Piezowave therapy is a non-invasive and safe treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions, increasingly offered in forward-thinking chiropractors’ offices. Unlike surgery and pharmaceutical medication, the Piezowave therapy method has no side effects and requires no downtime.
Also known as Focused Shock Wave Therapy, the Piezowave system provides a highly effective solution to pain by delivering a series of high-energy percussion sound wave pulses into a precisely targeted tissue or muscle. The treatment creates stimulation that improves circulation and triggers the body’s natural healing capability.
The device is innovative because the sound waves are adjusted for depth and intensity, reaching tissues that lie too deep for traditional physical manipulation. The therapy effectively treats acute or chronic muscle and joint pain, including conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel and bone spurs, tennis elbow, soft tissue strains, repetitive stress injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis.
How Does Piezowave Therapy Work?
PiezoWave delivers multiple high-energy shock waves to the affected tissue and painful regions. These impulses result in scar tissue and the breaking down of calcific fibroblasts – initiating an inflammatory response that promotes healing.
The treatment is relatively new and still being studied in the United States. It has been used in Europe for many years and is associated with successful clinical results. Piezo-electric shock wave therapy has been clinically shown to:
- Reduce local muscle tension
- Increase collagen production
- Dissolve calcific fibroblasts
- Support and speed healing
- Eliminate pain
The treatment is performed without requiring X-rays, anesthesia, or drugs. Many patients experience immediate pain reduction, enhanced mobility, and improved function after one or two treatments and any minor general soreness should dissipate quickly.
Each Piezowave session is 10 minutes or less, during which up to 3000 pulse waves are delivered into the treatment area. Typically, five treatments stretching over three weeks are recommended.
Is the Piezowave Therapy Treatment Painful?
Depending upon the patient’s pain level when they seek treatment, they may experience some discomfort during their session. However, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted if necessary.
As stated above, most patients will experience immediate pain relief, although soreness may manifest several hours later. Patients report the soreness, which may last a few hours to several days, as tolerable.
Those who experience soreness should not use ice to treat the area, and anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen and Motrin) are not recommended as an inflammatory response is one of the treatment goals. Patients may consider Tylenol but should speak with their chiropractor about any pain and soreness to adjust the treatment as needed.
Your medical professional will likely recommend abstaining from physical activity involving the treatment area for 48 hours after each treatment.
Is Shock Wave Therapy Right for Everyone?
While Piezowave therapy is generally safe, some patients are not good candidates for treatment. Those individuals who should avoid this method of care include:
- Pregnant women
- Cancer patients (when cancer occurs in or around the treatment area)
- Patients with heart or circulatory issues
- Patients with diabetes
- Those on blood thinning medications such as Coumadin or Heparin
- Those who have had Cortisone injections within one month prior to the start of shock wave treatment
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a Sarasota-based chiropractor who offers Piezowave treatments in his Stickney Point office. If you have any questions regarding treatment details or side effects, you can call Dr. Johnson today to learn more.
Integrated Chiropractic blends traditional adjustments, massage, and state-of-the-art technologies to deliver our patients a highly customized treatment plan. Every individual is unique, and Dr. Johnson’s approach to their care is just as specialized. Call today to set up your initial consultation.
