How to use your new shockwave therapy machine

Video link

https://youtu.be/00eZRneJicM?si=FE-vG5pcLncZsEOD

The vjdeo above talks about how to use shockwave therapy for MSK pain and various injuries. Shockwave is probably the second best ‘passive’ treatment modality aside from PEMF for treating complex pain and injuries.

A brief overview on shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy has been shown to provide substantial pain relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy. SW also has a wide range of other treatment applications , including but not limited to chronic heel pain, tennis elbow, patellar tendinopathy, and non-healing fractures. Its broad applicable and easy to use

Mechanisms

The efficacy of shockwave therapy lies in its ability to influence biological processes at the cellular level just like red light and PEMF.

Shockwave therapy exerts mechanical forces on tissues, which are then converted into biochemical signals. This process, known as mechanotransduction, stimulates cellular responses that promote healing. For instance, it can activate fibroblasts and osteoblasts, cells responsible for tissue repair and bone formation, respectively.

Another key therapeutic effect of shockwave therapy is the promotion of neovascularization, or the formation of new blood vessels. This increased blood flow enhances the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, facilitating tissue repair and reducing inflammation.

SW also reduces Substance P, which is a neuropeptide associated with pain transmission and inflammation.

SW has also boost the production of collagen. Collagen is a crucial protein in the extracellular matrix that provides structural support to tissues. Shockwave therapy stimulates it, which helps in the repair and strengthening of tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues.

In conditions like calcific tendinitis, calcium deposits can accumulate in tendons, causing pain and reduced mobility. Shockwave therapy can break down these calcium deposits, facilitating their resorption. Shockwave therapy can also ameliorate scar tissue. It can be used directly on surgical wounds (wait a month or so after surgery before applying it) and old injuried areas where scar tissue may have accumulated

Emerging research also suggests that shockwave therapy may stimulate the activity of mesenchymal stem cells, which play a role in tissue regeneration.

My favorite shockwave device

Nulatool Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Machine,Shockwave Deep Muscle Massager for E-D Pain Relief Muscle Relaxed https://a.co/d/a2KajFM

Ultrasound gel

Ultrasound Gel for Medical Imaging, TENS Units & Baby Dopplers, 8.45 fl oz - Non-Greasy, Unscented, Hypoallergenic - Medical Grade Therapy - 2 Bottles, 8.45 fl oz / 250mL

Contraindications

while shockwave therapy generally doesn’t have any side effects, there are areas of the body you’ll want to avoid using it on to avoid the risk of damage or insult to sensitive tissues like major arteries, lungs and other areas of

Shockwave should NOT be used on these areas bellow unless it’s being performed by a skilled practioner or medical provider. While the risk of complication is still low, these areas are is ill advised.

1. The neck or anywhere on the head/face (upper traps is fine)

2. The thorax or near the lungs (shoulder and upper clavicular area is generally fine)

3. The stomach/abdomen (directly on hip flexors or gluteus is fine

4. Near the scrotum (shockwave therapy is often used to treat erectile dysfunction and prostate issue, and is generally considered safe to use on organs like the the penis and prostate for this application)