Shockwave Therapy Singapore
Are you Living With a Stubborn, Chronic Injury?
If you have received an injury during physical activity or competing in sports, you may have been left with ongoing pain. Chronic injuries are sadly common, and they can lead to reluctance when it comes to physical activity, since you may be worried about aggravating your injury.
At Elite Spine Centres, shockwave therapy is one of several advanced treatment modalities we offer alongside chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation. Our integrated approach means we can combine shockwave therapy with other treatments to optimize your recovery and address the root causes of your chronic pain.
At Elite Spine Centres, we believe that with appropriate treatment, many patients can experience significant pain reduction and improved function.
To do this, we have a number of different treatments we can offer patients as part of our holistic approach. One of these is extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a non-surgical approach to treating chronic pain.
Shockwave therapy is a cutting-edge, non-invasive, and multi-disciplinary device used to treat localised musculoskeletal pain. Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) works by sending rapid percussion shock waves into your soft tissues or outer layers of bone.
As a result, it “re-injures” the area on a cellular level in a controlled manner and breaks up the scarring that has often developed in your muscles, tendons, ligaments or fascia layers. The controlled tissue re-injuring helps the body to up-regulate production of bone forming cells and micro blood vessels. The resulting neovascularization (growth of new blood vessels to an old, damaged area) will result in faster healing and better nutrient supply to healing tissues.
Shockwave therapy is considered to be particularly useful at helping with pain management and tissue rehabilitation. The efficacy of the procedure is often attributed to three reasons:
- The shock waves will stimulate a metabolic reaction in the tissue affected
- It will help breakdown fibrous adhesions between tissues, allowing restored mobility
- It induces an analgesic reaction mechanism which results in the blocking of pain messages to the brain
Conditions Treated Through Shockwave Therapy
Radial shockwave therapy is used to treat a number of conditions, including:
- Tendonitis of the shoulder
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendonitis of the knee
- Tendonitis of the foot
- Jumper’s knee
- Heel spurs
- Golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow
- Calcifications
- Painful muscle trigger points (TPs)
- Most conditions causing pain or poor mobility of soft tissues
How Shockwave Therapy Works
The equipment used in the procedure will generate a series of rapid impulses whereby a projectile in the handle is programmed to move up and down at specific frequency and power. The projectile in the handle will hit the metal applicator head repeatedly, causing a series of rapid “shockwaves” which will penetrate up to several centimetres into the tissues. The energy will cause a hyper-stimulation analgesic effect which results in many patients feeling some relief over targeted areas almost immediately.
These controlled impulses also initiate a cascade of cellular reactions which improves blood flow and tissue repair, even in areas which have been damaged for long periods of time.
Therapy Sequence
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can be done in 3 simple steps.
Step 1
The location of the area to be treated is located and determined by the doctor through palpation. This is done to ensure the therapy is delivered accurately.
Step 2
A friction reducing gel is applied to the area targeted. The gel is necessary so the transfer of the percussion waves is done smoothly and efficiently.
Step 3
The shockwave applicator is pushed into the area that needs treatment and the start button is pressed for an indicated number of impulses to each section.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
Initial Assessment
Before any shockwave therapy starts, our therapists will do an assessment to ensure your condition is suitable for the treatment. If you are not, we will recommend alternative treatments.
Preparing for Treatment
If you are deemed suitable for shockwave therapy, we will ask you to sit or lay in a comfortable position so we can access the injured area. We will then apply a water-based gel to the skin around the injury. This will help the probe move smoothly and effectively transmit the soundwaves.
During the Session
At this point, the therapist will start the treatment. The handheld probe will be placed on the injured area of the body and will produce controlled low-energy soundwaves to the injured tissue. You may hear a ticking or clicking sound as it does so.
What it feels like: The pulsing of the soundwaves can feel like a strong tapping sensation underneath the skin. Whether this treatment hurts and how much varies from person to person. Most would describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. However, how uncomfortable the treatment is depends on where the probe is directed. Areas with less skin and muscle can be more sensitive.
