26
May
Outrun pain, get back on track with Orthopedic AWT for Achilles tendonitis (and more!)
Nearly a quarter of athletes reportedly develop Achilles tendonitis at some point. Characterized by inflammation of the body’s largest tendon, the Achilles, this band of fibrous connective tissue connects the muscles to the bone and runs along the back of the lower leg. It is associated with severe pain and stiffness that interferes with not only running or sports performance but activities of daily living, from putting on and wearing shoes to climbing stairs. Fortunately, your friends at Resplendent Day Spa provide nonsurgical options for pain relief (like orthopedic AWT) from our Long Beach, California, center for all things wellness – not “just” beauty/aesthetic solutions.
What is “orthopedic AWT”?
AWT stands for “Acoustic Wave Therapy.” This alternative to invasive surgical procedures involves applying acoustic waves or shockwaves to the affected tendon(s). Shockwave therapy reduces pain and initiates a healing response to the injured area. The idea is to trigger repair within the tendon naturally.
How does it help with Achilles tendonitis?
Research has demonstrated that AWT supports improvements in pain and function among those with chronic tendonitis and/or has not responded well to other “first-line” forms of treatment, such as physical therapy, orthotics, and RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Research indicates that results from treatment are further maximized with appropriate exercise/PT. By delivering high-energy shockwaves to the injured tendon, our professionals can create “micro-trauma” to reinitiate and facilitate healing responses, especially among athletes or patients with persistent tendonitis.
What can I expect from treatment with AWT?
Treatment is generally well-tolerated. No numbing anesthetic is required for comfort. We start by identifying the precise area of injury/discomfort and applying a gel. The device that delivers AWT is then placed on the skin nearest to the tendon, making it a precise and non-invasive therapy. The actual application of the shockwaves is activated, and we can customize treatment exactly to your needs, including the intensity of the acoustic waves. While every patient’s experience differs, many have described a sensation similar to a deep tissue massage or a tapping on the affected area. You may notice some bruising, soreness, swelling, numbness, and tingling; however, these effects are fleeting and largely mild. They should pave the way for easing pain and stiffness as the tendon heals.
How long does it take to heal?
Of course, this depends on your “starting point” and your needs for therapy. While some patients notice improvement after a single, 30- to 40-minute session, you may require more sessions to feel and function like your “old self” again.
Get in Touch With Us
New Patients: (562) 685-8050 | Existing Patients: (562) 685-8120
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Is it just for Achilles tendonitis?
No. AWT has many applications in sports medicine and orthopedic care. We have successfully treated patients with various injuries and musculoskeletal conditions via this high-reward, no-downtime process. These conditions include plantar fasciitis, “tennis elbow,” and patellar tendinopathy of the knee. Any time you have a condition that could use a kickstart to the body’s natural immune response – to increase blood flow and decrease scar tissue – AWT may be an appropriate therapy. Our practitioners may even combine orthopedic AWT with EMTT at Resplendent Day Spa. Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy is a mouthful but refers to applying high-energy magnetic fields to injuries/inflamed tissues, regenerating these sites at the cellular level.
Put the pain of Achilles tendonitis and other conditions behind you. Call (562) 685-8050 to request your appointment at our Long Beach, CA center today.