Many medical experts believe Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT), also called shockwave therapy, is one of the best treatment options for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and other joint pain because it is non-invasive and helps quickly reduce pain. RPT is an advanced treatment system that uses short, electromagnetic shockwaves delivered from a handheld device to treat injury, overuse, trauma, and arthritis of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

The electromagnetic shockwaves delivered from the handheld device transfer kinetic energy into impact energy, transmitted through radial pulses to the target tissue. The intensity of the shockwaves is adjusted depending on the severity of the tendinitis. The shockwaves break down scar tissue and cause an inflammatory response. This healing response improves blood circulation, range of motion and reduces pain.

The Most Common Problems Radial Pulse (Shockwave) Therapy Treats

 RPT can be an effective treatment solution for common muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint issues, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome
• Chronic muscle discomfort
• Achilles pain
• Rotator cuff
• Inflammation and tension
• Shin splints
• Lower extremity tendinitis
• Other muscle, tendon, and tissue pain
  

Watch Physical Therapists Kris and Jill Explain and Demonstrate Radial Pulse Therapy

The 3 Biggest Benefits of Radial Pulse (Shockwave) Therapy

RPT is an excellent alternative to steroid injections or surgery and acts faster than stretching or other exercises. RPT is the preferred treatment option for athletes and non-athletes for multiple reasons, including:

1. Non-invasive treatment requiring no anesthesia or injections before treatment.
2. Fast and convenient sessions that last less than 30 minutes - right in the clinic.
3. Increased patient comfort as the device eliminates the need for any unpleasant, high-pressure treatments compared to other types of treatments.
   
   

What Does a Radial Pulse (Shockwave) Therapy Treatment Feel Like?

During an RPT treatment, the electromagnetic shockwaves delivered from the handheld device transfer the energy through radial pulses to target the tissue.

During the initial few minutes, you will feel a sensation of thumping pressure. In treatment areas closer to a bone, you may feel some slight discomfort as we apply pressure to the tissue that has been causing you pain. The physical therapist will reduce the amount they press on the device as they cross over any boney part of your body. The discomfort should subside as your body releases its natural pain killers during its inflammatory response that the treatment stimulates.

After your treatment, you may notice that your skin turns red and warm from the increased blood circulation. Most patients immediately notice pain relief and improved range of motion. 

How Long Does Radial Pulse (Shockwave) Therapy Treatment Last?

An RPT treatment session can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, with 4 to 7 days typically between sessions. Most patients receive a minimum of 4 treatments, and some receive as many as 12 treatments or more, depending upon their condition. While patients will experience less pain after the first treatment, the most significant benefits come after the 3rd or 4th treatment.

Is Radial Pulse (Shockwave) Therapy Safe?

Research studies suggest that RPT is a safe and well-tolerated treatment. Therapeutic outcomes for soft tissue conditions treated with RPT on average range from good to excellent in most cases.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6090995/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6948318/ 

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