Shockwave Technology

By Lisa J. Allen, PT, DPT

BioMechanic Physical Therapy

. https://biomechanicphysicaltherapy.com

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Shockwave Technology

This article explores a new technology in Physical Therapy, Shockwave. There are two new Regenerative treatments in physical therapy; MLS Laser and Shockwave. Regenerative Therapies actually heal. They speed healing and reduce pain for arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, back pain, acute injuries, post surgery, scars, nerve damage and more. 

When I first purchased the shockwave several years ago I didn’t realize the power it has in restoring motion (ROM) because Shockwave is known for speeding healing and decreasing pain.  Some patients don’t just have pain, they also struggle with getting their motion back. In only a few visits, not only does that joint finally move, it moves pain free! Although the results are immediate, medical research says 6 treatments are needed for permanent change.

How powerful is it? Patients have gained 20° in shoulder ROM after a single treatment! Subsequent treatments further increase ROM and reduce 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.  Prior to Shockwave, I would use heat, ultrasound, deep massage and aggressive manual mobilization, all yielding slow results. With Shockwave, I get results in a single visit that previously would have taken a month. 

Both the hip and sacroiliac joint (where your hip bone meets your tailbone) can suffer arthritis and cause pain, limping and limit one’s willingness to walk. Again, Shockwave to the rescue! I have seen a patient increase their hip flexion (knee hight with a marching motion) over ten inches using Shockwave.

One of the original uses for Shockwave is plantar fasciitis. For those with stubborn cases, this is a must try.

Here are a few stories of actual patient results;

• Patient unable to drive due to shoulder restrictions and pain for over 10 years.  Now driving after six treatments.
• Two patients with a 30+ year old shoulder injuries who could only lift their arm level.  Two treatments later, they are lifting their arm to the top shelf and no wincing!
• Patient never got to the magical 90 degrees after knee replacement. (You knee replacement patients know what I mean!). Now that stubborn knee flexes to the goal of 135 degrees. 

“How much is it and how much does it hurt?”  Google reports $100 – $500 per treatment with special rates of less than $50. The level of discomfort varies from person to person and location in the body, but is tolerable and does not require medication. 

I hope you get great results and reclaim whatever it is that you love to do.  Be it knitting, surfing, driving, or just being able to scratch your back! Isn’t it exciting that we can do something about a lot of the annoying restrictions that come with the slings and arrows of life!