Shockwave Therapy for Tendon & Soft Tissue Injuries in Brighton, MI
Shock Wave Therapy for Tendon & Soft Tissue Injuries
Tendon and soft tissue injuries — from tennis elbow to rotator cuff pain to Achilles tendinitis — are some of the most common conditions treated with SoundWave therapy at The Livingston Clinic. These injuries often become chronic because tendons, like other connective tissue, have relatively limited blood supply, making them slow to heal on their own even with rest.
Why Tendon Injuries Become Chronic
Tendons connect muscle to bone and absorb significant repetitive stress from everyday movement, work, and sports. When a tendon is overused or injured, small tears and inflammation develop, but because tendon tissue receives less blood flow than muscle, the healing process tends to stall rather than resolve on its own. This is why conditions like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and Achilles tendinitis so often linger for months despite rest, ice, or physical therapy.
Conditions Commonly Treated
SoundWave therapy is regularly used at our Brighton, MI office for a range of tendon and soft tissue conditions, including:
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Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
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Rotator cuff injuries
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Achilles tendinitis
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Knee tendonitis
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Myofascial pain syndromes and trigger points
How SoundWave Therapy Supports Healing
Acoustic pressure waves are delivered directly into the injured tissue at varying depths, compressing and manipulating the area to stimulate increased circulation and trigger the body's natural healing response. Rather than simply reducing pain temporarily, this approach is designed to address the underlying tissue damage that's kept the injury from healing on its own.
Preparing for and Recovering From Treatment
Steroid medications — including cortisone shots, prednisone, and Medrol dose packs — interfere with the body's ability to heal and should be avoided for at least 4 to 8 weeks before starting treatment, and for at least 6 weeks afterward. Each session takes about 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the injured area, and most patients tolerate the discomfort well. A full treatment plan typically involves 6 sessions over the course of about 4 to 5 weeks. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen should also be avoided following sessions, since they can blunt the healing response the treatment is designed to trigger.
FAQs About Shockwave Therapy for Tendon & Soft Tissue Injuries
Q1: Why do tendon injuries often take so long to heal compared to other injuries?
A: Tendons have relatively limited blood supply compared to muscle, which makes it harder for them to repair themselves naturally. This is a major reason conditions like tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis can linger for months.
Q2: Which tendon or soft tissue conditions does SoundWave therapy treat?
A: Common conditions include tennis and golfer's elbow, rotator cuff injuries, Achilles tendinitis, knee tendonitis, and myofascial pain syndromes with trigger points.
Q3: Do I need to avoid anything before starting treatment?
A: Yes — steroid medications like cortisone shots or prednisone should be avoided for at least 4 to 8 weeks before treatment and 6 weeks afterward, since they can interfere with the body's healing response.
Q4: How many sessions does it typically take to treat a tendon injury?
A: Most treatment plans involve 6 sessions, generally spaced over about 4 to 5 weeks.
Q5: Can I keep using the affected arm, elbow, or shoulder during treatment?
A: Generally yes, though high-impact or aggravating activities should be avoided during the treatment plan to give the tissue the best chance to heal.