Curious about Shock Wave?

Who is interested in ESWT Shock Wave Therapy?

Anyone with a biomechanical problem that has either failed to heal, or healed partially, or has continued to be a problem despite other interventions. In some cases, Shock Wave Therapy can take a problem “the last 9 yards” and relieve pain and improve chronically challenged function dramatically. Shock wave could apply to large or small issues, such as a partially Frozen Shoulder. Conditions such as joint-specific osteoarthritis (a low back joint, for example, that “specifically acts up” can be targeted with ESWT and show significant improvement or even full resolution.

What is Shock Wave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic shock waves to promote healing in musculoskeletal conditions. The shock wave stimulate the body’s natural healing response, including the activation of endogenous stem cells. Among the processes that are activated, Stem Cells help regenerate the tissue to original status, something very few other processes, if any, can reliably do.  Regenerative Medicine therapies support the body in repairing , regeneratiing and restoring itself to a state of well-being, like-new. ESWT is commonly used when conservative treatments, like physical therapy or medications, have failed and is valued for its ability to reduce pain and enhance healing without surgery.

How do we do Shock Wave Therapy?

With established patients – after we have a solid diagnosis – the doctor will discuss whether ESWT Shock Wave can be useful. We use a specialized machine to deliver acoustic shock waves deep into the tissue. The shock waves stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration by creating very specific, small microtrauma in the affected area. The body then does the rest, naturally.

What is a Shock Wave Treatment Like?

With established patients, we schedule an ESWT-specific session where all we are going to do that day is Shock Wave. After going over the details, we will map the area and deliver a few test waves. With your approval, we will deliver 6-10 minutes of treatment which we can adjust to your comfort. With perhaps 90-95% success rate, patients often experience dramatic rapid or immediate return of range of motion and decrease of pain. WIth most of our patients this is lasting and real healing. We have a couple of reviews in this prior blog.

How Much is ESWT and Will Insurance Pay?

No to the insurance idea. The therapy is still considered “experimental” even though shock waves have been around for over 12 years and are being used by NFL teams like the Washington Commanders. Some clinics charge a lot for Shock Wave and this is because their marketing and promotion costs them a lot. At Blue Heron Chiropractic, an individual shock wave treatment actually costs the same amount as a regular treatment. We are typically going to do a series of at least 4 treatments on one specific area over 4 months to get the best results – more if you need more. If you are not an established patient, you will need a full chiropractic intake visit (Approximately $150) to determine if ESWT is going to be right for you. After that, you might have to budget $300 to get through the four treatments, but patients describe this as well worth it.  There’s no commitment, add or subtract sessions at will.  If you are already an established patient, the exam costs are probably lower.

Any Testimonials for ESWT?

Here is one, a 56 year old facilities contractor who likes to ski and play disc golf:
TV: “I came in today with a painful frozen shoulder and now I can play disc golf again, can I go out today? Right now?” – TV  (Your results may be slightly different, but this is a lot of what we hear). Here’s a great video about the treatment. It’s got some Australian Clinic self-promotion here, but be advised, Doctor Sibilla does not have an Australian Accent. The Therapy still applies. We have more on a prior blog here and on our ESWT page.

Can everybody get Shock Wave Therapy?

No treatment works for everything, and Shock Wave won’t be right for everybody. New, “Acute”, flared-up and highly inflamed conditions won’t be moved positively enough by Shock Waves and could be uncomfortable.  For example, we are not going to provide ESWT in a new Car Accident Injury. However, if you can firmly “tap” on your chronic joint or problem area without cringing away, you might be a candidate.  Of course, there are some contraindications that we review before offering the treatment. Doctor Sibilla is a Chiropractic Orthopedist and is going to provide a full chiropractic-medical diagnosis and tell you what’s possible. If ESWT is not right for you we also have many other treatment plans.

Where and How can I get this Shock Wave Therapy?

Call the clinic and when asked if you want Chiropractic, tell them yes, what kind of treatment you are looking for, and tell them you want to get Shock Wave Therapy. You have to be a Chiropractic patient to get this from us. We can deliver this therapy at both of our clinic locations, 1934 NE Broadway in NE Portland and 5118 SE Powell Blvd in SE Portland.   Fill out a treatment inquiry on this website, or give us a call today.

Like our Blog?

Want some more chiropractic reading? See our most recent post about diagnostic X-rays, the prior about our new location on SE Powell, or try our earlier one for more on on Radial ESWT Shock Wave Therapy. Remember also that you can always search the site for prior helpful material – use the search tab at the top.

Blue Heron Chiroractic at 1934 NE Broadway now has a second location in SE Portland at 5118 SE Powell, Suite B, inside Accurate Injury Care and Wellness. Both locations can be scheduled from our same phone number or this website. Click here for an appointment!