Does Shock Wave Therapy Hurt?
Shock wave therapy is a treatment used for some long-standing (chronic) tendon and soft-tissue problems. Some people are concerned about whether or not it hurts, which is normal when you hear the word ‘shock’ In this blog post, we will explore shock wave therapy and answer the question “Does shock wave therapy hurt?”.
Does Shock Wave Therapy Hurt?
Yes, shock wave therapy can be uncomfortable – but is tolerable. However, the amount of energy or power used is determined by the client’s tolerance level. It should never reach an intolerable level of discomfort. Your clinician will keep it at a level you can tolerate.
Some discomfort is normal, particularly over an area of tension or tight tissue in a muscle or tendon.
What Is Shock Wave Therapy?
Shock wave therapy uses high-energy sound waves that pass through the skin to the underlying tissue. It is used for some long-standing conditions, such as tendinopathies. The evidence varies by condition.
Who Is Shock Wave Therapy Used For?
Shock wave therapy is indicated for chronic, long-term conditions, it is only indicated if your complaints or symptoms have be present for more than 3 months, and your symptoms are stable, meaning the intensity stays the same. It is not a good idea to use it on a new injury or an area that is in an acute flare-up, for example, a swollen joint or an acute muscle tear or strain.
Shock wave therapy is used for conditions including:
- Achilles tendinopathy.
- Patellar tendinopathy.
- Plantar Fasciitis.
- Calcific Tendinitis of the shoulder.
What Are The Contraindications For Shock Wave Therapy?
As aforementioned, shock wave therapy to not a good idea for any acute injury, such as, a muscle spasm, muscle tear, swollen joint, nerve pain, anything that we would refer to as ‘on fire’ or irritated. In other words, any condition in which inflammation is already present, and the natural healing process of the body is apparent. Shock wave is also not indicated if you are pregnant or have cancer. It should also be avoided around the heart if you have a pacemaker or have been prescribed anti-coagulant medication due to a blood clotting disorder.
Contraindications For Shock Wave Therapy:
- Pregnancy.
- Nerve pain (i.e sciatica).
- Blood clotting disorder.
- Acute flare-up.
- Muscle spasm.
- Muscle tear or sprain.
- Swollen, hot joints.
- Cancer.
- Scar tissue.
- Have received a steroid injection in the past 6 months.
- Any conditions that have been present for less than three months.
- Any condition in which inflammation is present.
How Many Sessions Of Shock Wave Are Needed?
Shock wave therapy is typically done in a series of treatments, usually spaced about a week apart. The number of sessions is set after assessment.
What To Expect After Shock Wave Therapy?
Immediately, after the treatment session is it normal to feel ‘looser’, less resistance and restriction, your range of motion may improve. However, it is normal to feel some discomfort for 3-5 days after shock wave therapy. This usually settles after a few days. If the response is quite intense, you should let your therapist know, they might continue the treatment at a lower energy level or modify your treatment plan accordingly, to include something more suited to you.
Some people feel tired after a session, which is normal and part of recovery. But there is no down time, we would simply say, listen to your body, if it is feeling a little sore after the treatment, moderate exercise is good, but maybe avoid an intense training session.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Shock Wave Therapy Treatment?
Shock wave therapy is often used alongside exercise therapy. It is important to keep exercising to complement other therapies. Moderate exercise, such as walks, bike rides, swimming, or doubles tennis, between sessions is a good way to stay active and take your recovery into your own hands.
With all therapies, including exercise therapy, the aim is to help your tissues tolerate load better, so you can do more of what you want to do.
Conclusion
We hope you found this blog helpful and informative. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected], and if there is anything else you would like us to write about, just let me know!
Thank you for reading!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3889306/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26209782/
[3] https://shockwave-therapy.co.uk/contraindications
[4] https://www.shockwavetherapy.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ISMST_Guidelines.pdf