Muscle knots, known as myofascial trigger points, result in pain and discomfort. They often manifest as tight, sensitive muscle areas that can cause widespread discomfort and even limit the range of motion. For many people, traditional methods, such as stretching, massage, and rest, may not provide the long-term relief they need. Where shockwave therapy Grande Prairie comes in—a relatively newer treatment option that is gaining popularity for its effectiveness in treating stubborn muscle pain.
What are Muscle Knots?
These knots can develop due to various factors, including poor posture, repetitive stress, overuse of muscles, or lack of physical activity. They can cause localized pain, tenderness, and discomfort; in some cases, they can even refer pain to other body parts.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive technique using high-energy sound waves to target and treat specific trigger points in the body precisely, helping to alleviate pain and promote healing in affected areas. It is often known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). Originally developed to treat kidney stones, SWT has evolved and is now widely used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle knots. ESWT shockwave therapy helps with tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Muscle Knots?
Shockwave therapy in Grande Prairie is a highly effective treatment for muscle knots, targeting the tight, contracted muscle fibres that contribute to discomfort and restricted movement. Here’s a detailed look at how this therapy benefits individuals suffering from various types of muscle knots:
- Increases Blood Flow: Shockwave therapy enhances blood circulation in the affected area, which helps deliver essential nutrients to the tissues. The improved blood flow promotes healing by removing toxins and metabolic waste products that can worsen muscle knots. For instance, improved circulation helps reduce lactic acid buildup and other byproducts contributing to muscle stiffness in knots formed due to overuse or strain.
- Breaks Down Scar Tissue: Muscle knots frequently develop within scar tissue or as a response to microtears in muscle fibres. Shockwave therapy delivers mechanical energy that helps break down scar tissue and disrupt areas of fibrosis. This process restores normal muscle function and reduces the size and intensity of the knots, allowing for smoother muscle movement. It is beneficial for knots resulting from past injuries or chronic tension.
- Relieves Pain and Reduces Inflammation: The energy from the shockwaves stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms, including the release of endorphins. It leads to immediate pain relief and reduced inflammation in the treated area. Shockwave therapy enables patients to move more freely without hindering muscle knot-related pain by alleviating discomfort.
- Stimulates Collagen Production: Collagen is a vital component in the connective tissue involved in muscle repair and strength. Shockwave therapy stimulates the production of new collagen fibres, which helps strengthen the affected muscles and prevent the recurrence of knots. It is effective for knots associated with chronic muscle tension or long-standing injuries, as increased collagen helps in the regeneration and long-term health of the muscle tissue.
Whether dealing with acute knots from recent strain or chronic knots related to scar tissue, SWT provides a valuable solution for restoring muscle function and improving overall comfort.
What Happens During a Shockwave Therapy Session for Muscle Knots
Shockwave therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for muscle knots and related issues. Here is a detailed overview of what to expect during a session for individuals considering shockwave therapy in Grande Prairie.
Initial Assessment
The session begins with the physiotherapist conducting a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the muscle knots and assess overall muscle function and flexibility. It helps determine whether shockwave therapy is suitable for the patient’s condition.
Application of Shockwaves
Once the treatment starts, the physiotherapist applies conductive gel on the skin to facilitate the transmission of shockwaves. Using a specialized handheld device, they deliver targeted pulses of acoustic energy to the muscle knots. While patients might feel discomfort during the treatment, it is generally well-tolerated and is part of breaking down the knots and promoting healing.
Post-Treatment Care
After a shockwave therapy session, specific exercises complement the treatment and enhance recovery. Here’s how to perform the commonly recommended exercises:
Gentle Stretching
- Targeted Muscle Stretch: To address a muscle knot in the upper back, gently stretch by extending one arm across the chest and using the opposite hand to pull it closer, feeling a stretch in the shoulder. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then repeat on the other side to ensure balanced relief.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
- Shoulder Circles: To improve shoulder mobility, patients can perform shoulder circles by standing or sitting with arms at their sides. Slowly lift the shoulders towards the ears, then roll them back and down in a circular motion. Complete 10-15 circles in each direction.
These exercises help maintain flexibility, improve joint mobility, and further relax the muscles following shockwave therapy. Patients must perform these exercises gently and consistently to support their recovery and reduce post-treatment soreness. The combination of shockwave therapy and these post-treatment exercises aims to optimize healing and restore muscle function.
Discover Lasting Relief from Muscle Knots with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for alleviating muscle knots. For those struggling with stubborn muscle knots, shockwave therapy in Grande Prairie may offer a new and viable treatment option. If someone is experiencing ongoing muscle knots and wondering if shockwave therapy could be beneficial, contact Junction Point Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie to schedule a consultation. To learn more about shockwave therapy treatment, contact us at +1(780) 832-2804 or visit us at www.junctionpointphysio.com.
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