Shock Wave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy was originally developed to treat injuries and chronic pain in joints and muscles. People who underwent the therapy for However, it is proven to be useful for a broad range of conditions. It is a non-invasive therapy that can be used on many parts of the body to help repair damaged tissue.

During therapy, a shockwave therapy device emits energy pulses that are directed at the treatment area. These energy waves cause vibrations that positively benefit the underlying tissue by breaking down fibrous tissue, stimulating blood flow and collagen, and the body’s natural healing response.

Shockwave Therapy in Anti-aging

Cellulite and sagging skin are a natural part of aging for everyone, but especially for women—affecting 90 percent of women in industrialized nations. It is especially prevalent on the glutes and thighs and is notoriously hard to treat. Treatments have traditionally included invasive liposuction that many people feel carries too much risk for the benefits it provides or creams that promise to banish cellulite but rarely work.

Shockwave therapy is both non-invasive and effective. A handheld wand directs energy waves toward the treatment area. The vibrations break up the fatty cellulite deposits, to be naturally expelled from the body. The therapy also firms up the skin by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanism resulting in more collagen, elastin, and improved blood flow.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Studies show shockwave therapy to be safe and effective at improving the look of cellulite especially in the buttock and thigh area where is tents to be most prevalent. In addition to reducing cellulite, shockwave therapy is effective for:

• Improving circulation
• Improving mobility
• Increasing skin elasticity
• Reducing the look of stretch marks
• Tightening sagging areas of skin
• Treating muscle and joint pain

Since it is a relatively new treatment, new uses for shockwave therapy are still being discovered. In addition, to the above benefits, this therapy is non-invasive and involves little to no downtime.

Who is a Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?

Treatment begins with the consultation. This is where we discuss the treatment, outline the patient’s goals, and determine if this treatment is right for them. Most who have cellulite they want to get rid of are good candidates for this non-invasive procedure. We will discuss each patient’s medical history to ensure we are steering them toward the right form of therapy.

There are those for whom this treatment is not recommended. Those who are pregnant or under the age of 18 should not have shockwave therapy. It is also important for the patient to be in relatively good health, not receiving cancer treatments, managing circulation disorders, or dealing with a heart condition or coagulation disorder. This treatment may not be right for those with metal plates or pins inside the body or those who have pacemakers or other internal medical devices.

The Treatment Process

Shockwave therapy works best as a series of treatments. The number and frequency are determined by several factors, including the size and location of the treatment area, the person’s age and other health factors, and the severity of the cellulite. It can take anywhere from 6 to 18 treatments to achieve the desired results. Each patient’s case is different.

A typical session is around 15 to 20 minutes. The patient lies down on a table, and the treatment area is covered in a gel similar to that used when doing an ultrasound. The practitioner will apply a wand delivering the energy waves to the target area. It can be a noisy treatment. Therefore, we recommend wearing headphones to help you relax. This is an outpatient procedure, and most patients experience minimal discomfort and are able to return to their regular activities right away.

Frequently Asked Questions