Combining ESWT with Chiropractic for Effective Healing

Integrative Healing: Combining ESWT with Chiropractic for Better Results

Shockwave therapy is a modern way to help the body heal from pain and injuries without surgery. Many people deal with long-lasting pain from things like tendon problems or old injuries. Real shockwave therapy, known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses strong sound waves to fix these issues deep inside the body. This article explains what makes ESWT special, how it differs from simpler tools, and why it’s a beneficial choice for many. We’ll also look at how it fits into care at places like chiropractic clinics.

What’s Real Shockwave Therapy?

Genuine shockwave therapy, or ESWT, is a non-invasive medical procedure. It sends high-energy sound waves into the body to help muscles, bones, and other tissues heal. These waves reduce swelling, break down scar tissue, and ease pain. Doctors use it for chronic pain, tendonitis, and injuries that don’t get better with rest or basic treatments.

Unlike some tools that just massage the surface, ESWT goes deeper and starts real changes in the cells. It causes small, controlled damage called microtrauma. This method tricks the body into sending more blood and healing cells to the area. Over time, this process rebuilds stronger tissue.

• Non-invasive: No cuts or needles are needed.
• Quick sessions: Treatments last about 10 to 20 minutes.
• Few side effects: Some people feel a little soreness, but it goes away fast.
• Long-term help: Effects can last months or longer.

ESWT is often part of a larger plan of care, such as physical therapy or adjustments at a clinic (Uemura Chiropractic, n.d.).

How ESWT Differs from Weak Radial Devices or Massage Tools

Not all devices called “shockwave” are the same. Many cheap or home-use tools are radial pressure wave devices. They make waves that spread out wide but stay shallow. These are more like strong massages and don’t cause the deep healing ESWT does.

Real ESWT uses focused, high-energy acoustic waves. These waves aim at a specific spot deep in the body. They create microtrauma, which speeds up healing by initiating cell repair processes. Radial tools don’t do this; they just push on the skin and nearby areas.

• Depth of reach: ESWT goes 4–6 cm deep, or even up to 12–14 cm with some devices. Radial waves only go 3–4 cm.
• Energy type: ESWT has precise energy density measured in mJ/mm². This starts real healing. Radial waves are weaker and spread out.
• Healing effect: Focused waves rebuild cells and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. Radial ones might ease pain short-term but don’t fix the problem.
• Not the same as massage: Massage tools relax muscles on the surface. ESWT treats deep issues, such as tendon damage or bone problems.

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSW) is the type needed for high-energy recovery. It rebuilds cells better than radial pressure waves, which aren’t true shockwaves (Mayo Clinic, 2023). (HTX Urology, n.d.). Using the wrong device can be unsafe or not work, especially at home (ED Clinics, n.d.).

How Real Shockwave Therapy Works

ESWT sends sound waves through the skin using a handheld device. These waves are like tiny explosions of energy. They hit the hurt area and cause changes.

The waves make plasma bubbles that pop fast. This stretches and squeezes cells without hurting them much. It tells the body to fix itself by releasing healing signals. Blood flow increases, new vessels form, and cells grow.

• Microtrauma: Small damage starts the body’s repair mode.
• Reduced swelling: Waves help clear out extra fluid.
• Scar tissue breakdown: Hard, old tissue softens.
• Pain relief: Nerves get reset, so pain goes down.

Devices can be focused or radial, but focused is better for deep healing. Energy is set in mJ/mm² to match the problem. Treatments happen once a week for 3–6 sessions (UCHealth, n.d.). (Physis Rehab, n.d.).

For example, in tendonitis, waves stimulate collagen and growth factor production. This makes tendons stronger. In bones, it helps heal breaks or stress fractures (Moya, 2022).

Benefits of ESWT for Chronic Pain and Injuries

ESWT helps many conditions. It’s beneficial for people with pain that lasts months or years. It works best when other things don’t.

• Pain reduction: Many feel better right after, with full effects in weeks.
• Faster healing: Your body repairs more quickly, so you get back to activities sooner.
• No surgery needed: Avoids risks such as infection or a long recovery.
• Treats many issues: Like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles problems, back pain, and more.
• Breaks calcifications: Dissolves rigid deposits in the shoulders or heels.
• Improves blood flow: Helps tissues get nutrients and oxygen.

Success rates are high, around 60–91% for muscle and bone problems. It’s better than steroids long-term (Bell District Spine and Rehab, n.d.). (Spring Chiropractic, n.d.).

In studies, ESWT has been shown to help with tendinopathies and bone healing, with strong evidence (Moya, 2022). It’s also used for ED, but only focused types work well (Urology Times, 2020).

FDA Regulation and Safety

Real ESWT is regulated by the FDA. Approved devices are safe for certain uses, like plantar fasciitis. They are class 2 medical devices, meaning they need trials and oversight.

