Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It effectively relieves pain and promotes the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues by releasing growth factors in the affected area. Known as EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), shockwave therapy falls under the category of regenerative medicine, also referred to as orthobiologic therapy.

Shockwave therapy is used to treat tendinopathy and difficult-to-heal ligament injuries, as well as to break up calcium deposits in degenerative tendinopathies. It also promotes healing following orthopedic surgeries, such as those for hip impingement. While surgery can correct the primary issue, shockwave therapy addresses the secondary pain in the surrounding tendons and ligaments, helping to alleviate long-term discomfort.

Common Sports Injuries Treated:

• Foot pain: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendinopathy.
• Knee pain: Patella tendinopathy (jumper’s knee).
• Leg pain: Hamstring injuries.
• Hip pain: Rectus femoris and lateral hip pain with gluteal tendinopathies.
• Elbow pain: Little League elbow, tennis elbow.
• Shoulder pain: Rotator cuff injuries.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

• Administered with physician supervision.
• Increases blood flow and growth hormones, promoting new tissue growth.
• Two types: Focused (small area) and Radial (broader area).

Treatment Duration:

• Each session: 15-20 minutes.
• Typically, 3-5 treatments over several weeks.

Patient Experience:

• Some discomfort reported, but not typically painful.
• Discomfort levels vary depending on injury and proximity to bone.
• Topical cream used to reduce discomfort.

Effectiveness

• Significant healing observed in many patients.
• Results improve over time with tissue healing.
• Often combined with physical therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections.
• Return to activity usually within 24 hours post-treatment.

ShockWave Therapy is the best and easiest treatment I have done for my knees. After just 3 sessions, my 76 year old body can walk with ease. I can squat down almost to the floor. I am so thrilled by this! The Montana Clinic has so much to offer.