Benefits of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Runners
If you’re experiencing acute or chronic muscle pain from running or other sports, it might be time to try Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)! ESWT is a noninvasive treatment used to promote healing and reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy uses shock waves to target muscles and stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These shock waves compress and manipulate targeted soft tissues at various depths, resulting in a focused, precise, deep tissue regeneration.
Oregon Running Clinic uses the latest technology advancements in muscle recovery from ELvation Medical. This state-of-the-art system only targets impaired tissue and does not react with normal tissue, making it highly efficient.
Treatment typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes and occurs during a regular physical therapy session. Many patients experience successful tissue recovery after just 3-5 visits on average.
What condition is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy good for?
This shockwave therapy can be used for a variety of acute and chronic muscle pains, including in the:
• Upper extremities
• Cervical spine
• Shoulder girdle
• Thoracic spine and lumbar spine
• Hip area
• Lower extremities
• Myofascial pain
But runners, of course, are most likely to use it for the hips, glutes, knees (patella tendon), quads, hamstrings, achilles tendon, plantar fascia, and muscles along the tibia.
One interesting truth about muscular skeletal dysfunction is that you need to discover the originating source of that dysfunction. ESWT therapy can be used at different pressure points to alleviate the specific soreness a patient is experiencing, as well other muscular issues that may be causing it.
For example, if you have plantar fascia issues, the therapy will be applied to the bottom of the foot. But additionally, the Achilles tendon also includes some fibers of plantar fascia which surround the calcaneus, so the tendon should also be treated. Plus, those with plantar fasciitis may be sitting more frequently, so therapy could be helpful at targeting trigger points at the hamstring, gluteal, and lumbar spine.
Why should runners get Shockwave Therapy
If you’re a runner experiencing muscle soreness, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a great way to pinpoint those muscles and not only temporarily relieve discomfort, but also aid in long-term healing. A variety of studies have found that shockwave therapy, paired with physical therapy, is very effective at healing injuries and reducing risk of future injury.
If you’re interested in Shockwave therapy, or want to know if it’s right for you, contact Oregon Running Clinic today!