Leaders in Shockwave Therapy

At Health From Within, we offer our patients numerous treatments, protocols, and movement regimens. This is because each patient is different and requires distinct therapies that work with their body and their lifestyle. One unifying element of the many treatments we offer is that they are all rigorously examined, considering research findings and practical experience. Shockwave Therapy is one technique that we have available at our Bettendorf location. Our Shockwave Therapy chiropractor wants patients to understand this treatment and how it can benefit them by reading the following treatment overview.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is widely used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. Shockwave Therapy is the use of acoustic waves to target tissue at varying depths to compress and manipulate tissue resulting in a focused and precise deep tissue massage essentially. The results of the mechanical stimulus delivered by Shockwave Therapy can lead to increased circulation and pain relief which are key components of the healing process.

What is the story behind Shockwave Therapy?

Many types of focused sound waves have been used in the field of medicine with great success for more than 20 years. Based on a high level of evidence, Richard Wolf GmbH - a manufacturer of lithotripsy (ESWL) and orthopaedic (ESWT) devices - has specifically designed piezo therapy sources to generate low energy / low pressure applications for the treatment of myofascial and musculoskeletal pain.

Shockwave Therapy via our PiezoWave2 Device is widely used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. Shockwave Therapy describes the use of acoustic waves to target tissue at varying depths to compress and manipulate tissue resulting in a focused and precise deep tissue massage. The results of the mechanical stimulus delivered by our PiezoWave2 device can lead to increased circulation and pain relief which are key components of the healing process.

Advantages of Shockwave Therapy

• Locates and alleviates musculoskeletal pain

• Non-invasive

• Reduces pain medications

• Outpatient treatment

• Short therapy time 7-12 minutes

• Only 3-5 treatments needed in most cases

The Piezowave2 Device was developed by Richard Wolf, the leader in Lithotripsy therapy. While standard Lithotripsy is used to shatter large kidney stones into fragments small enough for the patient to pass with minimal discomfort, the Piezowave2 device is used to address many common soft tissue issues.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

The Piezowave2 machine delivers thousands of high energy sound wave impulse to the affected tissue. These impulses are thought to cause micro trauma to scar tissue and arthritic areas. As a result, it stimulates the body’s natural metabolic activity, creates a healthy inflammatory response, and stimulates healing. The Piezowave2 machine assists the doctor to identify very specific areas of injury and then delivers a series of impulses precisely where they are most effective. There is absolutely no pain or discomfort experienced in areas that are not injured. In many instances there can be an immediate reduction of pain as well as improved mobility and function. Since it is non-invasive, there is no need for anesthesia. The most common minor side effect following treatment is soreness in the treated area that will normally dissipate in a short amount of time.

Who Can Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?

Our PiezoWave2 Machine is a revolutionary pain-relieving device that offers a very effective alternative to injections and surgery for the following conditions:

  1. Lateral Epicondylopathy of the Elbow (Tennis Elbow)

  2. Calcifying Tendinopathy of the Shoulder (H.A.D.D. or similar)

  3. Medial Epicondylopathy of the Elbow (Golfer’s Elbow)

  4. Myofascial Syndrome (Trigger Points)

  5. Stress Fractures (Foot and Spinal)

  6. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Pain)

  7. Patellar Tendinopathy (Knee Pain)

  8. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Knee Pain)

  9. Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)

  10. Achilles Tendinopathy (Heel Pain)

  11. Bursitis of the Shoulder (Shoulder Pain)

  12. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction - TMJD (Jaw Pain)

and many more…

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does It Work?

The mechanical energy that shockwave therapy provides encourages and stimulates fibroblasts and growth factors to promote healing and increase cell metabolism and local blood flow to the affected area. The treatment is painless because these are pressure sound waves, not electric shocks. The good news is that PiezoWave2 device deeply penetrates tissue for healing that can’t be achieved through simply through manipulations, massage, or other manual techniques.

What to Expect From The Therapy?

During every session, 1000 to 2000 pulse waves will be delivered to an area being treated lasting about five to ten minutes. You will see maximum benefits with five to six treatments per area with three to five days to allow for proper recovery time. Our Piezowave2 Device has clinically proven, to have the following effects:

• Facilitate healing

• Eliminate pain

• Stimulate the “washing away” of Substance-P (a pain-producing chemical)

• Increase the body’s collagen production

• Increase microcirculation leading to enhanced tissue metabolism

• Help dissolve calcific fibroblasts

• Reduce muscle tension

• Improved function and range of motion to the joint

How Long Does Each Treatment Take?

Each session of Shockwave Therapy takes about five to ten minutes. During the session, our therapist or staff will deliver thousands of pulse waves into the affected area being treated.

How Many Treatments Are Required and How Often?

Many conditions need three to six sessions. The treatments can be done five to ten days apart depending on tissue response and patient tolerance. Worldwide reports show that PiezoWave2 Shockwave Therapy has a very high success rate. At our clinic, our patients have reported positive results in line with these parameters and most get a positive benefit with just one treatment! We have been quite successful with this treatment and are excited to help more patients like you. For patients who don’t respond positively to PiezoWave Shockwave Therapy, we consider other modes of therapy and treatment, and we will make proper referrals to the right specialists.

Does It Hurt?

Depending on the patient’s current level of pain and the area of treatment, the degree of discomfort varies significantly. The intensity of a treatment session also varies, and many patients can tolerate treatment well because the intensity varies depending on patient tolerance.

Will There Be Pain After the Treatment?

Many patients experience immediate pain relief after Shockwave Treatment. However, they may experience soreness in the area within two to four hours. According to different clinical reports, the soreness is usually very tolerable and can last a couple of hours to some days. DO NOT use ice on the area if you experience this soreness. One of the desired effects of PiezoWave2 Shockwave Therapy is an “inflammatory response.” Therefore, the use of anti inflammatory medications (such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, etc.) isn’t recommended. You may take medication as you see fit or based on your doctor’s recommendation and advice. The soreness will disappear within 4 to 24 hours without any intervention.

Is Physical Activity Allowed After the Treatment?

We always recommended that you refrain from any physical activity, especially those that would involve the treated area for 48 hours after every treatment.

How is Shockwave Therapy Different from Ultrasound?

Like ultrasound, Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive procedure. However, the treatment can penetrate precise depths underneath your skin between 0.5 mm and 3 cm. This is much deeper than standard ultrasound. Also, Shockwave Therapy does not create tissue heating, it creates mechanical pressure in your tissue which creates inflammation. Shockwave Therapy is useful in identifying trigger points that are discrete, focal and hyperirritable spots in the taut band of your muscle. Trigger points can generate pain, both locally and in the referred pain patterns, and may accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders.

Is It Safe?

Absolutely yes, there’s no risk involved when using the PiezoWave2 Device, and it’s regarded a safe alternative to invasive procedures such as surgery and injections. The treatment is 100% non-invasive.

Is It Safe If I Have a Medical Condition Like Diabetes?

Yes, with a few exceptions. If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, the treatment cannot be used. Furthermore, if you have an infection, blood clotting disorders, tumor tissue, or taking blood thinning medication, then Shockwave Therapy will not suit you.

Are There Any Contraindications?

Shockwave Therapy is unique in the sense that it does not generate heat unlike ultrasound therapy, a commonly used modality. Therefore, the treatment makes it suitable for post-surgical conditions. However, this therapy is not indicated with some conditions including:

• Epiphyseal plate in the shockwave entry window/focus

• Pregnancy

• Heart or circulatory problems

• Blood-thinning medications and blood clotting disorders

• Infections

• Tumor tissue

• Lung tissue in the focal area

• Treatment of the head or brain

Why Choose PiezoWave2 Shockwave Therapy?

• 100% Safe

• Patient Guided Focused Therapy

• No Anesthesia

• Non-Invasive

• No Downtime

• Outpatient Treatment

• Low Treatment Costs

Considering Shockwave Therapy?

What makes PiezoWave2 Shockwave Therapy unique is that it’s one of the very few modern technologies in the medical field that works well when an injury reaches a chronic, non-healing state. It helps restore strength and mobility to injured ligaments and muscles. We’re the only facility in the entire area that offers this revolutionary technology, and we’re dedicated to helping all patients get back to their healthy and happy lifestyle. Shockwave Therapy isn’t covered by insurance policies currently. Do you have any questions regarding more details of the treatment, side effects or payment options? Please feel free to contact us today for more information.