Shockwave therapy (extracorporeal shock wave therapy) has emerged in recent years as an incredibly effective treatment option for patients struggling with lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow (Resource: Hopkins Medicine). This non-invasive therapy uses powerful sound waves to treat chronic elbow pain and tendon damage, providing rapid and lasting pain relief. Read on to learn how tennis elbow shockwave therapy can get you back to pain-free activity.
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful overuse injury of the muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow and forearm. It is commonly caused by repetitive gripping motions involving wrist extension and supination, as seen in tennis swings, but also jobs and hobbies like painting, raking, and lifting. This repetitive stress leads to microtearing of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle, resulting in inflammation, weakening, and pain.
The predominant symptom is pain at the lateral epicondyle made worse by gripping activities. In addition to pain, there is often tenderness directly over the tendon’s attachment point. Lifting objects or simply shaking hands can be agony. Grip strength weakness is also common. Pain may spread down into the forearm or up into the shoulder region as well. Difficulty extending the wrist fully can also contribute to functional deficits.
Tennis Elbow Shockwave therapy has shown extremely promising results for providing rapid and sustained pain relief from chronic tennis elbow. Multiple studies have demonstrated its ability to resolve pain better than placebo treatments or corticosteroid injections alone. It also avoids the risks of surgery or drugs. Shockwave is the ideal option for sufferers seeking a fast-acting, non-invasive solution to end their lateral elbow pain and regain strength.
Standard initial treatment approaches like rest, ice, compression, anti-inflammatories, bracing, and physical therapy can be beneficial. However, there are many patients where symptoms persist chronically beyond 6-12 months despite appropriate conservative care. Radial shock wave therapy offers these patients hope.
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief for some by reducing inflammation, but do not address the underlying tendon degeneration. Issues often recur as the drug effect wears off. Surgery like tendon release or repair aims to treat the problem directly but has extended recovery periods and does not guarantee success. There are also inherent surgical risks to consider.
Shockwave therapy provides targeted stimulation of true tissue healing and regeneration without the downtime or risks of invasive approaches. See other benefits in this separate blog post!
hockwave therapy utilizes powerful acoustic sound waves directed at the origin of pain at the elbow’s lateral epicondyle. The shockwaves stimulate healing and tissue regeneration, encourages new blood vessel growth, and deactivates pain signals. The improved blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen. It also triggers a controlled inflammatory response that facilitates tissue repair and the release of key growth factors critical to tendon regeneration.
There are two main mechanisms of action that provide lasting relief of chronic tennis elbow:
Neovascularization – The shockwaves elicit new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and improved microcirculation for better oxygen/nutrient delivery and waste removal.
Cellular Regeneration – Matrix remodeling is stimulated along with collagen synthesis. Stem cells may also be recruited. Anti-inflammatory mediators are released. This controlled inflammatory process ultimately enables tissue regeneration.
Shockwave also provides superior pain relief both immediately and longer-term. Transmission of shockwaves to the elbow stimulates new nerve growth (neuroregeneration) while also suppressing pain signal transmission. Natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory substances are produced locally. The net effect offers rapid and sustained easing of discomfort.
In essence, shockwave kickstarts and accelerates the body’s innate healing capacity leading to symptom resolution. And the majority of patients enjoy lasting freedom from lateral elbow pain after shockwave treatment.
Multiple clinical studies support the use of tennis elbow shockwave therapy for chronic tennis elbow:
In one randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in JAMA, extracorporeal shockwave proved significantly more effective than sham treatment or corticosteroid injections for reducing pain and disability in patients with treatment-resistant tennis elbow. Success rates were 72% for tennis elbow shockwave therapy versus 48% for sham and 50% for injection groups. Improvements were maintained over a 5 year follow-up period.
A head-to-head study comparing tennis elbow shockwave therapy to surgery – open tennis elbow release – found comparable excellent outcomes between groups after 1 year. But shockwave had the advantages of being non-invasive, avoiding surgical risks, enabling a much quicker return to work and sports, and incurring fewer costs.
Multiple systematic reviews aggregating numerous trials confirm radial extracorporeal shockwave as an effective treatment modality providing strong, consistent evidence for significant and lasting pain and disability improvement.
