Shockwave Therapy

About Shockwave therapy

Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT) is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment technologies approved by the FDA for orthopedic musculoskeletal disorders.

This advanced technology generates highly accurate, precise, non-invasive high intensity mechanical pulses at targeted depths that break up inflammatory and scar tissue, adhesions, and stimulate and accelerate the healing process. After treatment, damaged cells gradually regenerate and damaged and painful tissues heal over time. This non-invasive outpatient procedure represent breakthrough regenerative treatment options for a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.

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For targeted, non-invasive pain relief

Shockwave therapy is completely non-invasive. We use a gel and firm pressure to couple the piezoelectric generated mechanical wave into the tissues.

MyACT is one of the best treatment modalities for tendon, ligament, joint, and bursal soft tissue pain, inflammation, and chronic unhealed injuries.

The advent of new technologies over the past several years has opened a vast range of possibilities for therapeutic, non-invasive and non-pharmacological methods to help patients manage pain and heal damaged tissues.

Spine & Extremities Center is pleased to offer this new technology to our patients to treat a variety of conditions, including joint and muscle disorders, athletic injuries and chronic pain conditions.

The Underlying Science of Shockwave Therapy

While it may seem counterintuitive, a small amount of damage needs to be done to the body to prompt it to repair itself. Shockwave therapy allows is to precisely mechanically stimulate tissues at a target depth to decrease pain and inflammation, stimulate healing and provide neuromodulation to the injured and inflamed soft tissues. This helps break up adhesions, and reduce inflammatory tissue. This prompts the body to start resorbing the damaged tissue, and stimulates new blood vessels to replace the damaged ones. The tiny new blood vessels increase the blood supply to the injured area, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper healing.

Increased nutrient-dense blood flow is necessary for neovascularization to occur, to start and maintain the repair process of damaged tissue. The application of acoustic compression waves creates capillary micro-ruptures in tendon and bone and significantly increases the expression of growth factors such as eNOS, VEGF, PCNA and BMP. These processes stimulate the growth and remodeling of new arterioles. The new blood vessels enhance the tissue’s blood supply and oxygenation, resulting in accelerated and more complete healing of muscles, tendons and bones.

Treatment protocols are tailored to your specific condition. For optimal results, 3-6 treatments may be initially needed. For chronic conditions additional single session treatments may be needed several times a year or as needed to provide you with the level of pain management that you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

Treatments are generally well tolerated with patients experiencing mild discomfort and a deep ache during treatment. However, if there is any objectionable sensation, our providers can adjust the intensity to within the comfort level of the patient.

Do you numb the area being treated?

No. The treatment relies heavily on biofeedback from the patient to the provider. We need to know the very specific areas (down to the size of dime) in the injured area to pulse that area more intensely. The pain level should be tolerable and we only can monitor this parameter if the patient is not anesthetized.

How long does each treatment take?

The typical treatment is 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

How often should a patient be treated?

We recommend treatments be spaced 5-7 days initally. Further into your treatment they may be spaced 10-21 days depending on your condition and response to treatment.

How many treatments does it take?

This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For most chronic conditions, 3-6 treatments may be sufficient.

How long before results are felt?

Some patients feel relief after just 1 session. If this occurs we still recommend completing a full treatment as advised. The initial treatments tend to treat the pain very rapidly and initiate the healing response which takes time. The maximum result is usually seen within several months after the entire treatment is complete as the body continues to heal the area.

Can Shockwave be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?

Yes. we use it effectively with Class IV medical laser, High Energy Inductive Therapy (HEIT), and manipulation.

What can I expect after a treatment?

Most patients report pain relief immediately following the treatment. Within two to four hours after your session, you may have some soreness in the area. The soreness should not prevent you from continuing day to day activities.

Are there any restrictions after a treatment?

Since some patients feel relief after 1 session or before completion of a full treatment, we recommend that you do not exert the injured area. Ice packs or excessive heat are not recommended for 48 hours after each treatment. It is also advised you do not take Motrin after treatment for discomfort. Instead, take Tylenol as directed. Ice and ibuprofen can blunt the stimulation that Shockwave produces and be counterproductive.

About Shockwave therapy

For targeted, non-invasive pain relief

Pin pointed therapy source

Pin pointed therapy source

Pin pointed therapy source

Linear therapy source

Pin pointed therapy source

Pin pointed therapy source

controlling pain | restoring motion

The Underlying Science of Shockwave Therapy

Unique Treatments at Spine & Extremities Center

Frequently Asked Questions