Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. While several treatments are available, shockwave therapy has emerged as a promising option for reducing pain and improving function in people with knee arthritis.
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. In the case of knee arthritis, shockwave therapy is used to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and promote tissue regeneration.
So, what are the benefits of shockwave therapy for knee arthritis? Let's take a closer look.
1. Non-invasive treatment
One of the biggest advantages of shockwave therapy for knee arthritis is its non-invasive treatment. Unlike surgery, which can be painful, invasive, and require a long recovery time, shockwave therapy is a non-surgical procedure without incisions. This means there's no need for anesthesia, and patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment.
2. Reduced pain and inflammation
Knee arthritis can cause significant pain and inflammation, making it difficult to perform even basic activities. Shockwave therapy effectively reduces pain and inflammation in people with knee arthritis. In a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, researchers found that shockwave therapy effectively reduced pain and improved function in people with knee osteoarthritis.
3. Improved circulation
Shockwave therapy has also been shown to improve circulation in the affected area. By stimulating blood flow, shockwave therapy can help promote tissue regeneration and healing. A study published in the European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology found that shockwave therapy effectively improved circulation in patients with chronic knee pain.
4. Short treatment time
Shockwave therapy for knee arthritis is a quick and convenient treatment option. Treatment sessions are short; most patients require between three and six sessions to achieve optimal results. This means that shockwave therapy can be easily incorporated into a busy schedule.
5 No side effects
Unlike some other treatments for knee arthritis, such as corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy has no known side effects. This makes it a safe and effective treatment option for people with knee arthritis who want to avoid the risks associated with other treatments.
In conclusion, shockwave therapy is a promising treatment option for people with knee arthritis. It's non-invasive, reduces pain and inflammation, improves circulation, has a short treatment time, and has no known side effects. If you're living with knee arthritis and want to explore non-surgical treatment options, talk to your healthcare provider about whether shockwave therapy may be right for you.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis Chi-Kun Hsieh 1, Chao-Jui Chang 1, Zhao-Wei Liu 2, Ta-Wei Tai.Int Orthop. 2020 May;44(5):877-884. doi: 10.1007/s00264-020-04489-x. Epub 2020 Jan 28.
Efficacy and Safety of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Ying-Chun Wang , Hsuan-Ti Huang 1, Peng-Ju Huang Zi-Miao Liu 2, Chia-Lung Shih 2 Pain Med. 2020 Apr 1 ;21(4):822-835 doi: 10.1093/pm/pnz262.
Dose-related effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial Ya-Fei Zhang, Yang Liu, Shao-Wen Chou, Hao Weng
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, China.
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2782
