Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Surgical Treatment for Sports Injuries and Chronic Pain
Experience lasting relief with non-invasive shockwave therapy. Dr. Prem Ramkumar, shockwave therapy specialist in Long Beach, proudly serves patients across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the greater Southern California region. Schedule your consultation today.
Shockwave Therapy: Surgery and Drug Alternative in Orthopedic Medicine
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used in orthopedic medicine to promote healing and reduce pain in musculoskeletal conditions. Also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), this procedure delivers high-energy sound waves to injured tissues, stimulating blood flow, collagen production, and cellular repair. Dr. Ramkumar uses a specialized device that generates acoustic waves. These sound waves penetrate deep into the tissues and create micro-traumas that stimulate the body’s own cellular repair and regeneration.
How does shockwave therapy (ESWT) work for tendon and muscle injuries?
In orthopedics, Dr. Prem Ramkumar uses shockwave therapy (ESWT) to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes in injured or painful musculoskeletal tissues. It works by delivering focused high-energy sound waves to areas of chronic pain or injury. The sound waves trigger a biological response in the body that signals the release of growth factors and other molecules that play a crucial role in tissue repair. The result is enhanced cellular activity which facilitates faster healing of damaged tissues.
What is shockwave therapy used for and what does it treat in orthopedics?
Dr. Ramkumar uses shockwave therapy to treat chronic conditions such as:
- Chronic Pain: Dr. Ramkumar uses Shockwave Therapy to help alleviate chronic pain and improve quality of life. How long the effects last are in question, but most patients report significant relief. Shockwave therapy may help chronic pain conditions such as:
- Knee Arthritis
- Hip Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Sports Injuries: Athletes often deal with injuries that require effective rehabilitation. Shockwave Therapy can assist in speeding up recovery and improving performance. It can also help enhance tissue healing and reducing the return-to-sport timeline. Dr. Ramkumar uses Shockwave therapy on professional and collegiate athletes for the following:
- Tendinopathy
- Muscle strains
- Chronic tendonitis:
- Patellar tendonitis
- Hip flexor tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Other Conditions treated with shockwave therapy:
- Joint pain:
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Targeted pain relief
- Joint mobility
- Ligament tears (MCL Sprains)
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Proximal hamstring tendon tears
- Overuse injuries
- Scar Tissue: For those who have experienced injuries or surgeries that resulted in scar tissue formation, Dr. Ramkumar uses Shockwave therapy to help break down and remodel scar tissue, leading to improved function and less discomfort.
- Joint pain:
Can shockwave therapy reduce pain and inflammation in the hip, knee or shoulder?
Absolutely! The soundwaves help break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation in the affected areas. Shockwave therapy targets the underlying causes of pain and can provide significant relief for individuals living with chronic pain.
Is Shockwave Therapy safe and non-Invasive?
Dr. Ramkumar uses shockwave therapy because it is a non-invasive, low risk treatment option. Unlike surgical interventions, there is no need for incisions or anesthesia, making the procedure safer with minimal risks. Most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after treatment. Dr. Ramkumar relies on Shockwave Therapy to avoid surgery on his highest performing athletes because he knows surgery is always “second best.”
What are the benefits of shockwave therapy for hip, knee or shoulder pain?
There are several benefits of shockwave therapy as an alternative to surgery. These include:
- Non-invasive pain relief: Shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical solution for chronic orthopedic pain, eliminating the need for incisions or anesthesia.
- Accelerated healing and tissue regeneration: ESWT stimulates the body’s natural repair mechanisms, promoting faster recovery in tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.
- Improved blood circulation: The therapy increases blood flow to the treated area, enhancing nutrient delivery and waste removal for optimal healing.
- Breaks down calcified deposits: Particularly effective for conditions like calcific tendinitis, shockwave therapy helps dissolve calcium buildup in soft tissues.
- Reduces inflammation and swelling: By targeting underlying tissue damage, ESWT helps decrease localized inflammation and chronic swelling.
- Enhances mobility and function: Dr. Ramkumar’s patients often experience improved joint and muscle function, restoring range of motion and daily activity levels.
- Minimal downtime and quick sessions: Most treatments are completed in under 30 minutes, with little to no recovery time needed.
- Safe and well-tolerated: Shockwave therapy has a strong safety profile and is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.
- Effective alternative to surgery or medication: Patients who do not want to be treated with drugs, either prescription or over-the-counter find ESWT to be an effective alternative.
- Clinically proven results – Backed by research, ESWT is widely used by orthopedic specialists for treating chronic conditions resistant to conventional therapies.
What to expect during shockwave therapy treatment in orthopedics:
During the actual therapy, you’ll lie comfortably while the device is applied to the targeted area. The treatment typically lasts between 15-30 minutes, depending on the specific condition being treated. Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle tapping or vibration. Dr. Ramkumar or one of his trained teammates will perform the treatment.
How much does shockwave therapy cost in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding Southern California areas?
Shockwave therapy is sold as a package of four sessions, with each session lasting 15 minutes and spaced 1-2 weeks apart.
The package cost is $1,750, as most insurance plans do not cover this treatment regimen.
Will my insurance pay for Shockwave Therapy?
No, insurances do not currently pay for shockwave therapy sessions.
What does science say about Shockwave Therapy?
Review these studies discussing the impact of ESWT/Shockwave Therapy on musculoskeletal conditions:
Tendonitis:
Knee Arthritis:
The efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for knee osteoarthritis : an umbrella review
Meniscus Tears:
A Rodent Study
