of growth factors and stem cells, which are crucial for tissue regeneration. Additionally, the therapy enhances angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, ensuring that injured tissues receive an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients necessary for repair.
How Bow River Chiropractic Implements Shockwave Therapy
At Bow River Chiropractic, shockwave therapy is integrated into personalized treatment plans designed to address each patient’s unique needs. Before beginning therapy, a thorough assessment is conducted to identify the source of pain and evaluate the extent of tissue damage. This ensures that shockwave therapy is the appropriate choice and that the correct type and intensity of waves are used.
During treatment sessions, Dr. Andrew uses state-of-the-art equipment to deliver shockwaves precisely where they are needed. The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated, but most patients undergo between three to six treatments spaced over several weeks. Throughout the process, progress is closely monitored to adjust therapy as needed and maximize healing outcomes.
Who Can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is suitable for a wide range of individuals suffering from musculoskeletal pain and injuries. Athletes, both amateur and professional, often turn to this therapy for faster recovery from strains and tendon injuries. However, it is equally beneficial for non-athletes experiencing chronic pain due to repetitive stress, aging, or previous injuries.
Patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or corticosteroid injections may find shockwave therapy to be an effective alternative. Because it is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated, it is an excellent option for those seeking to avoid surgery or long-term drug use.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has proven effective in treating a variety of painful and chronic conditions. Its ability to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation makes it a versatile tool in managing musculoskeletal disorders.
Tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendon)
Tendinopathies, which involve damage or degeneration of tendons, are among the most common conditions treated with shockwave therapy. Tennis elbow, characterized by pain on the outer part of the elbow, and Achilles tendonitis, which affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel, both respond well to this treatment. Shockwaves promote tendon repair and reduce pain, often leading to improved function and return to activity.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
Plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, is another common condition addressed with shockwave therapy. Heel spurs, which are bony growths that can develop alongside plantar fasciitis, also benefit from this treatment. By enhancing blood flow and breaking down calcified deposits, shockwave therapy helps alleviate pain and restore foot mobility.
Chronic Low Back and Neck Pain
Chronic pain in the low back and neck areas can be debilitating and difficult to treat. Shockwave therapy offers relief by targeting soft tissue injuries, muscle tightness, and inflammation in these regions. Patients often experience decreased pain and improved range of motion, which contributes to better quality of life and functional capacity.
Shockwave Therapy vs Traditional Chiropractic Treatments
Traditional chiropractic care primarily focuses on spinal adjustments and manual therapies to improve joint function and alleviate pain. While these methods are effective for many conditions, shockwave therapy adds a complementary dimension by directly stimulating tissue repair at the cellular level.
Unlike manual adjustments, shockwave therapy targets the underlying causes of chronic pain such as tendon degeneration and scar tissue buildup. This makes it particularly useful for conditions that do not respond fully to chiropractic manipulation alone. When combined, these therapies provide a comprehensive approach that addresses both structural alignment and tissue healing.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
A typical shockwave therapy session at Bow River Chiropractic in Cochrane, Alberta, begins with the patient lying comfortably while the practitioner applies a gel to the treatment area. This gel helps transmit the acoustic waves effectively. The handheld device is then positioned over the targeted tissue, and pulses of energy are delivered in a controlled manner.
Sessions usually last between 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. Patients may feel a tapping or tingling sensation during the procedure, which is generally well tolerated. Following the session, practitioners provide guidance on post-treatment care and activity modifications to support healing.
Science-Backed Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Scientific studies have validated many of the benefits attributed to shockwave therapy, providing confidence in its use as a therapeutic modality. These benefits extend beyond pain relief to include physiological changes that promote long-term healing.
Improved Blood Flow and Angiogenesis
One of the primary effects of shockwave therapy is the stimulation of angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. This increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues, accelerating the repair process. Enhanced circulation also helps flush out metabolic waste products that can contribute to inflammation and pain.
Stimulated Collagen Production and Tissue Regeneration
Collagen is a critical protein in connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Shockwave therapy encourages fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis, to become more active. This leads to improved tissue strength and elasticity, which are vital for restoring function and preventing re-injury.
Pain Relief Mechanisms (Endorphins, Nerve Modulation)
Shockwave therapy also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Additionally, it modulates nerve activity by disrupting pain signal transmission, providing immediate and lasting relief. These mechanisms work together to reduce discomfort without the need for pharmaceutical interventions.
Reduced Inflammation and Scar Tissue Breakdown
Chronic inflammation and scar tissue can impede healing and cause persistent pain. Shockwave therapy helps break down fibrotic tissue and decreases inflammatory markers in the affected area. This creates a more favorable environment for tissue remodeling and functional recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Many patients in Cochrane have questions about what shockwave therapy entails and how it fits into their treatment plan. Common inquiries include the number of sessions required, expected outcomes, and whether the treatment is painful.
Typically, a series of three to six sessions spaced one to two weeks apart is recommended. Results can vary based on the condition and individual response, but many patients notice improvements after just a few treatments. While some discomfort during therapy is normal, it is usually mild and temporary.