by Maitri Patel, Physiotherapist
Shoulder pain can be a debilitating issue that affects your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks, such as lifting objects, getting dressed, or brushing your hair. With a variety of causes, including rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, and arthritis, finding the right treatment is crucial to getting back to normal daily activities. One effective option is shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment designed to address pain and inflammation in the shoulder. This blog will explore how shockwave therapy can help alleviate shoulder pain, what to expect from treatment, and lifestyle changes that can further support your recovery.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can result from a wide range of causes, often stemming from injuries or degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, or bones in the shoulder joint. Several joints work in harmony with tendons and muscles to give the shoulder a wide range of motion. When one of these parts is affected, the ability to move is inhibited, leading to pain and discomfort.
The rotator cuff, for example, is made up of four muscles, and sometimes these muscles get irritated or damaged. This can make it very difficult to perform simple day-to-day tasks such as brushing your hair, lifting objects, or even getting dressed.
Some common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Injuries or tears to the rotator cuff are a frequent cause of pain and discomfort, often leading to weakness and limited mobility.
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Characterized by stiffness and pain, this condition restricts movement and worsens over time.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint, can cause pain, particularly during movements like lifting or rotating the arm.
- Tendinitis: Repetitive movements can inflame the tendons, leading to pain and tenderness, especially in athletes or those who engage in overhead activities.
- Arthritis: Inflammation of the shoulder joints, particularly due to osteoarthritis, results in pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Understanding the specific cause of your shoulder pain is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach, and this is where shockwave therapy can play a key role.
How Shockwave Therapy Addresses Shoulder Pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses “acoustic” waves to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving tendons and muscles. It works by delivering high-energy waves to the affected area, which creates a microtrauma that stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Shockwave therapy has proven to be a cost and time-effective treatment for shoulder pain, offering many benefits:
- Promotes the Release of Natural Metabolites: Shockwave therapy stimulates the release of substances that help reduce pain and inflammation, breaking down calcium deposits and aiding tissue recovery.
- Improves and Stimulates Blood Flow: By enhancing circulation, shockwave therapy ensures that damaged tissues receive essential oxygen and nutrients, speeding up the healing process and removing waste products.
- Reduces Muscle Spasticity: The treatment helps relax tight muscles by disrupting abnormal signals, improving flexibility and restoring normal movement in the shoulder.
- Reduces Pain by Activating the Pain-Gate Mechanism: Shockwave therapy stimulates nerves that block pain signals, providing immediate relief while addressing the underlying causes of pain for long-term benefits.
Through these mechanisms, shockwave therapy effectively addresses both the symptoms and root causes of shoulder pain, making it a highly effective treatment for conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injuries.
How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Are Needed for Shoulder Pain?
The number of shockwave therapy sessions required for shoulder pain relief can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the individual’s response to treatment, and the underlying cause of the pain. In most cases, people begin to notice improvements after just a few sessions.
On average, 4 to 8 sessions spaced over several weeks are commonly recommended to achieve optimal results. Each application lasts around 5 to 15 minutes and involves applying shockwaves to the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. As the treatment progresses, many people experience significant pain reduction and improved mobility.
For chronic shoulder pain conditions such as rotator cuff injuries or tendinitis, a longer course of treatment may be required. Your healthcare provider will assess your progress and adjust the number of sessions based on your individual needs.
Shockwave Therapy Sessions for Shoulder Pain: What to Expect
When you attend a shockwave therapy session for shoulder pain, the process is typically straightforward and non-invasive. Here’s what you can expect during a typical session:
- Initial Consultation: Your therapist will begin by assessing your shoulder pain, discussing your symptoms, medical history, and the cause of your discomfort. This assessment helps the therapist determine the exact area to target with shockwave therapy.
- Preparation: The area around your shoulder will be cleaned, and a conductive gel will be applied to your skin. This gel ensures that the shockwaves penetrate the tissue effectively and that the device moves smoothly over the treatment area.
- Application of Shockwaves: The therapist will use a handheld device to deliver high-energy sound waves directly to the affected area. You may feel a tapping or pulsating sensation as the shockwaves are applied, but it should not be overly painful. The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted based on your comfort level.
- Duration: Each appointment usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the severity of your condition.
- Post-Treatment Sensation: After the session, some people may experience mild soreness or discomfort, similar to what you might feel after a deep tissue massage. This is typically short-lived, and most people are able to resume normal activities immediately following treatment.
Shockwave therapy for shoulder pain is an efficient treatment with minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for those looking to relieve pain without invasive procedures.
Is Shockwave Therapy for the Shoulder Safe?
Shockwave therapy is considered a safe and non-invasive treatment option for shoulder pain. It is widely used in physiotherapy and sports medicine for its ability to promote tissue regeneration and reduce pain without the need for surgery or medication. Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area, which increases blood flow, stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, and breaks down scar tissue or calcifications that may be contributing to the pain.
While shockwave therapy is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects such as temporary redness, swelling, or discomfort at the treatment site. These effects are typically short-lived and resolve within a few hours to a few days. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific condition, especially if you have any underlying health concerns.
Managing Shoulder Pain: Recommended Lifestyle Changes
In addition to receiving shockwave therapy, adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly enhance your recovery and help prevent future shoulder pain. These changes complement your treatment by reducing strain on the shoulder joint and promoting long-term health.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling can help maintain shoulder mobility and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Exercises that target shoulder flexibility, such as stretches and range-of-motion exercises, can also aid in pain management. Be sure to work with your healthcare provider or physiotherapist to avoid over-exertion and ensure proper technique.
- Posture Correction: Poor posture, particularly when sitting or working at a desk, can exacerbate shoulder pain. Make a conscious effort to maintain good posture throughout the day. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid hunching forward or slouching. Using an ergonomic chair and adjusting your workstation to promote better posture can also reduce strain on the shoulder.
- Healthy Weight Management: Carrying excess weight can put additional stress on your shoulder joints, especially if you’re dealing with inflammation or injuries. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce this strain, making it easier for your body to heal and prevent further injury.
- Proper Lifting Techniques: If your shoulder pain is related to physical activity or heavy lifting, learning proper lifting techniques is crucial. Always lift with your legs rather than your back or shoulders, and avoid lifting heavy objects above shoulder height. Taking breaks during physical activity can also prevent overuse of the shoulder muscles.
- Stretching and Strengthening: Regularly incorporating shoulder stretches and strengthening exercises into your routine can help keep your shoulder muscles strong and flexible. Simple stretches, such as the shoulder roll and arm-cross stretch, can alleviate tension and maintain mobility. Resistance training with light weights or bands can help strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder joint.
By incorporating these lifestyle changes into your daily routine, you can enhance the effectiveness of shockwave therapy and support the long-term health of your shoulders.
Improved Mobility, Improved Quality of Life
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, don’t let it hold you back from enjoying life. Shockwave therapy offers an effective, non-invasive solution to relieve pain and promote long-term healing.
At Scarborough Village Physio & Chiro, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you recover and regain full function. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward pain relief and restored mobility. Let us guide you on your path to a pain-free shoulder!
