SoundWave Therapy in Brighton, Michigan
WHAT IS SOUNDWAVE THERAPY?
SoundWave therapy, also known as Acoustic (sound) Shockwave therapy, is a fast and effective non-surgical treatment for acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. A shock wave is a strong pressure wave that can be produced by supersonic aircraft, lightning, explosions, or other natural phenomena that create rapid changes in pressure. Acoustic Soundwave Therapy been used in medicine to treat kidney stones for several decades. In the early 1980’s, use of sound wave therapy to treat non-healing bone fractures was discovered. The tissue and cellular effects were becoming more well defined and it became clear that sound wave therapy could be used to stimulate healing and regeneration of bone, tendon, ligament and many other tissues.
In recent years, the use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in medicine has been well documented in peer reviewed journals many times. Success in treating orthopedic disorders has been well documented in countless studies.
HOW DOES SOUNDWAVE THERAPY WORK?
SoundWave Therapy uses sound waves to target injuries at varying depths to compress and manipulate the tissue. The results of this stimulus can lead to increased circulation and pain relief – key components in the healing process.
WHAT CONDITIONS DOES SOUNDWAVE THERAPY TREAT?
SoundWave can be used to treat orthopedic conditions such as tennis and golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, knee tendonitis, myofascial pain syndromes and trigger points.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
Steroids hinder your body’s ability to heal. Cortisone shots, prednisone, and Medrol dose packs should be avoided for a minimum of 4 weeks (better if 8 weeks) prior to treatment and for at least 6 weeks afterwards.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY SOUNDWAVE APPOINTMENT?
Each treatment session will take approximately 10-20 minutes depending on the size of the injured region. During this time 2000 to 3000 pulse waves are delivered into the tissue being treated. There is typically some discomfort during the session, however, most patients are able to tolerate the treatments very well.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOLLOWING A SOUNDWAVE SESSION?
Most patients will experience immediate relief of pain following the treatment. Within 2-4 hours after the session, some people experience soreness or achiness in the area. The soreness has been reported as being very tolerable and typically lasts a few hours to a couple of days. This reaction is a positive sign that the healing response has begun and it gradually decreases as healing and tissue repair occurs. Again, it is important that ice, steroid medications, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin be avoided following SoundWave treatments. These medications may block the intended effects of the healing process. Tylenol can be taken for discomfort if absolutely necessary. You will be permitted to resume normal day-to-day activities and light exercise following the procedure. We suggest avoiding strenuous lifting, high impact, and activities that are known exacerbators for the duration of your SoundWave treatment plan. For most cases, 6 sessions are required, we recommended 2 sessions the first week followed by one session per week for 4 weeks.
After the SoundWave therapy has been administered, the same area will also receive LLLT (low level LED therapy) with the LZR Ultrabright.
WHAT IS THE COST OF ACOUSTIC SOUNDWAVE THERAPY?
A single SoundWave Therapy session is $80 and a series of six may be purchased for $426. To achieve the best results, we recommend 2 sessions the first week followed by one session per week for 4 weeks. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover SoundWave Therapy at this time, however in most cases you can apply funds from your HSA towards this service.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF SOUNDWAVE THERAPY?
The worldwide reported rate of clinical success with SoundWave therapy is between 77%-80%. Our expectations for our patients’ successful results are in line with these parameters. For those who do not respond favorably to the treatment, other modes of therapy and treatment will be considered and proper referrals will be made to the appropriate specialists.
To learn more about SoundWave Therapy,
please contact our office and schedule your appointment today.