Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. It happens when the tendons in your elbow are overloaded, often by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a tennis player to develop tennis elbow. People who use their arms a lot for work or hobbies, such as painters, carpenters, and gardeners, can also suffer from this condition. So, the big question is: does shock wave therapy help treat tennis elbow? Let’s explore this in detail.
If you’ve ever had tennis elbow, you know how difficult it can be to perform simple tasks like lifting a cup or shaking hands. The pain can be persistent and frustrating. Many people try different treatments to find relief. One treatment that has gained attention in recent years is shock wave therapy.
What Is Shock Wave Therapy and How Does It Work?
Shock wave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to target injured tissues. These sound waves are not electrical shocks. Instead, they are mechanical waves that travel through the skin to the affected area. The therapy is designed to promote healing and reduce pain.
How Shock Wave Therapy Helps Tennis Elbow: Mechanism Explained
The goal of shock wave therapy is to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. When the sound waves hit the damaged tissues, they create tiny injuries in the area. This may sound like a bad thing, but it actually helps. These micro-injuries encourage the body to increase blood flow, produce new blood vessels, and trigger the healing process.
Shock wave therapy may also help break down calcium deposits, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production. Collagen is important for healing tendons and ligaments. In addition, the therapy can block pain signals to the brain, providing temporary relief.
The Science Behind Shock Wave Therapy for Tennis Elbow: Does It Work?
Several studies have looked at the effectiveness of shock wave therapy for tennis elbow. While some studies show positive results, others show mixed outcomes. This makes it a somewhat debated topic in the medical community.
A number of clinical trials have found that shock wave therapy can help reduce pain and improve function in people with tennis elbow, especially when other treatments have failed. Patients often report feeling better within a few weeks of starting therapy.
What Are the Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy for Tennis Elbow?
Despite the mixed evidence, shock wave therapy has several potential benefits for those suffering from tennis elbow.
1. Non-Invasive and Safe
One of the biggest advantages of shock wave therapy is that it is non-surgical. There are no cuts, no stitches, and no need for anesthesia. This reduces the risk of complications and allows for a quicker recovery.
2. Minimal Side Effects and Faster Recovery
Most people tolerate shock wave therapy well. Side effects are usually mild and may include temporary redness, swelling, or soreness at the treatment site. These symptoms usually go away within a few days.
3. Accelerates Healing of Tendon Injuries
By increasing blood flow and stimulating tissue repair, shock wave therapy may help the body heal more quickly. This is especially helpful for people who have been dealing with chronic pain for months.
4. Reduces Dependence on Pain Medication
If successful, shock wave therapy can reduce the need for painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can have unwanted side effects when used long-term.
What to Expect During Shock Wave Therapy Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Before starting therapy, the doctor or therapist will evaluate your condition to make sure shock wave therapy is right for you. If approved, here’s what you can typically expect:
- A handheld device will be applied to the skin over the painful area.
- Gel is used to help the shock waves travel through the skin.
- The machine sends out pulses of energy that may feel like a tapping or vibrating sensation.
- Each session takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- You may need 3 to 6 sessions spaced about one week apart.
Some people feel a reduction in pain after the first treatment, but it often takes a few sessions to see full results.
Who Should Consider Shock Wave Therapy for Tennis Elbow?
Shock wave therapy is generally recommended for people who have had tennis elbow for several months and have not found relief with other treatments like rest, ice, physical therapy, or medications.
Shock Wave Therapy vs Other Treatments for Tennis Elbow: A Comparison
Tennis elbow is often treated with rest, ice, stretching, physical therapy, braces, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and sometimes surgery. So, how does shock wave therapy compare?
Shock wave therapy is not usually the first treatment option. It is often considered when other conservative treatments have not worked. Compared to steroid injections, shock wave therapy has fewer risks and does not involve needles. However, it may take longer to see results.
When compared to surgery, shock wave therapy is much less invasive and carries fewer risks. For many people, it provides enough relief that surgery can be avoided altogether.
Risks and Side Effects of Shock Wave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Like any treatment, shock wave therapy has some drawbacks. These include:
- It may not work for everyone.
- Multiple sessions are usually required.
- It can be expensive if not covered by insurance.
- Temporary discomfort may occur during or after the treatment.
Some patients may feel soreness for a day or two, similar to how you feel after a workout. Serious side effects are rare but can happen in some cases. That’s why it’s important to receive the treatment from a qualified professional.
Conclusion
So, does shock wave therapy help tennis elbow? The answer depends on the individual. For many people with chronic pain who have not found relief from other treatments, shock wave therapy can be a helpful option. It is safe, non-invasive, and may promote healing in a natural way.
While the research is not 100 percent conclusive, enough studies support its use to make it a valid consideration, especially if you are trying to avoid surgery or long-term medication use.
If you are struggling with tennis elbow, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist to see if shock wave therapy could be right for you. It may not be a miracle cure, but for some people, it can make a big difference in getting back to daily life without pain. Contact APEX Chiropractic & Wellness Center for expert chiropractic treatments.
FAQs About Shock Wave Therapy
1. Is shock wave therapy covered by insurance for tennis elbow treatment?
Many insurance plans do not cover shock wave therapy as it is considered an experimental treatment for certain conditions. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
2. How many shock wave therapy sessions are needed to see results for tennis elbow?
Typically, 3 to 6 sessions are required, spaced one week apart. Some patients may feel improvement after a few sessions, while others may need more to see significant results.
3. Is shock wave therapy painful for tennis elbow treatment?
While the treatment may cause mild discomfort, it is usually not painful. Some people describe the sensation as a tapping or vibrating feeling on the skin. If the pain is too intense, your therapist can adjust the intensity of the treatment.
4. Can shock wave therapy help with acute tennis elbow or is it just for chronic cases?
Shock wave therapy is most effective for chronic cases of tennis elbow. However, it may be used in some acute cases as well, particularly when other treatments have not worked.
5. Are there any side effects of shock wave therapy for tennis elbow?
Side effects are typically mild and may include temporary redness, swelling, or soreness in the treatment area. These effects usually resolve within a few days.
6. How soon can I resume normal activities after shock wave therapy for tennis elbow?
Most people can return to their daily activities immediately after the session. However, you should avoid heavy lifting or activities that strain the elbow for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
7. How much does shock wave therapy for tennis elbow cost?
The cost of shock wave therapy can vary depending on your location and the clinic offering the service. On average, each session may cost between $100 and $500.
8. Is shock wave therapy effective for other elbow conditions besides tennis elbow?
Yes, shock wave therapy is also used to treat other conditions affecting the elbow, such as golfer’s elbow and tendinitis. It can also be used for conditions in other parts of the body, like the shoulder and heel.
9. Can I combine shock wave therapy with other treatments for tennis elbow?
Yes, shock wave therapy can be used in combination with other treatments such as physical therapy, rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. It’s best to discuss a comprehensive treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
10. What is the success rate of shock wave therapy for tennis elbow?
The success rate varies depending on the individual. Many studies report that around 60-80% of patients experience improvement in pain and function. However, results can differ, and not everyone will benefit from the therapy.
