A 2021 study showed that 58.9% of American adults live with pain. This number is likely even higher when considering that many people don’t seek help for their pain, either because they think it’s normal or because they don’t want to take medication.

You don’t need to suffer in silence if you are living with pain. At Health Expressions, we offer both effective and lasting results. If you are searching for pain management Rochester, NY and Pittsford, NY or pain management Rockville, MD, in the DC metro area, and Virginia, we have you covered!

COMMON CAUSES OF PAIN

There are many different causes of acute and chronic pain, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. Some common causes of pain include:

• Accidents. Often, pain is the result of an accident, like a car accident or a fall. Car accidents are among the most common causes of chronic pain, particularly neck, and back pain.
• Sports injuries. If you play sports, you’re always at risk of injury. Common injuries include sprains, strains, shin splints, and achilles tendonitis.
• Muscle strains. Muscle strains usually happen when you overuse a muscle. They’re common in the lower back, shoulders, and thighs and result in niggling pain that can last for some time.
• Awkward sleeping position. Sometimes a particular sleeping position can make you wake up in pain. For example, if you sleep on your stomach, you may experience lower back pain. If you sleep on your side, you may start to feel pain in your shoulder.
• Degenerative conditions. Arthritis and degenerative disc disease are conditions that affect millions. These conditions often worsen with age, meaning the pain levels may become more chronic. 

These are just a few of the many different causes of pain. There are many other causes, and all differ from patient to patient. 

COMMON PAIN POINTS ON THE BODY

There are many different pain points on the body, and where you feel pain can give clues as to what’s causing it. These clues, along with a physical examination, can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your pain. 

For example, some common pain points are:

• Back and neck pain are often caused by muscle strains, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and other conditions. The pain might be dull and achy or sharp and shooting. Shoulder pain can be caused by rotator cuff tendonitis, bursitis, degenerative joint disease, and other conditions.
• Sciatica is a type of neuropathic pain (nerve pain) that radiates from the back down to one or both legs. It’s often caused by a spinal misalignment, herniated disc or spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The pain signal starts in the sciatic nerve and usually turns into a dull ache that worsens with sitting or standing for long periods.
• Knee or elbow joint pain can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and other conditions. The pain varies depending on the condition, but it can be a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain and is often worse when you move the joint.
• Foot and heel pain (plantar fasciitis) is from inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Pain levels usually worsen in the morning and get better with activity during the day.
• Arthritis affects more than 22% of American adults. It’s a degenerative condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. It most often affects the hands, knees, and hips, and the pain can be quite severe.
• Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to changes in the nervous system. Levels of pain vary from person to person, but it’s often described as deep, aching pain.
• Greater trochanter pain is from inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the bone and tendons. The pain is usually a dull ache that gets worse with activity and is relieved by rest.
• Shin splints or medial tibial syndrome is from the overuse of the muscles and tendons in the lower leg. You may feel a sharp, shooting pain that starts in the shin and radiates down the leg. Runners and other athletes are at risk of developing shin splints.

PAIN MANAGEMENT WITH SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Pain management therapy options vary from person to person and depend on the cause of the pain. Some common approaches to pain management include chiropractic, physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery.

Some treatments, like physical therapy, can be expensive and time-consuming. Others, like medications, can have side effects. That’s why many people are looking for alternative pain management therapies that are non-invasive and have little to no side effects. 

One of these therapies is known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). It targets acute and chronic pain in bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s a non-invasive procedure that can be done as an outpatient treatment and provides significant or total pain relief in most people. 

What Is Shock Wave Therapy?

Extracorporeal shock wave treatment is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing. The sound waves pass through the skin and tissues, creating a series of pressure waves. These pressure waves help break up any scar tissue or calcification that may be present and promote blood flow to the area, promoting healing. 

Shock wave therapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Patellar tendonitis
• Shin splints
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Lower back pain
• Knee pain
• Shoulder pain
• Neck pain
• Tendon pain

Shock wave therapy can relieve pain in as little as one or two treatments. Most people require three to six treatments, 1-2 times a week. A personalized program will be recommended based on your needs. No anesthesia or sedation is needed, and you can return to normal activities immediately after the treatment.

SHOCK WAVE THERAPY VS. MEDICATION

Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive alternative to medications and other traditional pain management treatments. It’s effective for various conditions and can relieve pain in as little as one or two treatments. Medications for mild or severe pain management can have a variety of side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Itching 

In some cases, the side effects of medications can be just as bad as the chronic pain condition itself. Added to this is the risk of getting addicted to the medication. Addiction to prescribed medication is one of the leading causes of opioid overdose in the United States. That’s why many people are looking for alternative pain management therapies that are non-invasive and have little to no side effects. 

Shock wave therapy is a safe and effective alternative to pain medicines with little to no side effects. If you’re looking for an alternative to pain medications that offer long-term relief, shockwave therapy may be right for you. 

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SHOCK WAVE THERAPY?

If you have been living with pain and haven’t found any relief, shock wave therapy can help! Most people are good candidates for shock wave therapy; however, it is not safe for everyone. During your consultation, your doctor will ask about your medical history to ensure that shockwave therapy is right for you.

Who Should Not Undergo Shock Wave Therapy

While it is safe and effective, there are certain situations where shockwave therapy should not be used. For instance, if an injury clearly requires surgery instead of a noninvasive treatment, shockwave therapy would not be recommended.

In addition to these cases, shockwave therapy should also not be used on pregnant women or those with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices. People with active infections in the area being treated should avoid this type of treatment as well. Before undergoing any kind of shockwave therapy, it is important to consult your doctor about whether it would be appropriate for you and your condition.

How Long Does It Take To Recover

Most people only require one to six treatments, 1-2 times per week. There is no downtime after the treatment so you can return to your normal activities. You may feel some soreness or bruising in the treated area, but this should go away within a few days. There are no other significant risks or side effects associated with shockwave therapy, which makes it a very effective pain management option. 

PAIN MANAGEMENT NEAR ME

Living with constant pain takes a physical and emotional toll on you and your family, and we want to help. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional medications, then Health Expressions is your answer!

Finding the proper treatment that works for you doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. We offer effective pain management in Rockville, MD, or the DC Metro area. Or, if you live in New York State and need pain management in Rochester, the Rochester metro area or Pittsford, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We will work with you to create a custom treatment plan that fits your needs. Contact us today at (301) 244-4717 or complete the online booking form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The recovery period following shockwave therapy treatment can take several weeks as your body heals naturally. Many patients experience a reduction in symptoms after a few weeks, but significant results are noticed after several months.