Suffering from an ACL injury can be a frustrating and painful experience, especially for athletes or active individuals who rely on their legs for their daily activities. If you’ve undergone surgery to reconstruct your ACL, you’re likely looking for ways to speed up your recovery process and get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
In recent years, acoustic shockwave therapy has gained popularity as one potential treatment option. Let’s explore what acoustic shockwave therapy is, how it works, and its potential benefits when used during ACL reconstruction surgery recovery.
Understanding ACL Reconstruction Surgery
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilize the knee joint. ACL injuries are common among athletes who play high-demand sports like basketball and football.
ACL reconstruction surgery replaces the torn ACL with a tissue graft to restore its normal function. After the surgery, the graft needs time to ‘take hold’ in the knee. The recovery period varies from person to person but usually spans several weeks to months.
Introducing Acoustic Shockwave Therapy
Acoustic shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The sound waves are delivered through a handheld device placed on the skin above the affected area.
The waves penetrate deep into the tissue, causing microtrauma that triggers the body’s repair mechanisms. Acoustic shockwave therapy has been used successfully to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff injuries.
Acoustic Shockwave Therapy for ACL Reconstruction Surgery Recovery
Acoustic shockwave therapy, particularly Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT), plays a crucial role in the recovery process from ACL surgery. This specific form of therapy utilizes advanced technology to deliver precise, focused shockwaves to the affected area. This targeted approach allows for a deeper and more concentrated stimulation of the tissues, which is critical for patients recovering from ACL reconstruction.
The precision of the Piezo Wave 2 therapy device ensures that the recovery of the ligament is at the forefront, minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissues and resulting in a more efficient and comfortable healing process.
Here is a brief overview of how acoustic shockwave therapy can help with ACL surgery recovery:
Reducing Inflammation and Pain
One of the primary benefits of acoustic shockwave therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation, which is common after surgery. The therapy works by sending shockwaves into the inflamed tissues, which helps increase local blood circulation and metabolism. Thus, it accelerates the healing process and helps manage post-operative pain.
Promoting Tissue Healing
Acoustic shockwave therapy stimulates cell regeneration, leading to faster healing. When shockwaves are directed at the injured tissues, they create minor trauma or stress. This stress acts as a stimulus, triggering the body’s natural healing response.
This healing response involves several processes. Firstly, it leads to the production of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. These new vessels enhance the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the affected area, providing the necessary components for tissue repair.
Secondly, the shockwaves stimulate the release of growth factors, proteins that play a crucial role in healing. These growth factors attract repair cells to the injury site, speeding up tissue repair and recovery.
Improving Joint Mobility
Joint stiffness and reduced mobility are common issues following ACL reconstruction surgery. By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing, acoustic shockwave therapy can help improve joint mobility.
As the inflammation subsides, pain decreases, allowing for more comfortable movement. The enhanced tissue healing also results in stronger, more flexible tissues, contributing to improved joint function.
Furthermore, the therapy can break down scar tissue formed post-ACL surgery. Scar tissue is less flexible than normal tissue and can limit joint mobility. By breaking it down, the therapy helps restore normal movement and function.
Shockwave Therapy in Billings, MT
Acoustic shockwave therapy offers a promising adjunctive treatment for the recovery process following ACL reconstruction surgery. It addresses key aspects of recovery: inflammation and pain reduction, tissue healing, and joint mobility improvement.
If you are recovering from an injury or surgery and are looking for ways to boost healing, visit us at Concierge Health & Wellness in Billings, Montana. Our team of licensed clinicians offers a wide range of safe, cutting-edge, and non-invasive treatments, including Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy (MyACT), to improve healing and recovery.
To learn more about the physical and rehabilitative services we offer or to schedule a consultation with one of our providers, contact us today at (406) 707-6082 or use our secure online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!