How is Shockwave Therapy Used in Chiropractic Care?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It was first developed for breaking down kidney stones in a procedure called lithotripsy but expanded into various other uses. In chiropractic care, we’re able to use shockwave therapy technology to break down adhesions in tissue that cause you to feel pain, reduce muscle tension, and increase blood flow to an area of the body so it can heal faster.  

It’s an ideal treatment for chiropractors to include in their treatment plans when patients are experiencing pain in many areas of the body.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Shockwave therapy involves the delivery of high-energy sound waves, also called acoustic waves, to targeted areas of the body. The sound waves create pressure in the tissue. This pressure ultimately leads to faster healing by:

• Relieving muscle tension and trigger points
• Breaking up calcium deposits and scar tissue which helps repair tissue
• Improving blood flow and nutrients to injured areas

The chiropractor applies shockwave therapy using a specialized device that produces the shockwaves and transmits them through a handheld applicator.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy offers numerous benefits, making it a popular choice for treatment. Some of those benefits include: 

1. Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical interventions, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure, reducing the risks associated with surgery, such as infections and complications.
2. Pain Relief: The therapy helps relieve pain by blocking the pain signals.
3. Improved Range of Motion: By breaking apart adhesions in the tissue, muscles, and tendons can move more easily.
4. Improved Blood Flow: Shockwaves promote the formation of new blood vessels and enhance blood circulation, which helps in tissue repair and regeneration.
5. Accelerate Healing: By stimulating cellular activity, shockwave therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing processes, making recovery times much shorter. 
6. Minimal Side Effects: Most patients experience minimal to no side effects, making it a safe option for long-term treatment.
7. Cost-Effective: Compared to surgery and other invasive treatments, shockwave therapy is relatively affordable and accessible.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is versatile and effective for treating a variety of conditions, including:

1. Plantar Fasciitis: Chronic heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia.
2. Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons, commonly affecting the shoulder, elbow (tennis elbow), and Achilles tendon.
3. Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis: Calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons that cause pain and restricted movement.
4. Tennis Elbow: Helps reduce pain and inflammation of the elbow tendons.
5. Chronic Pain: Persistent pain conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatments.
6. Muscle Injuries: Strains and tears in muscles, promoting faster recovery and reducing scar tissue formation.

How Chiropractors Use Shockwave Therapy

Chiropractors use shockwave therapy to enhance their treatment plans, particularly for patients suffering from chronic pain.  Here’s how it’s included in chiropractic care:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Chiropractors conduct a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of pain or dysfunction. If shockwave therapy aligns with the patient’s needs, it is considered as part of the treatment plan.
2. Treatment Planning: A personalized treatment plan is created, often combining shockwave therapy with other chiropractic techniques such as spinal adjustments, cold laser therapy, massage, and physical exercises.
3. Application: During the therapy session, the chiropractor applies the shockwave device to the targeted area, adjusting the intensity and frequency based on the patient’s condition and response.
4. Follow-Up: Regular follow-up sessions are scheduled to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT) in The Woodlands

At Village Chiropractic, we are committed to offering only the best to our patients. The type of shockwave therapy we provide is Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT). It is a specialized form of shockwave therapy focused on treating myofascial pain and dysfunction. Myofascial pain syndrome involves pain and inflammation in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles.

What is MyACT?

MyACT utilizes focused acoustic waves to target specific areas of myofascial tissue, providing deep tissue stimulation. The therapy is designed to:

1. Release Tension: Acoustic waves help release tightness and knots in the fascia, reducing pain and improving mobility.
2. Improve Circulation: Enhanced blood flow to the affected areas aids in the removal of waste products and delivery of nutrients, facilitating healing.
3. Promote Healing: By stimulating cellular activity, MyACT promotes the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.

Who Benefits from Using MyACT?

MyACT is beneficial for individuals suffering from:

1. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain in the fascia and muscles, often characterized by trigger points.
2. Athletes: Those experiencing muscle tightness, strains, and overuse injuries can benefit from faster recovery and improved performance.
3. Post-Surgical Patients: Individuals recovering from surgery can experience reduced scar tissue formation and enhanced healing.
4. Office Workers: People who spend much of their days at a desk often don’t move around much and have poor posture, leading to muscle pain and stiffness.
5. Chronic Pain Patients: Those with long-standing pain conditions that have not responded to other treatments.

Reach Out to Village Chiropractic for Your Shockwave Treatment 

Shockwave therapy, including specialized forms like Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy, offers a promising and noninvasive solution for a wide range of conditions. It has become a valuable tool for chiropractors, and its benefits include pain relief, accelerated healing, and improved blood flow. At Village Chiropractic, we are committed to giving our patients the best treatment options available. If you are experiencing pain, contact us to see if this is the right treatment for you!