Does Shockwave Therapy Really Work?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that utilizes acoustic waves to stimulate healing and regeneration in the body. As an alternative to surgery and medications, shockwave therapy has garnered attention for its potential to address various musculoskeletal conditions by promoting blood flow, repairing tissue, and reducing pain. More than just a trend, research has shown that shockwave therapy causes physical changes in musculoskeletal tissue. But does it really work? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind this therapy.

What is Shockwave Therapy
Clinical Research
Conditions Treated
How Long It Takes to Work
Patient Reviews
Best Shockwave Therapy for Pain

What is Shockwave Therapy & How Does It Work?

Shockwave therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment method that harnesses the power of acoustic waves to stimulate healing and regeneration in various tissues within the body. These acoustic waves, which are high-energy sound waves, are directed toward affected areas, where they trigger a series of biological responses.

At its core, shockwave therapy operates by creating controlled micro-trauma at the treatment area. Though “trauma” may sound alarming, this slight disruption elicits a natural response from the body, increasing blood flow and releasing healing factors. As the acoustic waves interact with tissue, they promote increased circulation, ensuring that cells receive more oxygen and nutrients essential for repair. In tandem, the shockwaves stimulate cellular activity and can even help in breaking down unwanted calcifications in the body, often seen in conditions like plantar fasciitis or shoulder calcifications.

One standout variant of shockwave therapy is SoftWave therapy. Unique in its design, SoftWave stands as the only true broad-focused shockwave treatment currently available on the market. Unlike other therapies, SoftWave excels in activating the body’s healing mechanisms without inflicting any additional microtrauma. Its design ensures that the patient experiences an effective, yet gentle treatment, underscoring its reputation for being both powerful and safe. Read more about SoftWave therapy.

Clinical Research on Shockwave Therapy Effectiveness

Many patients are cautious about surgeries and long-term medication regimens. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive alternative, but many wonder if it really works for various conditions. While patients experience different ranges of improvement, the answer is generally yes. This therapy is used in different national and international research, medical centers, and professional sports organizations.

Furthermore, clinical studies and reviews show that shockwave therapy is remarkably versatile. It can treat a wide range of conditions including soft tissue injuries and chronic disorders.

Evidence from Research: To get a grasp on its effectiveness, let’s briefly glance over a few pivotal studies:

Shock Wave Therapy for Acute and Chronic Soft Tissue Wounds: Focusing on 208 patients with complicated, non healing wounds, this study found that a significant majority achieved complete wound healing in just 44 days using ESWT, showcasing its safety and effectiveness.
Single Shockwave Treatment Shows Promise in Relieving Muscle Soreness: This trial highlighted ESWT’s potential in mitigating pain and enhancing recovery from muscle soreness, especially 72 hours post-treatment.
Non-Invasive Healing with Shockwave Therapy for Tissue and Bone Disorders: ESWT displayed its prowess in promoting tissue healing by enhancing blood vessel and bone formation, even offering a non-invasive alternative to some surgeries.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment for Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: When compared to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcers, ESWT showcased superior results in clinical outcomes and wound healing efficiency.

Conditions that Shockwave Therapy Treats

ESWT has demonstrated efficacy in treating a variety of conditions, including:

Heel Spurs: A common foot complaint, many patients have reported reduced pain and improved function. Research shows that shockwave therapy is excellent for heel spur pain.
Sciatica: About 40% of individuals in the US will suffer from sciatica in their lifetime. Luckily, shockwave therapy has been proven effective in treating the sciatic nerve.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tennis players and even non-athletes suffering from this condition often seek treatments that avoid invasive procedures. ESWT offers a promising non-surgical option for many.
Plantar Fasciitis: The most common cause of heel pain in the US, plantar fasciitis arises from inflammation of a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Shockwave therapy was proven effective in treating pain and function from plantar fasciitis.
Calcific Shoulder Tendonitis: Research has shown that ESWT aids in the dissolution of calcium deposits in the shoulder.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A condition characterized by pain caused by muscle knots or trigger points, which can be effectively treated by ESWT.
Achilles Tendinopathy: Those with pain in their Achilles tendon can potentially benefit from ESWT. Research has shown that shockwave therapy reduces pain and improves function in achilles tendinopathy patients.
Chronic Inflammation: Conditions marked by persistent inflammation can see relief with shockwave therapy.
Delayed Union and Non-union Fractures: ESWT can accelerate the healing of certain fractures that are slow to mend.
Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendonitis): An inflammation or injury of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Research shows that shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patellar tendonitis.

This overview touches on the key uses of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for its suitability to specific conditions. As research advances, ESWT’s promising, non-invasive applications are expected to grow.

How Long Does It Take for Shockwave Therapy to Work?

Every patient is eager to know how long shockwave therapy takes to work. The answer varies based on several factors. Firstly, the nature and severity of the condition being treated play a significant role. Conditions that have persisted for years might take longer to respond than acute injuries. Moreover, a patient’s overall health can influence the speed of recovery. For instance, those with better blood circulation or fewer underlying health issues might observe quicker results. Lastly, adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen and any accompanying therapy or exercises is crucial. Consistency is key. It’s essential for patients to approach shockwave therapy with patience. While the desire for immediate relief is natural, healing is a process. It’s important to remember that every session builds on the previous one, inching closer to optimal well-being.

Insights from Patients: Diving into Shockwave Therapy Reviews

Tom - Chemo-Induced Neuropathy

“I feel great. This whacker machine as I call it has made a vast difference because I feel so much better after I come out from a session. Clearly, it's the only thing you should try. You can try the rest of the protocols but this one, in my case, was most effective."

Andrew - Knee Relief

"I feel like I have a brand new knee. I seriously feel like I could run 2 miles with no problem. Like, there's no pain. That has never happened in the last 5 months. I have never had a day where it has been like feeling like my right knee. I'm speechless."

Mike - Foot Pain

“Actually I'm at 85% better. I'm to a point now where I can go almost every night without pain, that's a huge improvement over many years.”

The Best Shockwave Therapy for Pain

Are you looking for safe, reliable, and effective relief from pain?

SoftWave therapy is FDA-cleared, patented, and nationally recognized for its leading tissue regeneration technology. Unlike other types of high-energy shockwave treatments, SoftWave is the only shockwave therapy on the market that uses true broad-focused shock waves that treat larger and deeper areas of tissue.

Thousands of patients have experienced the benefits of SoftWave for plantar fasciitis, including: