Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) may be the answer to deeper healing for you – because it works.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) may be the answer to deeper healing for you – because it works. No, it’s not the same as shock therapy on the brain that you saw in the movies. ESWT (or ECSWT) is a non-invasive physiotherapy treatment method that uses a shock wave  – produced by the force and sound of a snap  – to stimulate healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain and disability. ESWT can be applied to different parts of the body, such as the shoulder, the elbow, the spine and pelvis, or various muscles, tendons and ligaments – depending on the diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms 

How Does ESWT Work?

ESWT works by generating high or low-energy acoustic shock waves that are transmitted through the skin to the complaint area. The treatment sounds a lot like someone snapping their fingers. The shock waves break up adhesions, help to reorganize tissue, trigger the body’s natural healing response and increase blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to the area.  This treatment actually regnerates tissue, making Shockwave regenerative medicine. ESWT also helps to break down scar tissue, calcifications, and adhesions that may impair function and mobility.  It’s an effective and promising therapy.

Is ESWT Safe?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is clinically proven and approved by the FDA for several tendinopathies and myofascial problems (musculoskeletal issues). ESWT has been proven in clinical studies to help treat arthritis, sports injuries, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow – to name a few. It’s safe with minimal side effects. ESWT is being offered at many exclusive, high-end private clinics typically only accessible to the rich and famous. Making radial ESWT a viable and affordable option for you is our objective. 

Here are testimonials from recent patients:

“I am a handyman and have to reach overhead. My shoulder has been limiting me and I couldn’t do my work. Dr. Sibilla did some adjusting and therapies for frozen shoulder that worked very well, but my problem kept returning. Then Dr. S asked me if I wanted to try Shock Wave Therapy and it was amazing – I went from hardly being able to raise my arm up above shoulder level to raising it all the way up after one session. I could not scratch my back with my dominant arm – but now I can reach all the way back. Wasn’t too uncomfortable but I could feel it getting in deep and doing something and right afterwards it was fantastic. I had three treatments and it’s basically gone for the last three months and not slowing me down at all. Wasn’t covered by my insurance but wasn’t expensive either. Totally worth it and definitely will repeat it if I need it.” – Portland Handyman

Here’s another one:

“I injured my knee skiing after a big fall last spring. Couldn’t bend deep or twist when I pressed down. Hurt on stairs. Seemed to be getting worse and I didn’t want to buy a Season Pass for the mountain. I was wearing out knee braces. Then I got this Radial Shock Wave Therapy at Blue Heron and it was crazy, my knee just got better and I am back on the slopes. Kinda like a miracle but I know it wasn’t. I still do my stretching exercises but that’s just because that was the instruction, it does not hurt me now.” – Oregon Ski Guy

How Much Does it Cost and What’s Involved?

Shock Wave Therapy typically involves a series of 8-15 minute treatments that cost the same amount as a regular basic session, but are applied on a separate day. We will see an ESWT patient likely four times over 5 weeks, with a follow up. Patients receiving ESWT are often reporting 50-90% pain reduction and mobility increases on the first treatment alone, and overall, the population reports typically over 75-95% patient satisfaction with the results.

How long does it take to recover after shockwave therapy?

Once your 8 minute treatment is finished, you’ll be able to go home and return to work and your normal daily activities straight away. You should avoid high impact exercise such as running or playing tennis for the first 48 hours after treatment.

Can I use Insurance for ESWT?

It’s important to note that as good as Shock Wave is, it is not covered by insurance. Some aspects of the therapy may be, though – like the exam portion and the exercises, maybe the backup chiropractic coaching. Ask us about this at the clinic.

Can We Talk About Shock Wave?

ESWT will not be able to treat all conditions and patients must be reviewed for applicability of the treatment.  If the treatment is not ideal for you, other options will be discussed. ESWT is best performed in conjunction with stretching, exercise, and other chiropractic protocols. Because we are all about results, we will only perform ESWT on someone with a current chiropractic treatment plan.   Your “consultation” will be a regular chiropractic appointment. If you want to read more, including about how it works, click onto this page, then schedule with us.  When you call, say that you want to talk about “Shock Wave Therapy”.

Want more chiropractic reading? Try our prior blog on Heel Lift Therapy for Short Leg syndrome, or the previous on Curcumin and Turmeric supplements.