Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

Shockwave Therapy pros/cons
Quote | Reply
My physiotherapist would like me to try some shockwave therapy in an effort to break up some scar tissue from a 6 year old accident that is getting in the way of function of some nerves that are also impacted further up the chain by problems in my lumbar spine from another incident in 2015. I agree with her that having the nerves all inhibited in multiple locations in the chain is complicating things like a garden hose kinked in multiple locations and then turning down the flow at the source (lumbar nerve roots). At this point I am at wits end (although in the last 3 weeks this woman has made decent progress on me), but I am still hopeful to return to regular cycling and ideally would like to be able to run on the treadmill (if I can't run outside due to pounding, no worries, treadmill running regularly would be fine). I know things are getting close to return to normal (at least I am not that far off). Any of you guys who have had shockwave therapy to break up scar tissue could you share your views. Would like to hear from active people who like to push the limits of their anatomy too (beyond reading in the interwebs with all the biases that come with that).

Dev
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I have yet to see peer reviewed research that supports that this works. Where are you having it done? I've only heard of it for lateral epicondylitis and plantar fasciitis. Scar tissue takes consistent loads over long periods of time for remodeling to occur. I'm talking about months (minimum of 3) of regular forces placed on it to remodel and see changes... if that is really the problem. I haven't heard of insurance paying of this treatment either. It's out of pocket with no type of guarantee from the provider.

Can you explain your problems that has led you down this road?
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I had pulled/torn my hamstring and as a result suffered from constant cramping due to the scar tissue. I too went the way of shockwave and as painful and uncomfortable it was it did help - I also had some injections into the muscle belly by a naturopath at the same time. But I will say the shockwave hurt like a bugger - I joke that the next time I need shockwave I'll just grab a Taser and jam it in the area and ride the lighting. Good luck with the recovery....

------------------------------------------------------------
"PAIN is nothing compared to what it feels like to QUIT" Wink
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [mooseknuckle69] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Just replying in general to share a few of the locations:

  1. Hamstring tear at glute insertion from a fall in 2013 6 weeks before Kona....did Kona with a torn hamstring (yeah, I know not bright) and major sciatic nerve pain, but it's Kona and I felt I wanted to do it after 2011 accident (see next bullet)
  2. Bad psoas tear from 2011 crash....the entire insertion area to femur was black blue and purple for 7 weeks and became hard like wood afterwards. After that it took ~6 months of therapy before I could walk properly again
  3. Patella tendon tear from 2011 below the knee cap causing left foot to become "half asleep". Think "jamming my funny bone and hand falling asleep". It was like that for several months. Head, neck and other upper body injuries should have limited impact on the chain below other than potentially some minor upper motor neuron stuff affecting left leg control, but I got over that in 2012

The items above are in addition to 2015 lumbar spine....obviously from those you can see how a lot of stress would be put on the lumbar spine and in 2015 there was an incident that literally broke the camel's back (not during sport). Physio is focusing on everything bound up downstream from L3-S1 nerve roots. Not sure where she would like to start with this, but likely the hamstring insertion area as my left leg foot drop is adversely affected by peroneal branch of sciatica.


Dev
Last edited by: devashish_paul: Aug 20, 17 14:14
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
For three years I worked through the pain of a hamstring/glut issues. Finally, went to my soft tissue specialist who used shock waver therapy in combination of graston, acupuncture and thankfully it worked. Again, there isn't just one fix but multiple therapies to get it fixed. On the same hand, need to be going to a physician with experience.
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I had PF for two years or so. Tried every treatment you can think with no improvements whatsoever. Then I tried shockwave and I think it was 6 treatments and the PF quickly cleared up. I wish I tried it sooner since it would have saved me a ton of money. I've since used it a few more times for some other issues, and again, it's worked way better than any of the other traditional treatments I've had.
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
A friend of mine who had Tommy John surgery had shockwave therapy about four or five weeks into his rehab. He said it was the most painful thing he's ever had to endure but it was worth it to him as he made great strides in his rehab.
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [GreenPlease] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
When I use Shock Wave on the foot I anesthetize the area because you want to use high power. My results have been excellent with near zero complications.
Granted doctors are also prone to the placebo effect.

Dr Jay
http://www.Tri-Pod.net
Last edited by: aikiman44: Aug 21, 17 11:51
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Used extra corporeal shockwave therapy about 15 years ago when relatively new in the US (popular in Europe, mostly Germany before). Did it for a couple of years (under regional anesthesia with the high power Ossatron as well). I saw mixed results at best and some newer studies showing very limited success. Most insurers don't cover it any longer because of this. I was in private practice then, but I'm now employed by a very large hospital system so I can't/don't utilize any longer as they won't approve (rightfully so) without peer reviewed studies to show success.

There are certainly anecdotes for success though (as you have read) and there are virtually no side effects. Since you are in Canada and have exhausted most other options, I don't any reason not too really.

____________________________________
Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Hi!

Bump from long-ago.

Did you get the shockwave therapy? Any help?

After not much success with PT or orthotics or braces, I've tried a chiropractor who wants to use it on two troublesome spots.
Quote Reply
Re: Shockwave Therapy pros/cons [devashish_paul] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
I've thought about it for some patellar tendonitis issues, but Ive had some good success with PT working on hip mobility and knee tracking issues. Will be interested in hearing your feedback if you do it. (just realized original post from 2017).
Last edited by: Nerd: Jan 16, 23 6:39
Quote Reply