Shockwave therapy is an excellent treatment alternative to surgery for many conditions. It can treat various conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and erectile dysfunction. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound waves to stimulate healing and improve body function. If you struggle with chronic pain or erectile dysfunction, consider a miracle mile shockwave therapy treatment to improve your muscle function. Like most procedures, you will need to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for your shockwave therapy. It is a short procedure that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the extent and cause of treatment. Below are several ways you can prepare for your shockwave therapy appointment.
- Clean the Area of Treatment
Before your shockwave therapy, wash the treatment area with a skin cleanser to clean off any bacteria on your skin’s surface. The skin cleanser should be non-sticky and not contain alcohol, fragrances, or parabens. You should also wash your hands thoroughly before handling the area of treatment. Suppose you have tattoos or had surgery on the treatment area within the past year. Apply sunblock before treatment, so the ink is not damaged by heat from shockwaves.
- Wear Comfortable and Loose-fitting Clothing
Before your shockwave therapy appointment, you should avoid wearing tight clothing, a belt, or a waistband. Wearing comfortable clothing often provides easy access to the muscles and tissues needing treatment.
For example, if you are receiving shockwave therapy on your legs or knees, you should wear sweatpants or shorts that will allow proper blood circulation during treatment. If you are unsure what to dress before treatment, consult your physician for the best clothing tips.
- Avoid Pain-Relieving Medications Before Treatment
Before and during your shockwave treatment session, you should avoid taking pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen and aspirin. These medications might cause various side effects affecting your healing process.
They often make you prone to bleeding and bruising, thus making your shockwave therapy results ineffective. Also, even after treatment, you should consider other pain relieving methods, such as hot and cold therapy instead of medications.
- Eat a Light Meal Before the Session
Before your session, you should eat a light meal and drink plenty of water. This step can help you prevent nausea during and after your shockwave therapy. However, it would help if you avoided meals with high levels of vitamin K since they might interfere with healing and immune function. Also, avoid overeating to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your treatment. Consult your doctor on the type of meal you should take or avoid.
- Continue With Your Program
If you still have an ongoing treatment plan before your shockwave therapy, it is best to continue your program. Shockwave therapy is most effective if combined with a larger treatment plan like exercises or physical therapy. These treatments can help you recover faster after shockwave therapy and prevent future problems. Consult your doctor on various simple activities you can practice during your treatment.
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment plan for various common conditions. If you are considering this treatment, ask any questions from your physician. This step will ensure you are well-prepared before and after treatment. It will also ensure that you feel at ease during the procedure, which may lead to better health outcomes.
