A Natural Alternative to Corticosteroid Injections

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent joint disorders, impacting millions worldwide. This degenerative condition leads to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the spine and extremities, making daily tasks challenging. Traditionally, many individuals rely on corticosteroid injections for relief. However, while these injections offer short-term pain management, they fail to heal the affected area and may even accelerate joint deterioration over time. Fortunately, Focused Shockwave Therapy provides a safer, more effective solution.

At Lake Mary Chiropractic, we proudly offer Focused Shockwave Therapy as a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating osteoarthritis. This cutting-edge treatment not only alleviates pain but also enhances mobility and stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms—without the potential side effects of corticosteroid injections.

Understanding Osteoarthritis and Its Impact

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease characterized by cartilage breakdown in the joints. As the protective cushioning diminishes, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. OA commonly affects the spine, knees, hips, shoulders, and hands.

Key Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

  • Pain and Stiffness – Particularly noticeable after prolonged inactivity or excessive movement.
  • Swelling – Caused by inflammation and cartilage degeneration.
  • Reduced Range of Motion – Joints become increasingly rigid.
  • Clicking or Popping Sounds – Resulting from bone friction due to cartilage loss.
  • Weakness and Instability – Surrounding muscles weaken, leading to joint instability.

 

Why Corticosteroid Injections May Not Be the Best Option

For years, corticosteroid injections have been a standard treatment for osteoarthritic pain and inflammation. While they offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of OA and may lead to serious side effects, such as:

  • Cartilage Breakdown – Steroids weaken cartilage, worsening joint health over time.
  • Bone Loss – Prolonged use can contribute to osteoporosis.
  • Increased Joint Instability – Frequent injections may weaken tendons and ligaments.
  • Short-Term Relief – Pain relief typically lasts only a few weeks or months, requiring repeated treatments.

Given these risks, more patients are seeking Alternative Osteoarthritis Treatments, and Focused Shockwave Therapy is emerging as a groundbreaking solution.

 

What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST) is a non-invasive technique that utilizes acoustic waves to promote tissue regeneration and pain relief in targeted areas. Unlike traditional shockwave therapy, which disperses energy across a broad region, Advanced Shockwave Therapy delivers precise energy to damaged tissues, making it an ideal treatment for osteoarthritis.

How It Works:

  1. Mechanical Stimulation – Triggers a biological response in affected joints.
  2. Increased Blood Circulation – Enhances oxygen and nutrient flow to damaged tissues.
  3. Collagen Production – Encourages cartilage and connective tissue repair.
  4. Pain Reduction – Interrupts pain signals naturally.
  5. Inflammation Reduction – Decreases swelling and stiffness in arthritic joints.

 

Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy for Osteoarthritis

  1. Encourages Natural Healing
     Unlike corticosteroid injections that only mask pain, Advanced Shockwave Therapy stimulates the body’s regenerative process, supporting long-term joint health by encouraging new blood vessel formation and collagen production.
  2. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free
     Patients looking for Alternative Osteoarthritis Treatments will appreciate that Focused Shockwave Therapy involves no medications, injections, or downtime.
  3. Long-Lasting Pain Relief
     Studies show that Focused Shockwave Therapy offers prolonged relief compared to corticosteroid injections, with many patients experiencing sustained improvements in mobility and reduced pain for months or even years after treatment.
  4. Improved Joint Mobility and Function
     By reducing inflammation and increasing circulation, joint stiffness is minimized, enabling better movement—especially beneficial for OA in the knees, hips, and spine.
  5. Slows the Progression of Osteoarthritis
     Because it promotes tissue regeneration, Focused Shockwave Therapy may help preserve cartilage, delaying the advancement of osteoarthritis.
  6. Safe for Most Patients
     Chiropractic Shockwave Therapy is well tolerated and suitable for individuals who cannot take anti-inflammatory medications or undergo surgical procedures.

 

Scientific Support for Focused Shockwave Therapy

Research strongly supports the efficacy of Focused Shockwave Therapy for osteoarthritis:

  • A 2020 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that Focused Shockwave Therapy significantly reduced pain and improved joint function in knee osteoarthritis patients, outperforming corticosteroid injections.
  • A 2019 clinical trial demonstrated that Advanced Shockwave Therapy aids cartilage regeneration and may help delay the need for joint replacement surgery.
  • A 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reported substantial pain relief and increased mobility in patients with spinal osteoarthritis after just a few sessions of Chiropractic Shockwave Therapy.

 

What to Expect at Lake Mary Chiropractic

At Lake Mary Chiropractic, we customize Focused Shockwave Therapy treatments to maximize results for each patient.

Your Treatment Journey:

  1. Initial Consultation – A thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and joint function.
  2. Personalized Treatment Plan – Therapy is tailored to the severity and location of osteoarthritis.
  3. Shockwave Therapy Sessions – Each session lasts 15-30 minutes, delivering targeted acoustic waves to the affected joint.
  4. Post-Treatment Care – Patients can resume daily activities with minimal to no side effects.
  5. Follow-Up Sessions – Most individuals experience significant improvement within 3-5 treatments.

 

Is Focused Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

If you struggle with chronic joint pain due to osteoarthritis and seek a natural, effective alternative to corticosteroid injections, Focused Shockwave Therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

At Lake Mary Chiropractic, we are dedicated to providing Chiropractic Shockwave Therapy and other non-invasive treatments that promote healing and enhance our patients’ quality of life. Contact us today to learn how Advanced Shockwave Therapy can relieve your osteoarthritis pain and restore mobility—without the risks of injections or surgery!