• FDA clearance: Ensures devices meet standards for energy and safety.
• Precise control: Energy in mJ/mm² is set to avoid harm.
• Not for home use: Cheap devices aren’t regulated and can cause problems.
• Few risks: Rare side effects like redness or swelling.

Only true shockwave systems, not radial ones, get this approval for deep treatments (Mayo Clinic, 2023). (Urology Times, 2020).

Integrating ESWT in Chiropractic Clinics

In an integrative chiropractic clinic, ESWT adds to standard care. Chiropractors fix alignment with adjustments. ESWT helps soft tissues heal. Together, they offer a strong non-surgical option.

• Structural and tissue fix: Adjustments align bones; ESWT repairs muscles and tendons.
• Chronic pain help: For back, neck, or joint pain.
• Faster recovery: Combines with laser or ultrasound for better results.
• Custom plans: Based on your needs.

Clinics use ESWT to speed healing and reduce pain. It’s non-invasive and fits holistic care (Go Holistiq, n.d.). (Thriving Life Wellness Center, n.d.). (KTSM, 2024).

For example, a class IV laser can treat deep pain without meds (Medray Laser, n.d.). Chiropractors add it to expand services (Evidence Based Chiropractor, 2023).

Clinical Observations from Dr. Alexander Jimenez

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, has over 30 years in chiropractic and functional medicine. He runs Injury Medical Clinic in Texas, focusing on non-invasive care for pain and injuries.

His work stresses holistic fixes without drugs or surgery. This matches ESWT, as it helps with chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Jimenez uses integrative methods for conditions like sciatica and sports injuries. He promotes posture, nutrition, and rehab to aid recovery.

Though his sites don’t detail ESWT, his approach aligns with it. He helps veterans and others with custom plans for long-term health (Jimenez, n.d.).

Conclusion

Real shockwave therapy, like ESWT, is a powerful tool for healing. It stands out from weaker devices by going deep and starting true repair. With FDA rules and clinic integration, it’s safe and effective. Talk to a doctor to see if it’s right for you.

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References

Bell District Spine and Rehab. (n.d.). How Shockwave Therapy Enhances Chiropractic Services. Retrieved from www.belldistrictspineandrehab.com/how-shockwave-therapy-enhances-chiropractic-services/

ED Clinics. (n.d.). Shockwave Therapy for ED at Home. Retrieved from edclinics.co.uk/advice/shockwave-therapy-for-ed-at-home/

Evidence Based Chiropractor. (2023). Thinking About Adding Shockwave to Your Practice?. Retrieved from www.facebook.com/TheEvidenceBasedChiropractor/videos/thinking-about-adding-shockwave-to-your-practice-watch-this-first/1511727629931733/

Go Holistiq. (n.d.). Chiropractic Treatment Shockwave Treatment. Retrieved from goholistiq.com/chiropractic-treatment-shockwave-treatment/

HTX Urology. (n.d.). Difference Between Focused Vs Radial Shockwave Therapy. Retrieved from www.htxurology.com/what-is-the-difference-between-focused-vs-radial-shockwave-therapy-for-erectile-dysfunction/

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Dr. Alexander Jimenez LinkedIn. Retrieved from www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/

KTSM. (2024). Shockwave Therapy Expands Chiropractic Care. Retrieved from www.ktsm.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/874477770/shockwave-therapy-expands-chiropractic-care-by-accelerating-relief-for-multiple-conditions

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Shockwave Treatment for Musculoskeletal Care. Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/news/shockwave-treatment-a-new-wave-for-musculoskeletal-care/mac-20590258

Medray Laser. (n.d.). Dual Laser Therapy. Retrieved from medraylaser.com/class-4-therapy-lasers/dual-laser-therapy/

Moya, D. (2022). Shockwave Therapy in Orthopedics. Retrieved from raaot.org.ar/index.php/AAOTMAG/article/download/1835/5581/

Physis Rehab. (n.d.). Shockwave Therapy Benefits. Retrieved from www.physisrehab.com/shockwave-therapy-benefits/

Spring Chiropractic. (n.d.). Shockwave Therapy. Retrieved from www.springchiropractic.com/shockwave-therapy/

Thriving Life Wellness Center. (n.d.). Shockwave Therapy Service. Retrieved from thrivinglifewellnesscenter.com/service/shockwave-therapy

UCHealth. (n.d.). Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Injuries. Retrieved from www.uchealth.org/today/shockwave-therapy-can-help-those-who-have-chronic-injuries/

Uemura Chiropractic. (n.d.). Understanding Shockwave Therapy. Retrieved from www.uemurachiropractic.com/understanding-shockwave-therapy-a-non-invasive-solution-for-chronic-pain/

Urology Times. (2020). Shock Wave Therapy for ED. Retrieved from www.urologytimes.com/view/shock-wave-therapy-ed-cure-or-unproven-treatment