Do you live in chronic pain? Have you sustained an injury that just won’t heal? Dr. Sean Milam at Milam Chiropractic and Sports Therapy in Tustin, CA, offers shockwave therapy for comprehensive, natural, and lasting healing.
Shockwave Therapy: What It Is and How It Benefits Chiropractic Healing
Sometimes, the cause of pain and suffering is near the body’s surface. This makes it easy to access and treat, which helps patients achieve relief and recovery. However, sometimes the root lies deeper below the surface, making traditional techniques seem less effective. Dr. Milam and the team at Milam Chiropractic and Sports Therapy in Tustin, CA, share how shockwave therapy can help in such cases below.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Therapeutic shockwave treatments emit acoustic waves into the target area. The waves travel deep into the soft tissues before bouncing back. This creates bubbles in the soft tissue, which help break up tension and scar tissue as well as stimulate healing. It is like a very deep soft tissue massage.
How It Benefits Chiropractic Care
When you visit a chiropractor for pain or a musculoskeletal injury, you’ll receive holistic care. This is because chiropractors understand that pain and symptoms are typically multifaceted, and relief requires a combination of techniques.
Back pain, for example, may seem like it’s only caused by tension. However, chiropractors know that the tension comes from somewhere, which is often a misalignment. If only the tension is addressed, the pain will remain. Instead, they focus on correcting the misalignment as well as addressing the tension.
Often, chronic pain is due to an ongoing issue or an unhealed injury. For example, if you injured your shoulder in an auto accident years ago but didn’t receive treatment, you likely have a build-up of scar tissue. That scar tissue can create pain and restrict movement until it’s addressed. In such a case, shockwave treatments can be utilized to break up the scar tissue and stimulate healing in the tissues.
Though shockwave treatments are highly effective, they often only play one role in healing. Your chiropractor will typically combine them with adjustments, other soft tissue techniques, and therapeutic exercises to ensure optimal healing.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
During treatment, a handheld device delivers shockwaves to the injured area. These waves:
- Increase blood flow to the targeted tissue.
- Stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.
- Break down scar tissue and promote tissue regeneration.
- Reduce pain by modulating nerve activity.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)
- Chronic low back pain (studies ongoing)
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Non-invasive: No needles or incisions.
- Outpatient procedure: No hospital stay required.
- Minimal discomfort: Often described as a tingling sensation.
- Faster recovery time: Compared to traditional therapies.
- Improved mobility and function.
- Long-lasting pain relief.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy
- A consultation with a doctor or physical therapist to discuss your condition and suitability for shockwave therapy.
- The treatment area will be cleaned and a gel applied for better transmission of the shockwaves.
- The therapist will administer the shockwaves using a handheld device, adjusting the intensity based on your tolerance.
- A session typically lasts for 10-15 minutes.
- Multiple sessions (which varies depending upon severity and area of treatment) are often recommended and spaced a few days apart.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
If you are experiencing chronic pain in tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues, shockwave therapy may be a good option. It's important to note that shockwave therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and some underlying health conditions may make you ineligible. Please contact our Chiropractor, Dr. Sean by text for more information or feel free to select the new patient scheduling option for evaluation.
Find out if shockwave therapy can relieve your chronic pain by visiting Dr. Milam at Milam Chiropractic and Sports Therapy in Tustin, CA. To
schedule an appointment today, please click here to schedule.
*Text* us at (714) 886-9355 or Call (714) 731-9355