Tennis elbow is a prevalent condition that impacts the outer portion of the elbow. It may caused by repetitive strain and overuse of the forearm muscles, which leads to pain and discomfort. For those suffering from this condition, shockwave therapy in Edmonton has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment option.
All About Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is known for pain and tenderness on the lateral aspect of the elbow, usually due to inflammation and micro-tears in the extensor tendons. Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Discomfort during activities involving wrist extension or gripping
- Swelling and stiffness in the elbow joint
Shockwave Therapy: An Overview
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a treatment that utilizes sound waves which stimulate healing and alleviate pain. The therapy involves applying high-energy shockwaves to the affected area, stimulating blood flow, cell regeneration, and collagen production.
Types of Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
- Radial Shockwave Therapy: Uses low-energy shockwaves that radiate outward from the device, addressing generalized pain by spreading energy over a larger area. It promotes tendon healing and alleviates discomfort through broader stimulation.
- Focused Shockwave Therapy: Delivers high-energy shockwaves in a concentrated manner to specific deep tissue areas. It targets localized tendon issues, such as a tear, by concentrating energy precisely on the damaged tissue, enhancing healing and addressing the root cause of pain.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT generates shockwaves outside the body and directs them towards the tendons. It is helpful for chronic tendinopathy when other treatments fail, as it penetrates deeper tissues to stimulate recovery.
- Pulsed Shockwave Therapy: Involves applying a series of pulsed shockwaves to the affected area. This technique provides repeated bursts of energy to stimulate healing and reduce intermittent pain in the tendons.
Mechanism of Action in Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Shockwave therapy is a treatment modality for tennis elbow, characterized by inflammation and pain in the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. The therapy operates through several fundamental mechanisms to alleviate symptoms and promote healing:
Improved Blood Flow
Shockwave treatment utilizes acoustic waves to enhance local blood circulation in the affected area. This increased blood flow is crucial for tennis elbow, as it helps in the following ways:
- Removal of Metabolic Waste Products: The therapy aids in flushing out metabolic byproducts and toxins that accumulate due to inflammation and injury. By clearing these waste products, shockwave therapy reduces pain and promotes a healthier tissue environment.
- Promotion of Essential Nutrients: Enhanced blood circulation delivers essential nutrients to the injured tendons, supporting healing. This improved nutrient supply accelerates recovery by facilitating cellular repair and reducing inflammation.
Tissue Repair and Regeneration
Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural repair mechanisms, contributing to the effective healing of the damaged tendons associated with tennis elbow:
- Collagen Synthesis: The acoustic waves promote collagen production, a vital protein in connective tissue. Increased collagen synthesis strengthens the tendons and supports their repair, crucial for reducing pain and restoring function.
- Cellular Repair Processes: Shockwave therapy activates cellular repair processes by stimulating the affected elbow tissues. This results in enhanced regeneration of the tendons, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall function.
Breaking Down Scar Tissue
Tennis elbow often leads to the formation of scar tissue or calcifications around the tendons due to chronic inflammation and injury. Shockwave therapy addresses these issues through:
- Scar Tissue Dissolution: The mechanical energy from shockwaves helps break down and dissolve scar tissue that may have developed in the tendons. This process reduces the stiffness and discomfort associated with scar formation.
- Improved Range of Motion and Function: Shockwave therapy enhances the elbow’s range of motion and function by breaking down scar tissue and calcifications. This improvement is essential for restoring normal movement and reducing pain during daily activities.
These mechanisms collectively contribute to adequate pain relief, enhanced healing, and improved function of the affected tendons.
Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow: Treatment Protocol
Consider shockwave therapy in Edmonton for effective management of tennis elbow. Here’s a streamlined protocol:
- Session Frequency and Duration
Typically involves 3 to 5 sessions, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the condition’s severity. Acute cases may need shorter sessions, while chronic conditions require full 20-minute sessions. Adjustments are made based on patient response and comfort. - Spacing Between Sessions
Usually, sessions are spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart to allow adequate healing time and prevent tissue overload. The interval may adjusted based on the patient’s progress and feedback. - Intensity Customization
The intensity of the shockwaves starts low and gradually increases. It is based on patient tolerance and response. The therapist adjusts the intensity to optimize therapeutic benefits while ensuring comfort. - Pre-Treatment Assessment and Planning
A comprehensive assessment evaluates pain levels, range of motion, and tender points. Based on this, the therapist sets the appropriate intensity and applies conductive gel to facilitate shockwave transmission. - Treatment Execution and Monitoring
The shockwave device emits high-energy acoustic waves to target tendons, creating mechanical stress to stimulate healing. The therapist monitors the patient’s response and adjusts treatment parameters to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Get Back In the Game: Shockwave Therapy Can Transform The Tennis Elbow Recovery
Turning Point Physical Therapy in Edmonton offers a non-invasive and effective approach for relieving pain and promoting tissue healing in tennis elbow. Combined with targeted physiotherapy techniques, it enhances recovery, reduces discomfort, and restores function. Contact a qualified physiotherapist for a personalized shockwave therapy treatment plan. If you have symptoms of tennis elbow, consider shockwave therapy in Edmonton today. Through ESWT shockwave therapy, our experienced physiotherapists will assess the condition and help you return pain-free to the activities.
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