Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
The treatment is uncomfortable rather than painful for most patients. The level of sensation depends on where we are treating, how chronically inflamed the tissue is, and your individual pain threshold. Most patients describe it as a deep tapping or pulsing that is intense at times but manageable. Highly inflamed tissue is more sensitive than tissue in a sub-acute or chronic state.
What You Will Feel During Treatment
The StemWave device delivers focused acoustic pressure waves through a coupling gel applied to the skin. You feel the acoustic pulses rather than electrical current. In the early seconds over a particularly active area, the intensity can feel sharp. Dr. Muren starts at lower energy settings and increases gradually based on your response and the specific tissue being treated. He communicates throughout the session and adjusts pressure accordingly.
Calcaneal plantar fasciitis insertions tend to be more sensitive than midportion tendinopathy. The lateral hip is generally well-tolerated. Elbow tendon insertions are moderately uncomfortable in the first treatment and usually less so by the second or third session as the tissue begins to respond.
After the Session
Soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after a session is normal and expected. We tell patients not to take anti-inflammatories in the 48 hours following treatment because the inflammatory response that shockwave initiates is the mechanism driving the repair. Suppressing it with NSAIDs works against the treatment. Ice is fine. Heavy loading of the treated structure should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours.
Tolerability Improves
The first session is typically the most uncomfortable. As the tissue begins to repair and the sensitivity decreases, subsequent sessions are usually more tolerable at the same or higher energy settings. Most patients who find the first session difficult describe the third or fourth as significantly easier. Call (904) 539-3352 if you have questions before booking. 13770 Beach Blvd #4, Jacksonville FL 32224.