The intensity of the treatment will start at a low level. The soundwaves will then be increased in intensity by the therapist, but they will ensure it stays at comfortable and tolerable levels. The goal is for treatment to reach five out of ten on the pain scale to ensure it is most effective yet comfortable.
Session duration: Treatment sessions typically last 5 to 10 minutes. The overall session can take up to 30 minutes.
After Treatment
Once the treatment is complete, you can typically return to normal activities. There is a chance that you may experience some redness or swelling around the treated area and occasionally an increase in pain. It is best to avoid anti-inflammatory analgesics after treatment as this will halt the healing process in the area.
Some professional therapists recommend resting the treated area and avoiding high-impact sports for 24-48 hours.
Results & Treatment Schedule
Some patients notice improvement within the first few sessions, while others may take longer to respond. Individual results vary depending on the condition being treated and your body’s healing response. If you don’t see results right away, let your therapist know so we can investigate other causes of your pain.
The schedule of treatment depends on the injury and your treatment needs. For some, weekly is recommended. For others, 2 or 3 treatments over six to twelve weeks may be sufficient.
As part of your treatment, your therapist may recommend combining shockwave therapy with a rehabilitation plan. We will discuss whether we recommend other treatments with you during your session.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will shockwave therapy be able to help me?
Many patients suffering from chronic pain symptoms have tried various types of treatments with no success. Up to 80 percent of said patients worldwide reported successful treatment of the problem using shockwave therapy or shockwave combined with other therapies when indicated.
Will it hurt?
You might experience a very minimal feeling of discomfort or prickling sensation during the treatment, depending on the level of pain you are already experiencing in the affected area. Fortunately, since the treatment will only last around 4-8 minutes per session, the slight feeling of discomfort is often tolerable by most patients.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatment will vary depending on the tissue response and indication. Since the treatment’s effect is cumulative, most patients will start to notice benefits of shockwave within a few sessions. In many cases, patients have reported already experiencing some relief after the just their first treatment.
How often will I get the treatment?
Most indications may require anywhere from around 4-10 sessions, which would normally be done from 3 to 7 days apart. However, the frequency and intervals will still vary depending on your condition, tissue response and tolerance.
Will I feel any pain after the procedure?
Most patients report immediate relief from pain following the treatment. However, within a few hours after the procedure until the day after, you might experience some soreness in the treated area. Fortunately, many report the soreness as non-limiting and tolerable. We also advise patients new to shockwave therapy to apply a cold compress to the treated area on days of treatment to reduce inflammation and soreness which may result.
Will there be restrictions after the treatment?
It is recommended that you refrain from any physical activity that can stress the treated region the first 48 hours after the treatment session. As patients improve, restrictions on activities may be lifted or modified as necessary.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
In the late 1960s, German researchers began to study how shockwaves impacted the human body. They discovered that shockwaves impacted the body in lots of different ways. After discovering that they could help break up kidney stones to make them easy to pass, shockwave therapy was mainly used for this purpose.
In the 1990s, the effects of high-energy shockwave therapy on soft tissue injuries were studied. Both low-energy and high-energy shockwave treatments were found to be effective. This has led to it being used to treat chronic injury and pain today.
Shockwave therapy in Singapore is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged soft tissues and musculoskeletal conditions. The shockwaves increase the metabolism and blood flow, accelerating the body’s natural healing process.
It can also break down calcium deposits. Some conditions effectively treated by extracorporeal shockwave therapy include plantar fasciitis and chronic tendon disorders.
The treatment is applied using a handheld device which applies a mechanical, not electrical, shockwave to the affected area through the skin. The ESWT machine has a number of interchangeable heads that direct stimulation over a precise or wider area.
The machine uses compressed air to accelerate a projectile up to 62mph within a tube. The projectile hits the head of the applicator, converting energy into acoustic pressure waves. These waves can penetrate up to 6cm, depending on which head is used on the handheld applicator. This can penetrate tissue deeper than a massage.
These soundwaves kick-start an inflammatory response as part of the body’s healing mechanisms. It also increases blood flow to the injured tissues. The therapy can also reduce pain sensitivity by overstimulating the nerves and can break down calcium deposits in tendons.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Promote Healing?
