Knee pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting uncomfortable. If you’re tired of relying on painkillers or dreading the idea of surgery, shockwave therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Corrective Health, we offer this cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment to help patients find relief and get back to living pain-free. But what exactly is shockwave therapy, and could it work for your knee pain? Let’s dive into the science, benefits, and what you can expect, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s a non-invasive treatment that delivers targeted energy pulses to areas of pain or injury, promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. Originally developed for kidney stones, shockwave therapy is now widely used for musculoskeletal conditions like knee pain, tendonitis, and more.
For knee pain, shockwave therapy targets issues like osteoarthritis, patellar tendonitis, or meniscus injuries, offering a drug-free alternative to surgery or injections.
How Shockwave Therapy Helps Knee Pain
Knee pain often stems from inflammation, degeneration, or overuse injuries. Shockwave therapy addresses these issues by:
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Stimulating Healing: The acoustic waves trigger the body’s natural repair processes, increasing collagen production and tissue regeneration, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
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Reducing Inflammation: Shockwaves decrease inflammatory markers, easing swelling and pain in the knee joint, per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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Improving Blood Flow: Enhanced circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, accelerating recovery.
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Breaking Down Scar Tissue: Shockwaves can dissolve calcifications or fibrotic tissue, improving mobility, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
These effects make shockwave therapy effective for conditions like:
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Osteoarthritis of the knee
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Patellar tendonitis (“jumper’s knee”)
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Meniscus tears
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Chronic knee pain from overuse or injury
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Knee Pain
At Corrective Health, we’ve seen patients experience remarkable results with shockwave therapy. Here are the key benefits, backed by research:
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Non-Invasive: No incisions or anesthesia, unlike surgery, reducing risks and recovery time.
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Drug-Free: Avoids the side effects of long-term pain medication use, as highlighted by the Arthritis Foundation.
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Quick Sessions: Treatments last 15-30 minutes, with minimal discomfort, per the University of Michigan Health.
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Fast Results: Many patients notice pain relief and improved mobility after 3-6 sessions, though results vary.
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Long-Lasting Relief: By addressing the root cause, shockwave therapy can provide sustained benefits, unlike temporary fixes.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is ideal for patients who:
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Have chronic knee pain that hasn’t responded to rest, physical therapy, or medications.
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Want to avoid or delay knee surgery or injections.
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Are dealing with conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or meniscus issues.
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Prefer non-invasive, natural treatments.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Conditions like active infections, blood clotting disorders, or pregnancy may require alternative treatments, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. Our team at Corrective Health will assess your condition to determine if shockwave therapy is a good fit.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Corrective Health, your shockwave therapy journey begins with a thorough evaluation to confirm it’s appropriate for your knee pain. Here’s what happens during treatment:
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Preparation: A gel is applied to your knee to help the shockwaves penetrate effectively.
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Treatment: A handheld device delivers acoustic waves to the affected area. You may feel mild discomfort, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
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Duration: Sessions last 15-30 minutes, typically scheduled 1-2 times per week for 3-6 weeks.
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Aftercare: Most patients resume normal activities immediately, with minimal soreness.
We often combine shockwave therapy with chiropractic care, functional nutrition, near infrared therapy, PEMF, nerve stimulation, knee traction therapy and rehab exercises to optimize results, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of your knee pain.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Knees
Don’t let knee pain hold you back from the activities you love. Shockwave therapy at Corrective Health offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to find relief and restore mobility. Schedule a consultation today to see if this innovative treatment is right for you.
Book Your Appointment Now and take the first step toward healthier, happier knees!
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Arthritis Foundation, University of Michigan Health