Move Better, Hurt Less

By Lisa J. Allen, PT, DPT

BioMechanic Physical Therapy

. https://biomechanicphysicaltherapy.com

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Move Better, Hurt Less

How Shockwave Therapy Restores Range of Motion

This article explores a new technologies in PT, Shockwave. In a previous article I mentioned it speeds healing; post injury, post-surgery, longstanding problem joints, scars, chronic pain, tendinitis and arthritis. 

What I didn’t mention is how powerful Shockwave is at restoring range of motion (ROM) in joints. After injuries, some people are never able to get enough motion back. Maybe it’s your shoulder, ankle or hip. Shockwave sends pulses into the joint and, believe it or not, immediately increases the ROM. 

Patients have gained 20° in shoulder ROM after a single treatment! Subsequent Shockwave treatments further increase ROM. Continued shockwave treatments also reduce or eliminate long-standing shoulder pain. The diagnoses I’m referencing are osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder replacements. 

For knees, results increase ROM 10° or 15° with the first treatment. As many of you may know, having your therapist haul on your knee is not fun. The diagnoses this has worked on include osteoarthritis, old knee replacements, and stubborn post-surgical knees. 

Many ankle injury patients who have been in a boot have difficulty regaining ankle ROM. Commonly in fractures and severe injuries. Prior to Shockwave, I would use heat, ultrasound, deep massage and aggressive manual mobilization, yielding slow results. With Shockwave, I get results in a single visit that previously would have taken a month. 

When referring to the hip, it can be the hip joint itself or the sacroiliac joint (where your hip bone meets your tailbone). Both of these joints can suffer arthritis and cause pain, limping and limit one’s willingness to walk. Again, Shockwave to the rescue. 

You could say that Shockwave in physical therapy was originally developed specifically for use in plantar fasciitis. It is a gentler derivative of what is used in lithotripsy for kidney stones. It is not that strong and does not need anesthesia but can be uncomfortable. The level of discomfort varies from person to person and location in the body. 

When I first purchased the shockwave several years ago I didn’t realize the power it has in restoring ROM because Shockwave is known for speeding healing and decreasing pain. But used as a daily tool with patients who are struggling with getting their motion back has been a great boon. Research indicates between six to 12 treatments are expected. I have noticed changes in ROM immediately but when used for a full course we have been able to eliminate joint pain. Find a PT who has shockwave and see if it can help you!