Shock wave therapy is a form of noninvasive treatment that uses a device that sends sound waves through the body to relieve some types of inflammation and stimulate the growth and repair of various types of injuries, especially at the muscular or bone level .
Thus, shock wave therapy can be used to accelerate recovery or relieve pain in case of chronic inflammation such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bursitis or elbow epicondylitis, for example.
Although it has good results to relieve symptoms, shock wave therapy does not always cure the problem, especially when it involves changes in the bone, such as the spur, and surgery may be necessary.
Price and where to do
The price of shockwave treatment is approximately 800 reais and can only be done in private clinics, not yet available in the SUS.
How it works
Shockwave therapy is practically painless, however, the technician may use an anesthetic ointment to numb the area being treated in order to relieve any discomfort caused by the device.
During the procedure, the person should be in a comfortable position that allows the professional to get well in the place to treat. Then the technician passes a gel and the device through the skin, around the region, for about 18 minutes. This device produces shock waves that penetrate the skin and bring benefits such as:
- Reduce inflammation on the spot: it alleviates local swelling and pain;
- Stimulate the formation of new blood vessels : it facilitates the repair of the injury, as it increases the amount of blood and oxygen in the region;
- Increase Collagen Production : It is important to maintain repair of muscles, bones and tendons.
In addition, this method also reduces the amount of substance P in place, which is an element that is present in large concentrations in cases of chronic pain.
In most cases it takes 3 to 10 sessions of 5 to 20 minutes to completely end the pain and repair the injury and the person can return home soon after treatment without special care.
Who should not do
This type of treatment is very safe and therefore there are no contraindications. However, shock waves should be avoided over places such as the lungs, eyes, or brain.
In addition it should also be avoided in the belly region in pregnant women or over cancer sites as it can stimulate tumor growth.
