Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) was first introduced as a non-surgical method of breaking up and removing kidney stones. Since then, other uses for ESWT have been discovered, including a range of injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. Its range of benefits and ability to treat underlying causes of conditions is why many patients now seek out shock wave therapy in Chicago.
Indications for Shock Wave Therapy
ESWT therapy is an effective remedy for a number of conditions. In general, they have a long recovery time and are difficult to treat using conventional methods, or do not self-resolve. Over the many years of using shockwaves to break up kidney stones, doctors discovered that their patients were also experiencing relief of musculoskeletal issues. Today, we now know that shockwave treatment can be effective for:
- Tendinopathies of both your upper and lower limbs, including the patellar tendon in the knees.
- Knee osteoarthritis, a common condition in older age groups
- Shin splints (tibial stress syndrome), where a persistent, dull pain is triggered by overuse. This is common in runners.
- Joint pain and inflammation in the hips
- Speeding up recovery time in frozen shoulder
- Speeding up fracture healing, particularly in non-union fractures.
One of the areas most frequently treated with ESWT, however, is the foot. This is our specialty. Some conditions in the foot that have been treated with ESWT include:
- Plantar Fasciitis or Fasciosis (Strained Arch)
- Achilles Tendinitis or Tendinosis
- Calcific Tendinitis or Tendinosis
- Connective Tissue Pain and degeneration
- Muscle Pain and Injuries
- Joint Injuries
- Morton's Neuroma
How is Shock Wave Therapy Performed?
Focused shock wave therapy works by applying short bursts of powerful sound energy to your area of concern. With 1,000 times the pressure of an ultrasound wave, ESWT causes a mild degree of damage to your tendons or other affected area. This triggers cell and tissue regeneration to start or speed up recovery. The most likely reasons why ESWT works is through stimulating the growth of bone, tendon, and blood vessel cells, alongside collagen production.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions—particularly those involving where major connective tissues attach to bone.
Complaints involving attachment points for tendons and ligaments in major joints like the shoulder (such as the rotator cuff), elbow (epicondylitis or tennis elbow), hip, and knee (tendinitis or “jumper’s knee'') are common sites for ESWT.
Why Choose Shock Wave Therapy at Health Box Clinic
If you’ve been searching “shock wave therapy near me”, look no further than Health Box Clinic. Dr. Olga Arbitman has over 25 years of experience in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders, and is a highly-skilled doctor of naprapathy.
Our Shock Wave Therapy professionals at Health Box Clinic are here to help you. Call us now at 847-724-1777 or contact us to schedule your visit.
Request a Consultation
