Myofascial pain is a common dysfunction affecting muscles and soft tissue. It is estimated that up to 85% of the general population is affected by myofascial pain. It is a leading cause of healthcare visits.
Shockwave therapy is the ideal myofascial physiotherapy device because it can release trigger points and treat referred pain without the need for drugs or surgery.
Here’s what you need to know.
Myofascial Pain
Patients with myofascial pain often present with hypersensitive trigger points within a taut muscle, which is painful to touch and usually causes referred pain in other muscles. Other symptoms include decreased range of motion and weakness. Trigger points are often found around the neck, back, and shoulders.
Injuries, pinched nerves, and stress can all play a role in developing trigger points.
Many physios will treat myofascial pain with stretching exercises, posture training, and massage. If these don’t work, some patients may have a steroid injected into the trigger point. Other medications can include painkillers, sedatives, and even antidepressants.
The Best Myofascial Physiotherapy Device
Shockwave therapy is a clinically proven treatment modality for myofascial pain. Using a handheld device, a physio can target a trigger point with acoustic pressure waves, which enhance metabolism and circulation. This stimulates the cells responsible for naturally healing damaged tissue.
A recent meta-analysis examined the efficacy of using shockwave therapy to treat myofascial pain. Researchers looked at 11 randomized controlled trials that included a total of 505 patients with myofascial pain in the neck and shoulder.
The meta-analysis concluded that shockwave therapy was superior to other treatments for relieving myofascial pain in the neck and shoulder.
In addition to myofascial pain, shockwave therapy can treat many other musculoskeletal conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and tennis elbow.
Call (844) 636-9283 or visit our website to learn how to integrate shockwave technology into your practice.