Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or shock wave therapy, is a type of soft tissue treatment that targets the hard-to-heal soft tissues such as the tendons. It is a non-invasive treatment that directly targets a painful area such as a rotator cuff or tennis elbow to stimulates the body to heal itself. At Dr. Walter E. Mendoza Chiropractor P.C. we combine shock wave therapy with chiropractic care. If you are suffering from a soft tissue injury and live in or around Freeport, contact Dr. Mendoza today. Let’s take a look at how this therapy works, and how it can help heal your chronic pain issue.

What is Shock Wave Therapy?

Shock wave therapy is a treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic waves to an affected area of the body. A device is placed on top of the affected area and delivers shock waves into the area. The operator of the device adjusts the shock waves and patterns to get the best results for the particular condition.

This device has been cleared by the FDA for use on plantar fasciitis which is a condition involving the tendons that wrap around the rear of the heel of your feet. Research has shown that extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective on a variety of chronic tendon issues including:

  • Tennis elbow
  • Achilles heel
  • Golfers’ elbow
  • Runner’s or jumper’s knee
  • Bursitis
  • Shin splints

How Shock Wave Therapy Works

Shock wave therapy is a proven effective therapy for healing resistant tendons. Shock wave therapy encourages the body to repair itself and create new blood vessels in the injured area. The new blood vessels will deliver vital nutrients to repair the damaged area. Shock wave treatments can also break down calcified fibroblasts that are inhibiting your healing.

Shock Wave Therapy as an Alternative to Surgery

The normal approach to painful tendons is to use ice, heat, wraps, and rest the afflicted area and use pain relievers. Sometimes the area does not respond well, or will not resolve itself even with treatment. Normally surgery would be called for, but that comes with its own issues. Shock wave therapy can often resolve the condition and eliminate the need for surgical intervention.

Get in Touch With Our Chiropractic Clinic in Freeport, NY

If you live in or around Freeport and suffer from soft tissue problems, shock wave therapy may be able to help! Call the office of Dr. Walter E. Mendoza Chiropractor P.C. today at (516) 213-4610 to schedule an appointment.