Understanding Radial Shockwave Therapy

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, can be a stubborn condition that limits your daily activities. At Brooklyn Chiropractic Care, we use radial shockwave therapy to help patients overcome this persistent pain. This non-invasive treatment uses acoustic energy to target injured tissues, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

Many patients find that radial shockwave therapy offers relief when rest and ice are not enough. By addressing the root cause of the tendon irritation, we help you get back to the activities you love.

How Radial Shockwave Therapy Works

The mechanism behind radial shockwave therapy is known as mechanotransduction. The device delivers mechanical pressure waves into the affected elbow tissue. This process creates controlled microtrauma that encourages new blood vessel formation and breaks down scar tissue.

Research indicates that this method effectively activates endogenous stem cells and disrupts pain signals [1]. For patients with chronic tendonitis, radial shockwave therapy can be a powerful tool for restarting the healing cycle in stagnant injuries.

Integrating Chiropractic Care

We do not use radial shockwave therapy in isolation. Our approach integrates this modality with spinal adjustments and soft tissue techniques. Addressing the entire kinetic chain is crucial, which is why we often combine shockwave sessions with sports chiropractic protocols to ensure your shoulder and wrist mechanics support your elbow recovery.

Home Care and Ergonomics

Recovery extends beyond the clinic. We recommend specific eccentric exercises to strengthen the forearm extensors. And, evaluating your workspace is vital. A poor setup can exacerbate symptoms, so we encourage patients to review their ergonomic desk setup to reduce daily strain.

Consistent stretching and activity modification are also key. While radial shockwave therapy accelerates healing, proper mechanics prevent recurrence.

Key Takeaways

  • Radial shockwave therapy stimulates blood flow and breaks down scar tissue.
  • The treatment is non-invasive and effective for chronic tennis elbow.
  • Combining shockwave with chiropractic adjustments improves outcomes.
  • Ergonomic changes and eccentric exercises support long-term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is radial shockwave therapy painful?

Most patients experience mild discomfort during the treatment, but it is generally well-tolerated. The intensity can be adjusted to your comfort level.

How many sessions are typically needed?

While every patient is different, a typical course involving radial shockwave therapy consists of 6 to 8 sessions spaced a week apart.

Can I return to activity immediately?

We generally recommend a brief period of reduced activity after shockwave therapy to allow the tissue to heal, followed by a gradual return to sports.

Is this treatment safe?

Yes, radial shockwave therapy is a safe, FDA-cleared modality with few side effects, making it an excellent alternative to injections or surgery.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with elbow pain, radial shockwave therapy may be the solution you need. By combining advanced technology with complete chiropractic care, we help you achieve lasting relief. Contact us today to see if this treatment is right for you.

Ready to find relief? Schedule an appointment online or visit us at Brooklyn Chiropractic Care, 112 Greenpoint Ave. STE 1B, Brooklyn, NY 11222. Experience relief, Embrace Wellness!

References

  1. Shockwave treatment: A new wave for musculoskeletal care , Mayo Clinic