Shockwave Therapy in Anchorage, AK

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate musculoskeletal healing and reduce pain. It is highly effective for treating chronic pain and promoting tissue regeneration, offering a cutting-edge solution for patients who have not found relief through traditional methods.  Shockwave therapy works by stimulating cellular responses by converting mechanical energy into biochemical signals (a process called mechanotransduction). 

Underlying cellular pathways stimulate healing and repair via:

• activation of your body's own mesenchymal stem cells
• increasing circulatory growth factors
• improving cellular proliferation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells which are vital for tissue repair and the formation of new connective tissue

Other key physiologic functions and mechanisms through which Shockwave Therapy (SWT) operates include:

• Pain reduction via disruption of nociceptors, release of endorphins and reduction of calcifications.
• Improved blood circulation by promoting the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and improving the function of existing ones to help deliver nutrients and oxygen essential for tissue repair and healing.
• Breakdown of fibrosis and scar tissue.
• Modulation of inflammatory response.
• Enhanced metabolic activity of treated tissues leading to accelerated healing.  This includes increased production of proteins and other molecules necessary for tissue repair.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Effective Pain Relief: Shockwave Therapy targets area of pain, providing lasting relief for conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular strains, joint sprains and more.

Non-Invasive: Delay the risks and recovery time associated with surgery. Shockwave Therapy is a safe, non-invasive conservative modality that should be explored before committing to surgical intervention.

Quick Sessions: Each session lasts less than 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for a busy lifestyle.

Fast Results: Many patients experience a reduction in symptoms after just a few treatments.  In most cases, expect to commit to 4-8 treatment sessions to completely eliminate a condition.  We spread these treatments out over the course of just 2-4 weeks!

Do I need to do rehab exercises along with it?

The short answer is yes, if you want the best results.  We encourage everyone receiving SWT to spend time with our rehab team post-appointment because the integration of SWT and exercise rehabilitation creates a synergistic effect that maximizes the benefits of both treatments.  We will include a few quick activation and rehab exercises as part of each of your shockwave appointments. While SWT accelerates the healing process by addressing the underlying tissue damage, exercise rehabilitation focuses on restoring muscle strength, flexibility, and joint stability. This holistic approach not only addresses the immediate symptoms but also helps prevent future injuries by promoting proper movement patterns and overall physical health. 

Who Can Benefit?

Athletes: Enhance your performance and recover faster from sports injuries - bikers, hikers, golfers, pickle ballers, we're talking to you!

Outdoor Enthusiasts: Get back to hiking, skiing, and enjoying the beautiful Wyoming landscapes pain-free.

Busy Professionals: Quick and effective treatments mean minimal disruption to your work schedule.

Chronic Pain Sufferers: Find relief from persistent pain that has impacted your quality of life.

Who Won't Benefit?

Focused Shockwave Therapy has demonstrated efficacy in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, but there are several areas where research is still limited or inconclusive  Here are some conditions that we will not be treating until more evidence of efficacy is provided:

• Acute and/or chronic vertebral disc lesions 
• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Neuropathic pain like peripheral neuropathy or complex regional pain syndrome.

Potential side effects of shockwave therapy

• Petechial bruising or redness at application site
• Hematoma (bruise) formation
• Nerve irritation resulting in tingling or numbness
• Pain at application site
• Headache or migraine

Shockwave therapy has minimal possible side effects compared to medication, injection or surgery.

Contraindications and Precautions for Focused Shockwave therapy

• Active Infection
• Pregnancy
• Cancer or tumor in application area
• Lung tissue, brain or spinal nerve
• Epiphyseal plates
• Clotting disorders, and precautions if on blood thinners

Why Choose Backcountry Health for Focused Shockwave Therapy?

At Backcountry Health, we combine the latest technology with personalized care. Our team, led by Dr. Tyler and Dr. Laura, is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment tailored to your specific needs. Shockwave therapy responds best when coupled with exercise rehab, and that is what we provide. We understand the unique demands of our Jackson community and strive to support your active lifestyle through every phase of your recovery and wellness journey.

Shockwave Pricing

• Shockwave Therapy - single session - $140
• 4 pack - $500 (save $60)
• 8 pack - $950 (save $170)
• 12 pack - $1,400 (save $280)
• 16 pack - $1,900 (save $340)

Appointments are bookable online, over the phone or in person.  If you're a current patient with a diagnosed issue, feel free to give it a try.  If you haven't been in before (or for awhile), book an exam prior to your first session so that we can make sure we target the right areas and that SWT is right for your condition.

At Backcountry Health, we offer focused shockwave therapy in Anchorage, AK because we have read the research and seen first-hand the value it can provide. Call us for more information - 907-720-3132. You can also checkout our shockwave page to understand which conditions respond well focused shockwave (chronic tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, scars and bone healing especially) and what to expect.

Sources:

• Tenforde AS, Borgstrom HE, DeLuca S, McCormack M, Singh M, Hoo JS, Yun PH. Best practices for extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal medicine: Clinical application and training consideration. PM R. 2022 May;14(5):611-619. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12790. Epub 2022 Apr 14. PMID: 35187851; PMCID: PMC9321712.Wang, C. J. (2012). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 7(1), 11.
• Moya, D., Ramón, S., Schaden, W., Wang, C. J., & Guiloff, L. (2018). The role of extracorporeal shockwave treatment in musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 100(3), 251-263.
• Schaden, W., Mittermayr, R., Haffner, N., Smolen, D., Gerdesmeyer, L., & Wang, C. J. (2015). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) - First choice treatment of fracture non-unions? International Journal of Surgery, 24(Pt B), 179-183.