How Shockwave Therapy is Changing Sports Injury Treatment
In the world of sports, injuries are often seen as setbacks, halting the progress of athletes, and keeping them off the field. However, a revolutionary treatment is changing the game – shockwave therapy. This innovative approach to sports injury treatment is not only effective but also allows athletes to continue training and playing throughout the course of their recovery.
Shockwave therapy is a safe and proven method for treating a variety of sports injuries, including injuries like rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, patellar tendinopathy, hamstring tendinopathy, achilles tendinopathy, and more. It works by delivering a shockwave to the injured or damaged tissue and stimulates mechanical and cellular effects to the injured tissue, improving healing and altering pain signaling. This leads to the destruction of calcification, pain relief, increased blood flow, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, shockwave therapy stimulates your body’s stem cells (repair cells) to increase collagen synthesis, aiding in the repair and strengthening of the injured area.
One of the key advantages of shockwave therapy is its minimal downtime requirement, making it suitable for treating athletes with sports injuries in-season. Athletes can continue to play and train as they undergo treatment, gradually gaining function and optimizing healing. Shockwave therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with physical therapy or rehabilitation of the injured area, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.
When considering shockwave therapy, it is important to understand when it is appropriate. Shockwave therapy is recommended when other conservative treatments like rest, ice, non-steroidal medications, and physical therapy have not been effective. It is a noninvasive option with minimal side effects, allowing athletes to continue participating in their sport for most conditions, as long as pain levels permit. This makes it a preferred option over more invasive treatments like corticosteroid injections and platelet-rich plasma injections, which carry greater risks such as tendon rupture.
In terms of treatment expectations, shockwave therapy typically involves around 8-12 sessions, although the exact number may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. The treatment process aligns with the natural phases of injury repair. The inflammatory phase, which typically lasts around 10 days following an injury, involves clearing damaged and dead cells from the injured area. The proliferation phase, lasting approximately 30 days, sees the growth of new tissue with new blood vessel creation and collagen synthesis. Finally, the remodeling phase involves the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, realignment of collagen, and removal of unnecessary cells from the area. This phase of treatment continues for one month up to a year following a sports injury. Shockwave therapy accelerates this healing cascade by triggering the body’s natural biological processes, stimulating biochemical events that promote tissue repair and recovery.
In conclusion, shockwave therapy in Edina, MN is revolutionizing the treatment of sports injuries, offering athletes a safe and effective way to recover while continuing to pursue their passion. Its ability to enhance healing, reduce pain, and minimize downtime make it a game-changer in the world of sports medicine. If you’re struggling with a sports injury that’s keeping you on the sidelines, consider the benefits of shockwave therapy and get back in the game faster and stronger than ever before. Schedule an appointment now with Chiropractic Health & Wellness!
