Myofascial pain refers to the discomfort and pain that arises from trigger points in the muscles or the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. The causes of myofascial pain can vary, and here are five common factors:
- Muscle Overuse or Injury: Excessive use or repetitive motions strain muscles, leading to trigger point development. Acute injuries like strains or tears can also contribute to trigger points.
- Poor Posture and Ergonomics: Improper posture and prolonged positions create muscle imbalances and stress on specific groups, resulting in trigger points and myofascial pain.
- Emotional Stress and Tension: Emotional stress, anxiety, and tension manifest as muscle tightness. Chronic stress causes sustained muscle contractions and trigger point formation, leading to myofascial pain.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles or minimal physical activity weaken muscles, reduce blood flow, and limit range of motion. These factors increase the likelihood of trigger point formation and myofascial pain.
- Systemic Conditions or Diseases: Some systemic conditions or diseases result in myofascial pain as a secondary symptom. Fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and chronic fatigue syndrome are examples that contribute to myofascial pain.
It’s important to note that these are just some of the most common causes of myofascial pain. If you are experiencing myofascial pain, you can learn if your condition is suitable for treatment and try shockwave therapy with our New Patient Special.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Myofascial Pain
Shockwave therapy is an emerging non-surgical treatment option for myofascial pain that offers several potential benefits:
Rapid Healing: Shockwave therapy promotes the body’s natural healing processes, fostering faster repair of the damaged muscles and relieving persistent pain.
Reduced Dependence on Medications: Unlike traditional treatments for myofascial pain that may involve medications with potential side effects, shockwave therapy provides a drug-free alternative.
Improved Quality of Life: By reducing pain and enhancing mobility, shockwave therapy helps patients return to their regular activities, thereby improving their quality of life.
Safe and Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical treatments, shockwave therapy is safe and non-invasive, presenting a lower risk of complications.
Overall, shockwave therapy is a promising treatment for those suffering from myofascial pain.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes high-energy sound waves to initiate the body’s natural healing response. Here’s how it works:
What is a Shockwave?
Shockwaves are rapid pressure pulses that comprise a high-pressure surge followed by a comparatively lower-pressure trough. These phenomena can be produced by various sources, such as supersonic jets, lightning, or seismic activities.
How do Shockwaves Treat Myofascial Pain?
Shockwave therapy, utilizing a specific device, creates and directs shockwaves towards the afflicted muscles. This process sparks healing at the cellular level, enhances blood supply to the area, and initiates the body’s inherent healing mechanisms.
Types of Shockwave Therapy
Several types of shockwave therapy are accessible for treating conditions like myofascial pain, including radial shockwave therapy (RSWT), focused shockwave therapy (FSWT), acoustic wave therapy (AWT), and unfocused shockwave therapy.
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) employs a hand-held device to deliver pressure waves to the skin’s surface. This modality is often used for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow. Nevertheless, it may not be effective for deeper tissue injuries, and patients might require multiple treatment sessions.
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) directs high-intensity shockwaves right to the area of concern. This therapy is commonly used for persistent conditions, such as bone fractures that heal slowly. Some patients, however, may find it uncomfortable, necessitating adjustments to the intensity based on individual tolerances.
Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) uses a device that releases low-intensity shockwaves to the affected region. This therapy is typically used to enhance blood flow, alleviate pain and inflammation, and stimulate tissue healing. It’s frequently used to treat conditions like erectile dysfunction and cellulite, but the low-intensity shockwaves may not effectively address certain conditions.
Unfocused Shockwave Therapy, such as the FDA-cleared SoftWave, releases high-intensity shockwaves that penetrate a larger and deeper tissue area compared to focused or radial waves. This type of shockwave therapy can address the same conditions as traditional focused shockwave therapy and can offer enhanced relief for muscle issues or larger joint problems, such as the shoulder or hip. Unfocused shockwave therapy may also require fewer sessions than radial or focused shockwave treatments.Who-is-a-Good-Candidate-for-Shockwave-Therapy?
