Shockwave or Softwave Therapy for Neuropathy Pain?

Posted by queenofjacks @queenofjacks, May 13, 2023

Has anyone tried Shockeaves or Softwaves for neuropathy pain? If so, did it help?
Thanks a mill in advance

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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!!!

REPLY
Profile picture for carolynpatten @carolynpatten

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.

REPLY

Has anyone tried either soft wave or shockwave therapy for neuropathy? I am researching it as an option for dealing with my neuropathy. I live in the DC area and there appear to be several practices (mostly chiropractors or PT places.)

REPLY
Profile picture for geet69 @geet69

Has anyone tried either soft wave or shockwave therapy for neuropathy? I am researching it as an option for dealing with my neuropathy. I live in the DC area and there appear to be several practices (mostly chiropractors or PT places.)

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Hi, I am in Florida and have had “shock treatment” for neuropathy, knee and back pain. Neuropathy seems improved but it probably won’t cure.

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Profile picture for nelbahoney @nelbahoney

Hi, I am in Florida and have had “shock treatment” for neuropathy, knee and back pain. Neuropathy seems improved but it probably won’t cure.

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@nelbahoney

Shockwave treatment?

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Profile picture for geet69 @geet69

Has anyone tried either soft wave or shockwave therapy for neuropathy? I am researching it as an option for dealing with my neuropathy. I live in the DC area and there appear to be several practices (mostly chiropractors or PT places.)

Jump to this post

There are various high frequency shockwave therapies that are suppose to help the body heal.

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Profile picture for nelbahoney @nelbahoney

There are various high frequency shockwave therapies that are suppose to help the body heal.

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@nelbahoney

Can you please share the specific treatment that you had.

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High frequency acoustic shock waves delivered by wand four treatments each area,ie. low back. Last about 4 minutes.

REPLY
Profile picture for carolynpatten @carolynpatten

@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.

Jump to this post

@carolynpatten

this is very helpful. I've found 2 places here that do Softwave (as opposed to Shockwave). One offers a $79 trial for one part of your body. Then it is about $150 per session after that. I'm going to call and get more details about it.

REPLY
Profile picture for geet69 @geet69

@carolynpatten

this is very helpful. I've found 2 places here that do Softwave (as opposed to Shockwave). One offers a $79 trial for one part of your body. Then it is about $150 per session after that. I'm going to call and get more details about it.

Jump to this post

@geet69 Sounds promising - I can't find any studies that compare the two therapies and how they might differ in treating neuropathy. Please let us all know your experience!

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