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If you’ve been living with knee osteoarthritis, you know the drill. Anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, and, if those still don’t help, cortisone shots. But what if there was another option – one that could help your body heal itself? That’s where Shockwave Therapy for knee osteoarthritis comes in.
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joint gradually breaks down, leading to pain, inflammation and limited mobility. Many factors contribute to knee osteoarthritis, such as aging, obesity, repetitive stress and injuries. While no cure exists, symptom management is crucial to maintaining function and quality of life.
Conventional treatments typically include:
- Pain-relief medications, such as NSAIDs, e.g. cortisone shots
- Physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve joint stability
- Weight management and lifestyle modifications
- In advanced cases, surgical interventions like knee replacement
Despite these approaches, some patients experience persistent pain and restricted movement. This is where Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for knee osteoarthritis is a nonsurgical adjunctive treatment to bridge the gap. In ESWT, precisely calibrated pulses penetrate your knee tissue without an invasive operation. These energy waves stimulate your natural healing response without needles, surgery or downtime. You can walk right out of the clinic and go about your day.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Help Knee Osteoarthritis?
Shockwave Therapy for knee osteoarthritis provides several benefits, addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition.
Pain Reduction
One of the primary benefits of ESWT is its ability to reduce pain. By stimulating nerve endings and desensitizing pain receptors in the treated area, ESWT leads to a noticeable decrease in discomfort, allowing patients to engage more fully in rehabilitation exercises and daily activities.
Improved Blood Circulation
The acoustic waves delivered during Shockwave Therapy promote increased blood flow to the knee joint. Enhanced circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissue, accelerating repair and reducing inflammation.
Cartilage Protection and Repair
Emerging research suggests that ESWT may stimulate the production of growth factors and proteins involved in cartilage regeneration. While it cannot fully restore lost cartilage, this effect may help slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Enhanced Mobility
By reducing pain and inflammation, Shockwave Therapy improves overall joint mobility. Patients often report greater ease in performing daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or exercising.
At HelloPhysio, Shockwave Therapy is integrated with physiotherapy to maximize outcomes. The reduced pain and inflammation achieved through ESWT enable patients to participate more effectively in strengthening and mobility exercises, enhancing overall rehabilitation.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a straightforward and well-tolerated procedure that typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes per session. It starts with an initial assessment, during which your physiotherapist evaluates your condition and determines if ESWT suits your needs. They will then begin the treatment session using a handheld device to deliver acoustic waves to the targeted area.
While some patients experience mild discomfort, the procedure is generally well-tolerated. After that, there’s no downtime, and most patients can resume their daily activities immediately. Some may experience slight soreness, which usually subsides within a day or two, followed by pain relief and enhanced mobility.
Who Can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is an excellent option for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who are seeking non-invasive pain relief. It is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced limited relief from traditional treatments, wish to delay or avoid surgery, or are committed to combining ESWT with physiotherapy to achieve optimal results.
However, it’s important to note that ESWT may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions such as severe circulatory disorders, or a history of blood clots. To ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate, your expert HelloPhysio physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment tailored to your needs.
Contact HelloPhysio Today
At HelloPhysio, we’ve committed to helping patients with knee osteoarthritis. We use the latest shockwave technology and combine it with other proven treatments. This comprehensive approach often leads to better, longer-lasting results.
If you’re tired of letting knee arthritis dictate your life, it might be time to explore Shockwave Therapy. At HelloPhysio, we offer thorough assessments to determine if this treatment could help you get back to doing what you love. Make an appointment today.