Taken together, the preponderance of clinical evidence supports radial tennis elbow shockwave therapy as a reliable solution for chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy.
There are many advantages to pursuing tennis elbow shockwave therapy for chronic lateral epicondylitis:
Tennis elbow shockwave therapy is administered in a medical office. The procedure itself comprises:
Treatment begins with application of ultrasound gel to enhance shockwave transmission. The device probe is then moved over the skin surface delivering brief high-energy impulses to the affected epicondyle. Patients may experience some tingling, warmth, or discomfort which is normal. While no anesthesia is required, ice can be applied before and after to minimize soreness. Some temporary discoloration of overlying skin can also occur following shockwave treatment and resolves quickly. Most patients report incremental improvements in pain with each successive visit until reaching maximal benefit. Positive outcomes are seen in about 70-90% of appropriately selected patients.
Radial tennis elbow shockwave therapy is an excellent option for patients with all stages of tennis elbow – from early cases to those suffering chronically for six months or longer with moderate to severe pain. Primary indications for shockwave include:
Patients still having pain/weakness after 3+ months of failed conservative treatment
Cases of recurrent tennis elbow where symptoms reappear despite prior therapy
Individuals wishing to avoid corticosteroid injections or surgery
Those with prolonged, severe elbow discomfort seeking definitive treatment
While anyone can develop tennis elbow, it occurs most often between ages 30-60 and slightly more in women. People with occupations or hobbies requiring extensive repetitive gripping are at highest risk. Tennis elbow shockwave therapy is safe and effective for most adults dealing with chronic lateral epicondylosis looking for lasting relief when other measures have not proven satisfactory.
Persistent lateral elbow pain and dysfunction from tennis elbow is frustrating and limiting. But shockwave therapy provides a powerful way to tap into the body’s healing potential and stimulate tissue regeneration for rapid and lasting pain relief. Multiple studies support its effectiveness and longer term benefits. If you have suffered for months with no end in sight, shockwave therapy may be the game-changing solution you’ve been waiting for. Consult a Reset Chiropractic in your area to determine if shockwave is right for you.
The elbow does not exist in isolation – an integrated kinetic chain connects it to the neck, shoulder, and wrist. Dysfunction in these areas originating from poor mechanics or injury can directly contribute to elbow pathology like lateral epicondylitis. Seeking evaluation from a clinician trained in both shockwave therapy and advanced manual therapies for the upper extremity is ideal. They can pinpoint unique drivers of an individual’s elbow pain for the best treatment approach and outcomes. Multi-modal therapies including joint mobilization and targeted stretching/strengthening address kinetic chain impairments promoting more effective resolution of elbow symptoms. An individualized prescription speeds and maximizes recovery.
A: Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy shockwaves to stimulate the healing process of the affected area. It is commonly used to treat lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow.
A: Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy shockwaves to the affected area, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This helps to increase blood flow, reduce pain, and promote the healing of the injured tissue.
A: Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. It is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and the common extensor tendon.
A: Shockwave therapy can benefit individuals suffering from tennis elbow, particularly those who have not found relief from other treatments such as physiotherapy or medication. It is commonly used for patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis, including tennis players and individuals with repetitive strain injuries.
A: Clinical studies have shown that shockwave therapy can be effective in reducing pain and promoting the healing of the affected area in patients with lateral epicondylitis. It is considered a valuable treatment option for those who have not responded to traditional therapies.
A: While shockwave therapy is considered safe, some patients may experience mild discomfort during the treatment or temporary soreness following the sessions. It is important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional before undergoing the treatment.
A: The number of shockwave therapy sessions needed for tennis elbow can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to the treatment. Typically, a series of 3-5 sessions spaced at weekly intervals is recommended.
A: Shockwave therapy has been found to be effective in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis in tennis players and other athletes. It can help alleviate pain, improve function, and expedite the healing process, allowing players to return to their activities with reduced discomfort.
A: Shockwave therapy can be used in combination with other treatments for tennis elbow, such as physiotherapy, bracing, or activity modification. A comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes and promotes healing may provide optimal results for patients.
A: Some patients may experience pain relief and improvement in function after the first few sessions of shockwave therapy, while others may require additional time to notice significant benefits. The healing process continues after the completion of the treatment sessions.
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