The directed burst of high-pressure sound waves through the skin target the desired musculoskeletal (muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve and bone) tissue, which produces a rapid increase in blood flow. This works to break down the fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time and is particularly prevalent with chronic soft tissue injuries.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as ESWT - Extracorporeal SHOCK WAVE Therapy, is a non-invasive, non-electrical high energy sound wave that passes through the body via a handheld probe.
The directed burst of high-pressure sound waves through the skin target the desired musculoskeletal (muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve and bone) tissue, which produces a rapid increase in blood flow. This works to break down the fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time and is particularly prevalent with chronic soft tissue injuries. The body responds with increased metabolic activity around the site of the pain. This kickstarts inflammatory healing, which is necessary for tissue repair.
Dr. Shephard has over 20 years of experience using Shockwave Therapy.
He vigorously researches and applies new technologies to accelerate injury healing. His success with Shockwave Therapy is credited to his unique skill of identifying the source, not just the symptom resulting in faster recovery.
What Is Shockwave Therapy For?
Shockwave Therapy is a multidisciplinary device whose primary goals are to relieve pain and restore normal mobility rapidly. It is an effective treatment for numerous soft tissue injuries, pain and particular bone-related conditions. Together with being a non-surgical therapy with no need for painkillers, this makes it an ideal therapy to speed up recovery for the following chronic injuries:
- Neck, upper and lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- TMJ
- Golfers and tennis elbow
- Tendonosis
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Jumpers knee
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain and heel spurs
- Sprain, strain injuries
- Sports injuries
After only 3 or 4 treatments with Shockwave Therapy, most patients of Shephard Health report a reduction of over 80% of pain and a rapid return to activity. With Dr. Shephard’s vast experience of over 20 years, he is able to identify the source of the problem more definitively, rather than simply treat the symptom alone. This saves the patient valuable time and money. Elite athletes, those in the entertainment industry and thousands of patients with the same relenting pain have benefited from this rapid recovery therapy at Shephard Health.
Treatment with Shockwave Therapy usually takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes on average. The experience is of pulsating deep pressure to the area treated.
Consequences of Leaving An Injury Untreated
This break down of scar tissue is the key to why Shockwave Therapy is so effective. Unlike normal tissue, scar tissue is non-elastic and will inhibit and prevent the injured tissue's normal function. If left untreated, it will ultimately weaken the healthy surrounding tissue and often leads to further damage and pain.
What Is The Solution?
Shockwave Therapy was initially developed to break down kidney and gall stones. After more developments and research, the FDA approved Shockwave Therapy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Several iterations later, it was further developed to encompass most musculoskeletal injuries of the body. Dr. Shephard combines this cutting edge technology, Shockwave Therapy, with other treatments to minimize healing time. By increasing circulation and breaking down scar tissue, this therapy will stimulate regeneration and promote rapid healing and reduce pain leading to the restoration of normal function and a quicker return to activity.