Research shows that shockwave therapy delivers mechanical force to body tissue, stimulating the metabolism and blood flow to produce healing. This is beneficial to tendons as they typically don’t get much blood supply and heal slowly. The shockwaves promote regrowth and healing of bone and tissue. This can provide a non-surgical treatment option for many chronic conditions and may help some patients avoid invasive procedures. It can also help clients avoid repeated steroid injections which can lead to breakdown of tissue over time.
When it comes to fractures, by using targeted shockwaves inside the bone this can create cavities in which a hematoma can form. A hematoma is a pool of blood similar to a bruise that occurs as part of the body’s natural healing mechanism.
By inducing a hematoma, you can help the body remove damaged bone cells and encourage healthy bone to grow and properly reconnect.
What Conditions May Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy in Singapore can be effective treatment for a number of conditions. It is particularly useful for soft tissue injuries, tendon issues and bone and joint injuries.
Research suggests shockwave therapy may be beneficial for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Tennis elbow: (Lateral epicondylitis).
- Golfer’s elbow: (Medial epicondylitis).
- Jumper’s knee: (Patellar tendinopathy).
- Achilles tendinopathy.
- Hamstring tendinopathy.
- Shoulder tendinopathy.
- Heel spurs.
- Calcific tendonitis: (especially in the shoulder).
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: (lateral hip pain).
- Trochanteric bursitis: (hip pain).
- Facet joint inflammation.
- Plantar fasciitis: (heel and foot pain).
- Shin splints: (medial tibial stress syndrome).
- Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome.
- Muscular trigger points.
- Chronic back and neck dysfunction.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
The effectiveness of shockwave therapy can vary depending on the specific condition, its severity, and individual patient factors. During your consultation, we’ll assess whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your particular situation.
Why Choose Elite Spine Centres for Shockwave Therapy in Singapore?
Many clinics in Singapore now offer shockwave therapy, so what makes Elite Spine Centres different?
Integrated Approach: We don’t just offer shockwave therapy in isolation. Our chiropractors assess your overall biomechanics and movement patterns to understand why your injury developed and hasn’t healed. This means we can combine shockwave therapy with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle modifications for more comprehensive results.
Experienced Practitioners: Our therapists are trained in proper shockwave application techniques and understand how to adjust treatment intensity for maximum effectiveness and comfort.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all protocols. Your shockwave therapy program is customized based on your specific condition, pain tolerance, and recovery goals.
Comprehensive Assessment: Before recommending shockwave therapy, we conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure it’s the right treatment for your condition. If it’s not, we’ll recommend alternatives that may be more effective.
Ongoing Support: Your treatment doesn’t end when the shockwave session is over. We provide rehabilitation exercises, lifestyle advice, and follow-up care to ensure lasting results.
When you book now, you’ll get our:
- Relieve pain, restore your body’s natural function & avoid surgery with our Signature Functional Correction Method (FCM)
- Get spot-on analysis and professional advice on what’s causing pain, and how to treat it with our Doctor’s Consult + Examination
Schedule your appointment right now & we’ll EVEN throw in these bonuses for FREE!
- Break down stubborn muscle knots and old scar tissue with or Doctor Directed Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Calm down & relax with our soothing ATT-300 roller massage bed
- Get a free Follow Up Consult + Xray/ MRI Review (*T&C applies)
PLUS 1 Additional Bonus Therapy (tailored specifically to you by the doctor after your consult)
- Relieve pain & inflammation with our Radial Shockwave Therapy
- Accelerate tissue healing and reduce pain with our Cold Laser Therapy
- Strengthen injured muscles and ease muscle tension with our Electric Muscle Stimulation
- Intuitive Pain Management Solution with our Super Inductive System (SIS)
*You get ALL of this for just $88
(originally priced @ $248).
Hear What Our Patients Say
Find Lasting Relief With Shockwave Therapy in Singapore
If you’re interested in exploring whether shockwave therapy is right for your condition, contact Elite Spine Centres today to book a consultation. Our team will assess your injury and help determine if this advanced treatment can support your recovery.