Shockwave
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Pipeline Physical Therapy
Orthopedic Physical Therapists & Pelvic Floor Therapists located in Downtown Oceanside, Oceanside, CA
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) provides a safe and minimally invasive treatment for various musculoskeletal issues, including tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and chronic pain. At Pipeline Physical Therapy in Oceanside, California, the licensed doctors of physical therapy offer shockwave therapy on an outpatient basis. A series of in-office treatments can relieve your symptoms and help you return to your favorite activities. To schedule a shockwave appointment at Pipeline Physical Therapy today, call or book online.
Shockwave Q&A
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy, is an outpatient treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. It uses focused shockwaves to target inflamed or damaged tissue beneath your skin.
The shockwaves used in therapy are low energy and activate your body’s natural healing process at the cellular level. Specifically, they encourage circulation at the treatment site and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
What musculoskeletal conditions can benefit from shockwave therapy?
The doctors of physical therapy at Pipeline Physical Therapy use shockwave therapy to treat various musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Jumper’s knee
Your physical therapist might recommend shockwave therapy if you have a neuroma –– a benign nerve tumor between the bones in your toes.
What does shockwave therapy involve?
At Pipeline Physical Therapy, the doctors of physical therapy provide shockwave therapy during a quick outpatient procedure.
When you arrive at the office, your provider has you lie on your back on an exam table. They expose the treatment site and apply a gel to your skin that helps deliver the shockwaves deeper into your body.
After applying the gel, your provider runs a handheld device across the surface of your skin. The device emits low-energy shockwaves that penetrate your skin and activate your body’s healing process.
Shockwave treatment takes 5-15 minutes.* During that time, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort or increased skin sensitivity. Many people say the sensation is similar to being snapped with a rubber band.
What is recovery like after shockwave therapy?
After shockwave therapy, you can return to work and other activities immediately. Even so, it’s normal to experience mild side effects in the days after treatment. For example, many people experience red skin, swelling, and mild bruising. These symptoms should improve within a few days, but if they last longer than a week, contact your physical therapist immediately.
How many shockwave therapy treatments will I need?
The number of shockwave therapy treatments you need depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Most soft tissue injuries improve with a series of 3-5 treatments over several weeks, but more significant injuries may require extra visits.
Call Pipeline Physical Therapy today to see if you can benefit from shockwave therapy, or book your appointment online.
*Individual results may vary.