Both shockwave therapy vs electrotherapy are well-known methods of treatment in the field of physical rehabilitation and each of them provides certain advantages that can be met when it comes to the treatment of certain pathologies connected with the musculoskeletal system. Rama Care is dedicated to providing surgery and other treatment processes that not only relieve pain but also hold the key to cure.
Our modern and efficient therapies include the application of shock waves and electrotherapy within our physiotherapy treatments. As healthcare professionals, we realize the value of selecting the right approach to treating our patients.
Thus, the purpose of this article is to extend the understanding of shockwave therapy and electrotherapy through the analysis of the mechanisms, applications, and effects of these two methods. Here at RamaCare, we offer state of the art Electrotherapy Dubai treatment at most reasonable pricing.
What is Shockwave Energy and What is Electrotherapy?
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Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or Shockwave therapy is a conservative treatment method where shock waves or sound waves are utilized to treat different diseases that most affect the connective tissue involving ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The therapy entails the use of shock waves on the injured skin surface whereby the waves are characterized by a rise in pressure, amplitude, and non-sinusoidal nature.
By means of generating diverse frequencies of waves, such waves have the following potentials in the human body. It stimulates the circulation of blood and cellular metabolism, influencing the healing and regeneration of tissues, reducing inflammation, as well as dissolution fibroblast calcification.
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Electrotherapy
On the other hand, electrotherapy entails a course of treatment that uses electricity mainly in a bid to stimulate the nerves, and the muscles, as well as improving blood circulation and tissue healing. Some of the techniques that comprise it encompass TENS, EMS, and IFC. These methods use different ways and electrical characteristics but are founded on the fact that electrical currents are capable of creating some types of changes in biological activity.
The currents can also reduce pain sensations, decrease inflammation, stimulate muscles, and promote the processes of healing and cell division. Electrotherapy is among the frequent intervention and rehabilitation procedures that are provided by physical therapists.
How Are The Two Therapies Different?
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Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy mainly employs extracorporeal shock waves, which pass through the skin as well as the affected tissues. Safer waves produce microtrauma that stimulates the body’s reparative mechanisms. Such procedures include the formation of new blood vessels, which enhances the blood supply of the area being treated resulting in the concentration of growth factors.
Mechanical loading by shockwave therapy directs just the pressure of the shockwave to the afflicted region and is favored for elective overuse syndromes that have not improved with conventional treatments such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and shoulder tendinopathies.
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Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy, however, employs electric current in different ways in order to produce a number of beneficial outcomes. TENS. For example, is an electrical stimulator that sends very low amplitude electrical impulses through the skin to the nerves. These are particularly used in treating pain since it may help to inhibit pain signals and suppress sensations or backfire pain impulses to the brain and cause the production of endorphins, the natural painkillers in the body.
Other types of electrotherapy cause muscle contractions and can be useful in anti-stroke re-education and restrengthening a muscle after an injury or operation.
What Are The Uses/Applications of Each?
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Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is widely used throughout the world in management of the chronic non-healing diseases involving the musculoskeletal systems.
Some of the primary applications include:
It has been observed that some of the patients experience a little bit of relief in heel pain and the patients’ mobility levels are improved slightly.
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Tendinopathies:
For instance, pain occurring due to Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis) help to get rid of pain as well as the healing process.
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Shoulder Pain:
Particularly for conditions such as calcific tendonitis of the shoulder, shockwaves help in breaking deposits of calcium in the affected tissues.
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Chronic Wounds:
Incorporating into the treatment of wounds mainly in the area that responds poorly to conventional treatment.
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Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is utilized for a broader range of conditions, impacting muscle and nerve functions as well as pain management:
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Management:
Through the above methods like TENS, it is applied in cases of a client’s chronic pain such as arthritis or back pain, and client’s acute pain after surgery.
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Muscle Stimulation:
EMS is used in cases with the patient having immovable muscles in muscle toning and for use in the motor reeducation process of patients who have had a stroke or experience musculoskeletal trauma.
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Neuromuscular Dysfunction:
The following are some of the ways that assist in attaining enhanced muscle tone as well as dealing with ailments like spasticity.
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Edema Reduction:
Reducing the signs of swelling and improving the rate of fluid removal.
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Tissue Repair:
It is the process through which vigor of blood supply and cell revival are promoted at the site of injury to hasten the rate of healing.
Electrotherapy or Shockwave Therapy: Which One Is Better?
Shockwave Therapy
- Condition Severity and Duration: Suitable for long-standing and difficult-to-eradicate conditions that remain unaffected by remedies from other systems of medicine.
- Treatment Goals: Very suitable for the promotion of regeneration and the elimination of calcifications in tendons and muscular tissues.
- Patient Tolerance: Involves some mild pain with treatment, which the patients have to be warned of.
Electrotherapy
- Versatility: Applicable in various forms in different settings: from symptomatic relief in acute stages or during a flare, to teaching how to restore muscles’ tone in those who experience chronic pain.
- Patient Needs: Great for the immediate relief of joint and muscle pain, and can be adjusted for the degree of heat and pressure, therefore, it can be used irrespective of how much pain one can endure.
- Recovery Objectives: Toning in the muscles as well as contouring is especially useful in facilities after an injury or surgery.
Shockwave Therapy vs Electrotherapy
Shockwave Therapy
- Condition Severity and Duration: Suitable for long-standing and difficult-to-eradicate conditions that remain unaffected by remedies from other systems of medicine.
- Treatment Goals: Very suitable for the promotion of regeneration and the elimination of calcifications in tendons and muscular tissues.
- Patient Tolerance: Involves some mild pain with treatment, which the patients have to be warned of.
Electrotherapy
- Versatility: Applicable in various forms in different settings: from symptomatic relief in acute stages or during a flare, to teaching how to restore muscles’ tone in those who experience chronic pain.
- Patient Needs: Great for the immediate relief of joint and muscle pain, and can be adjusted for the degree of heat and pressure, therefore, it can be used irrespective of how much pain one can endure.
- Recovery Objectives: Toning in the muscles as well as contouring is especially useful in facilities after an injury or surgery.
Final Words
Lastly, it is evident that both shockwave therapy and electrotherapy provide effective solutions for medical and rehabilitation purposes related to the muscular-skeletal system. In this context, Rama Care is focused on offering an individualized treatment program that meets those claims and includes the above-listed therapies depending on the patient’s health state and needs for recovery.
From shock wave therapy, that works in deep muscles, to electrotherapy that can for pain management and muscle rehabilitation we have the expertise to help you find the best solutions.
Come to Rama Care today to get exceptional and caring services that help get you back to the stages of regaining your strength.