Home
» Blog
» Shockwave Therapy vs. Surgery: Choosing the Right Option for You
Shockwave Therapy vs. Surgery: Choosing the Right Option for You

If chronic pain or injury is shortening your quality of life, searching for effective treatment is a priority. In Edmonds, WA, many people are discovering the benefits of shockwave therapy, a non-invasive and innovative approach offered at Lilly Physical Therapy. When compared to surgery, shockwave therapy provides an appealing alternative for fast, safe, and lasting relief from conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and pelvic health.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy involves the application of acoustic pressure waves, administered through a specific FDA-approved device known as the SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies (TRT) device, to activate your body's natural recovery mechanisms. These non-harmful waves of energy enhance blood flow, stimulate collagen, and break up problematic scar tissue and calcifications.

At Lilly Physical Therapy, shockwave therapy is incorporated into individualized programs for the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, wound care, and more. It differs from other therapies in that it penetrates deeply into bone and soft tissues to induce cellular-level repair, without the need for medication or surgery.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Edmonds Work?

The therapy triggers several biological effects, including:

Shockwave therapy Edmonds activates healing by taking advantage of some robust biological processes:

  • Stimulates new vessel growth to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to traumatized tissues
  • Suppresses chronic inflammation by activating anti-inflammatory cellular pathways
  • Triggers collagen production, which is essential for tissue repair and structure strengthening.
  • Dissolves calcium deposits created from trauma or chronic micro-injuries
  • Decreases neurotransmitters of pain, alleviating long-standing pain
  • Relaxes muscle trigger points, inducing relaxation and restoring mobility

Due to these impacts, shockwave therapy can facilitate faster recovery and long-term relief from conditions such as:

Meniscus injuries, Achilles injuries, Rotator cuff tears and strains, Plantar fasciitis, Arthritis, Back pain, Sports injuries.

Surgery vs. Shockwave Therapy: What Are the Differences?

Surgery typically involves invasive procedures, which carry risks of infection, prolonged recovery, and higher costs. Surgery is generally reserved for serious injuries or illnesses where conservative treatments have been ineffective.

Shockwave treatment, in contrast, is not painful, does not involve incisions or anesthesia, and has few side effects. The majority of patients can tolerate the treatment and can resume daily activities rapidly. It is cost-efficient and may avoid the need for surgery altogether as indicated by studies that located extracorporeal shock-wave therapy to be as efficient as surgery in evoking healing in specific ailments with improved short-term clinical results.

Who Can Be Treated with Shockwave Therapy Edmonds, WA?

Shockwave treatment is suitable for those with:

  • Chronic tendon, muscle, and joint pain
  • Injuries caused by sport and physical activity
  • Pelvic pain and sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction and vaginismus
  • Arthritis that impacts mobility and comfort

Why Lilly Physical Therapy?

At Lilly Physical Therapy, we integrate cutting-edge SoftWave technology with clinical expertise. Our skilled clinicians deliver customized evaluation and treatment plans aimed at the source of your pain. We are dedicated to your comfort and strive to facilitate a successful and swift recovery so that you can return to living life to its fullest.

Don't wait until surgery is your sole solution. Contact Lilly Physical Therapy in Edmonds, WA, today to learn if shockwave therapy is right for you and start your journey toward pain-free living.

References:

Cacchio A, Giordano L, Colafarina O, Rompe JD, Tavernese E, Ioppolo F, Flamini S, Spacca G, Santilli V. Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy compared with surgery for hypertrophic long-bone nonunions. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009 Nov;91(11):2589-97. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.H.00841. Erratum in: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2010 May;92(5):1241. PMID: 19884432.

Speed C. A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: focusing on the evidence. Br J Sports Med. 2014 Nov;48(21):1538-42. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091961. Epub 2013 Aug 5. PMID: 23918444.

Sample
SoftWave Therapy is now available at Lilly Physical Therapy. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.
X