A number of injuries deprive patients of their sleep. This is because of the constant discomfort, nagging, and rubbing of the bone in specific areas, which can lead to extreme pain even with the slightest movement. These conditions become hard to take care of, especially during the holidays when negligence can happen. Patients often end up wanting quick and effective pain management during the holiday season, and shockwave therapy can help with the long-term solution.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that works by delivering strong energy pulses to the targeted area of the body for short periods of time. This stimulates cells that are responsible for bone and connective tissue healing, as well as reducing inflammation in the targeted area.

Types of Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) and focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) are two different types of shockwave therapy used in medical treatments. Radial shockwave therapy produces unfocused shockwaves, while focused shockwave therapy produces focused shockwaves directly at the precise point.

Shockwave Canada is the exclusive distributor of Storz MP50, MP100, and MP200 in Canada. The choice between the shockwave device and the type of shockwave therapy depends on various factors, including the specific treatment condition and the patient’s individual characteristics. Shockwave therapy can treat some of the conditions listed below, as supported by research and evidence.

1.  Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are small breaks in the bone and are often very painful for patients struggling with them. Not only do stress fractures have a slow healing process, but over time, these conditions can get worse if left untreated. Winter makes it harder to manage the pain and becomes unbearable, especially limiting daily life activities.

Shockwave Therapy and Stress Fractures

In one study, the shockwaves were used to treat 18 trainee ballet dancers suffering from metatarsal stress fractures. Within just a short period of time, the ballet dancers saw complete healing and improvements, allowing them to resume their day-to-day activities. Another study conducted in 2009 talks about ten athletes suffering from chronic stress fractures of the fifth metatarsus and tibia who received shockwave therapy. After just 3-4 sessions, the clinical results showed that all the players were able to return to their sports activities.

2.  Hamstring Muscle Injuries

Hamstring muscle injury can be caused by a slight strain or tear. They are very common in patients, and in fact, research says that hamstring injury can affect both men and women athletes of any age and can limit walking, running, jumping, squatting, and more.

Shockwave Therapy and Hamstring Muscle Injuries

For instance, a study conducted in 2004 examined how shockwave therapy can impact professional athletes suffering from chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy. The study included forty professional athletes with chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy who were randomly assigned to receive either shockwave therapy or traditional conservative treatments that included physiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and an exercise program for the hamstring. The results showed that shockwave therapy was a clear winner. Another study conducted in 2017 highlighted that shockwave therapy and stretching exercises improved hamstring tightness in a short period of time.

 3.  Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) is a condition where calcium deposits are formed within the tendons of the rotator cuff in the shoulder. These calcium deposits can vary in size, and if left untreated, they can result in a limited range of motion and sometimes even degeneration of the surrounding tissues. Traditionally, it was treated with needle aspiration or barbotage or, in the worst cases, surgery. 

Shockwave Therapy and Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

A study conducted on the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for calcific rotator cuff tendinitis in 2006 showed improved shoulder function and reduced pain. Patients retained those results for the next six months. In another study, low-energy shockwave therapy led to significant pain relief and an improvement in shoulder function within the first four weeks of treatment.

To learn more about Shockwave Canada, visit www.shockwavecanada.com