What Is Shockwave Therapy?

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we are committed to providing advanced, evidence-based treatments to help our patients recover from injury, relieve pain, and return to the activities they love. One of the innovative therapies we offer is shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Shockwave therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with various musculoskeletal issues. Here are some groups who may benefit from this treatment:

• Individuals with Chronic Tendonitis: Those suffering from long-term inflammation of tendons, such as Achilles tendonitis or tennis elbow.

• People with Plantar Fasciitis: Individuals experiencing heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia.

• Athletes: Athletes who have sports-related injuries, including muscle strains, ligament injuries, or joint pain.

• Patients with Calcific Tendonitis: People dealing with painful calcium deposits in tendons, especially in the shoulder.

• Those with Chronic Pain: Individuals with persistent pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications.

• Patients with Fascia Tightness: People suffering from tight fascia in areas like the back, hips, or legs.

• Individuals Looking for Non-Surgical Solutions: Those who want to avoid surgery or invasive procedures and seek a non-invasive treatment option to address pain or injury.

• People Seeking Faster Recovery: Those who want to speed up recovery from injuries, surgery, or soft tissue damage.

Shockwave therapy offers an effective, non-invasive treatment option for various conditions that cause chronic pain and discomfort. At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we perform a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether shockwave therapy is the right option for you, considering your medical history, the specifics of your condition, and previous treatments. Our team has extensive experience in sports medicine and musculoskeletal care. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate and effective care for your needs.

Shockwave therapy is considered a safe and effective treatment option for athletes dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, particularly those related to tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. The therapy works by applying acoustic waves to the affected area, which stimulates blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair. For athletes, this can help speed up recovery from common sports injuries like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and muscle strains. Additionally, shockwave therapy can be a non-invasive alternative to surgery, making it a popular choice for athletes looking to avoid downtime.

As with any medical treatment, athletes should consult with a healthcare provider to determine if shockwave therapy is suitable for their specific condition. Dr. Timothy Mullally, DO, at Mullally Sports & Family Medicine, works closely with athletes to assess their injuries and create personalized treatment plans. When used appropriately, shockwave therapy can be a safe and beneficial part of an athlete’s recovery strategy, helping them return to their sport faster and with less pain. Our team is dedicated to discussing the potential risks and benefits with you, ensuring you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your health and athletic goals.

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we are committed to providing evidence-based, non-invasive treatments to help our patients recover from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain. One such treatment we offer is shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). While shockwave therapy is generally considered safe and effective, like any medical treatment, there are some potential risks and long-term effects to be aware of:

• Discomfort During Treatment: Some individuals may experience discomfort or mild pain during the treatment, especially in sensitive areas. This usually subsides shortly after the session.

• Temporary Skin Redness or Bruising: In some cases, shockwave therapy can cause temporary redness or mild bruising in the treated area, though this is typically short-lived and resolves within a few days.

• Swelling: Mild swelling may occur around the treated area as the body responds to the increased blood flow and tissue stimulation.

• Not Suitable for Certain Conditions: Shockwave therapy should not be used for conditions like active infections, tumors, or areas with nerve damage. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

• Increased Pain Initially: For some patients, there may be an initial increase in pain or discomfort after the therapy as the body starts to heal. This is usually temporary and should improve over time.

• Possible Damage to Sensitive Tissues: If not administered correctly or if used too frequently, shockwave therapy could potentially cause damage to sensitive tissues or structures, such as nerves or blood vessels.

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we take the time to discuss your specific needs, review your health history, and answer any questions you may have about the treatment process and expected outcomes. Our team is here to help you return to the activities you love—safely and effectively.

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we prioritize your recovery and long-term health following treatments such as shockwave therapy. The timing for returning to exercise after shockwave therapy varies depending on the individual and the severity of the injury being treated. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 48 to 72 hours after a shockwave therapy session before resuming strenuous exercise. This allows the body time to respond to the treatment, reduce any immediate discomfort or inflammation, and begin the healing process.

However, light activities or low-impact exercises, such as walking or gentle stretching, may be possible sooner, depending on your comfort level and the specific area being treated. It’s essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon. Dr. Timothy Mullally, DO, at Mullally Sports & Family Medicine, will provide personalized guidance on when it’s safe for you to return to exercise and the best approach for a smooth recovery.

At Mullally Sports & Family Medicine, Dr. Timothy Mullally, DO, offers shockwave therapy as an effective, non-invasive treatment for pain relief and accelerated healing. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration, making it an excellent option for patients dealing with musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Mullally combines his expertise with advanced technology to help you recover faster, alleviate chronic pain, and restore mobility, all without the need for surgery or long recovery times.

With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Mullally customizes each shockwave therapy treatment to meet your specific needs, ensuring that the therapy targets the root causes of your pain and supports your long-term healing process. Whether you’re a professional athlete, an active individual, or simply seeking relief from chronic discomfort, Dr. Mullally’s comprehensive approach to shockwave therapy provides the care and support needed to get you back to doing what you love.

For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11275 Delaware Pkwy Suite A, Crown Point, IN 46307. We serve patients from Crown Point IN, Winfield IN, Schererville IN, St. John IN, Cedar Lake IN, Munster IN, Lowell IN, DeMotte IN, as well as other Northwest Indiana locations.