Shockwave therapy treatment for neck pain
Millions of people around the world experience neck pain daily, from acute to chronic presentation. If traditional treatments, like pain medications and physical therapy, haven’t provided the relief you’re looking for, it might be time to consider an alternative, like shockwave therapy.
This innovative treatment is gaining popularity among patients and allied health practitioners alike– and for good reason. In this article, we’ve taken a closer look at what shockwave therapy looks like, its potential benefits when used to treat neck pain, and what you can expect during a session.
The knowledgeable team at The Whole Body Clinic has ample experience in treating neck pain with various treatment methods, including shockwave therapy. Contact us for more information or to determine if you’re a candidate for this type of treatment.
What is shockwave therapy?
Also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), this is a non-invasive treatment that utilises high-energy acoustic waves in an effort to stimulate natural healing processes in injured soft tissue (which have either not been triggered or have paused). These low-intensity soundwaves pass through the skin and into the affected tissue, which creates a microtrauma that aims to trigger the body’s natural healing response.
After originally being developed to treat kidney stones, shockwave therapy has been adapted for use in treating various musculoskeletal conditions– including chronic neck pain.
Understanding neck pain
Neck pain may be described as being either acute (occurring suddenly and healing within several days to weeks) or chronic (pain that persists for more than three months). Shockwave therapy is not generally used to treat acute neck pain, so we’re focusing primarily on chronic.
Chronic neck pain may be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Poor posture
- Injuries (such as whiplash, an accident, or sports-related injury)
- Underlying medical conditions (such as arthritis or a herniated disc)
While symptoms may vary, many people experience stiffness and limited range of motion, muscle tension and spasms, headaches, and numbness or tingling in the arms or hands.
How may shockwave therapy address neck pain?
Shockwave therapy aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. When focused on the neck and upper back, it may:
- Stimulate collagen production A crucial protein for maintaining strength and flexibility in connective tissues, a boost in collagen may help to repair and strengthen damaged tissues in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Increase blood flow By stimulating the formation of new blood vessels in the affected area, shockwave therapy may improve circulation (which may promote faster healing and reduce pain).
- Release trigger points It may help break up knots in trigger points, potentially providing relief from tension and discomfort (if neck pain is muscle-related).
- Reduce inflammation Inflammation is often a contributor to pain and stiffness; shockwave therapy may help to reduce inflammation in the affected area.
- Block pain signals This therapy may interrupt pain signals being sent to the brain, which may provide immediate relief for some patients.
There are many potential benefits to pursuing shockwave therapy as a treatment for chronic neck pain, including a faster recovery time (sessions are relatively quick and painless) and longer-lasting results (up to a year or even longer in some cases).
What to expect in a shockwave therapy session
Many people wonder what the treatment process is like. Here’s how it’s done at The Whole Body Clinic:
- Initial consultation One of our osteopaths will assess your condition and determine if shockwave therapy is a potential option. You may be asked to make another appointment or they may be able to treat you on the spot.
- Preparation The affected area will be covered with a gel, which helps to conduct the sound waves through the skin.
- Application Your osteopath will use a handheld device to administer the shockwaves to the affected area. They will move the device in a circular motion over the skin.
- Post-treatment There is usually no recovery time required and you will typically be able to return to your normal activities.
How long does a session last?
Each session will typically take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and your specific condition.
How many sessions will I need?
The number and frequency of sessions will depend on the severity of your condition and response to treatment. Most patients, however, require three to five sessions spaced one to two weeks apart. You will also have a follow-up assessment after completing treatment.
Shockwave therapy – it isn’t a pain in the neck
If you’re struggling with neck pain and are looking for alternative treatments, shockwave therapy may be the answer. This non-invasive treatment has been shown to offer many potential benefits for chronic pain sufferers and may do the same for you.
Make an appointment with the experienced team at The Whole Body Clinic in Mount Gravatt or Browns Plains today to discuss the particulars of your neck pain and learn more about the relief that shockwave therapy may offer.
