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Shockwave or Softwave Therapy for Neuropathy Pain?
Neuropathy | Last Active: 17 hours ago | Replies (60)Comment receiving replies
I’ve been researching shockwave therapy in my area - Albuquerque- and first heard about it when I had a consult with a podiatrist for a Morton’s neuroma that had not responded to cortisone injections. I set up a 3-session treatment for $300, then before my first appointment they upped the cost to $495!
That sent me on the research quest, and I’ve just found a clinic here that provides this for $75 “per body part,” which would mean $150 for one treatment on each foot. I’m guessing the neuroma would be additional, but I could live with that if it works. I’ve had idiomatic peripheral neuropathy for going on six years and it is increasing in pain intensity, so my nights are NOT fun!
One important thing I learned in the research is this: Shockwave therapy is either Focused or Radial. Focused is best for neuropathy because it goes deeper and is more intense (not painful, still). Radial is best for muscle issues and has more superficial penetration. I have a consult to set this up next week and will update here after a few sessions. Fingers crossed!!!
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@carolynpatten
Update on my experience with this: I had the first session Feb. 1 and have since have had five - going for the 6th next week. It’s a very noninvasive experience. You lay face down on a massage table, (fully clothed!) and the technician applies a gel, similar to what you get with an ultrasound, on the soles of your feet. Then moves a hand-held device with a broad rubber “head” up, down, across, etc. all over the sole. It’s loud and percussive, and can be a bit uncomfortable, but intensity can be quickly adjusted. 10 minutes total for each foot.
After the very first session, my pain level that night was down by 25%! I’ve been going every week or week and a half. Some people apparently go twice a week, but I found that it would take longer than that for the soreness to go away. Each treatment has definitely reduced the pain and I am now able to sleep through the night, which I consider an absolute miracle. My readings tell me that optimal results are reached after 6-8 treatments and can continue without treatment as nerves begin to regenerate. You don’t need to go back and restart the whole thing.
In addition, I have been taking these supplements: mythelated B12, ALCAR, R-Lipoic Acid. Also drastically cut sugar from my diet and am beginning to take walks, which I was not able to do at all before treatment.