WestHills Chiropractic - Chiropractic

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take??

Typically the active treatment is about 5 minutes per area that we are treating, with additional assessment time and treatment - visits are approximately 15 minutes. /Most conditions require multiple treatments spaced several days apart to allow your body to do its natural healing in between sessions.

Is it effective, can it help me??

Yes. The evidence overwhelming supports Shockwave Therapy as a breakthrough technology that is often the best choice for certain conditions that do not respond well to other forms of treatment.

Shockwave therapy works without the use of drugs to stimulate your body's natural healing process. There is an immediate reduction of pain and improved ease of movement.

Is it safe??

Yes. All studies show that Shockwave Therapy when used for the appropirate conditions has no negative health effects.

Does it hurt??

If your treatment is on a "fleshy" area, you are not likely to feel any discomfort at all. Treatment on "boney" regions tend to be more sensative. Your first treatment might be slightly uncomfortable but most patients find it tolorable. As your body heals, you will find each successive treatment easier.

If you are especially sensative, adjustments on the equipment can decrease the discomfort you feel.

How does it work??

A small metal ball (projectile) is accelerated inside the handpiece using electomagnetic propulsion until it impacts the stop plate. This collision creates a mechanical pressure wave. The wave of energy is transferred to the applicator head which then sends that energy through your body.

The process is often loud, but rest assured that is normal. The sound you hear is nothing more than the sound generated when the projectile impacts the stop plate in the handpiece.

COMMONLY TREATED CONDITIONS:

Plantar Fascitis:

Radial Shockwave is a safe, effective and easy treatment ofr patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Researchers recommend considering Shockwave Therapy for every patient with chronic plantar fasciitis, who hasn't responded to convential treatment. It improves pain, function and quality of life and it strongly recommended for patient with therapy-reistant plantar heel pain. One research article found that 3 sessions of shockwave treatment was equally effective as 10 sessions of convential physical therapy, providing faster immediate pain relief.

Tendinopathy:

A study on achilles tendinopathy showed improvement in over 75% of tendons treated with shockwave therapy a year after conclusion of treatment. There is other research that shows similar results with hamstring and patellar tendiopathy as well.

Rotator Cuff / Shoulder Pain:

Shockwave thearpy applied to patient with shoulder lesions of the rotator cuff resulted in pain relief, increase range of motion and increase in the muscluar strength. These changes were often maintained at 3, 6 and 12 month follow ups.

Epicondylitis - Tennis and Golfer's Elbow

Significant improvement of pain, function and strength with shockwave therapy. Over 85% of patients with chronic, long term symptoms were satisfied with the treatment.

Hip - Bursitis and TFL/IT Band Injuries

With the thickness and location of the TFL/IT Band, it is an area that has responded poorly to conservative treatment, while at the same time created a lot of problems and pain, especially in active individuals. Shockwave Therapy is able to create energy with its impulses to create positive change in this structure.

The tighter the TFL/IT Band, the more strain in placed across the bursa, creating it to inflame leading to significant amounts of pain and limited activity. Shockwave reduces the tension in the overlying structure, improves circulation and reduces inflammation. Getting to the source of the problem, we see long term results with this cutting edge therapy.

Knee Pain - Runner's Knee / Patellar Tracking

We have seen an increased number of paitent presenting with knee pain over the last few years.

Advantages of Shockwave Therapy

Reduced Inflammation
Decreases Pain
Improved Circulation
Promotes Tissue Regeneratioin
Improved Healing
Effective for Chronic Conditions

Common Treated Conditions:

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, in particular, those involving areas where major connective tissue attaches to bone.

FOOT - Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs & Achilles Tendonitis

KNEE - Patellar Tendonitis, Jumper's Knee and Shin Splints

SHOULDER - Rotator Cuff Tendonitis & Calfication

HIP - Trochanteric Bursitis

MUSCLES - Various trigger points through the body and muscle tension

NEVRES - Morton's Neuroma

OSTEOARTHRITIS - Knees - both pre and post replacement