Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) can help with muscle spasticity by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected muscles. These waves work to reduce abnormal muscle tension and improve function. Here’s how RSWT helps with muscle spasticity:
1. Disruption of Abnormal Muscle Activity
The shockwaves target areas of hyperactivity within the muscle. By disrupting the abnormal nerve signals that cause spasticity, RSWT can reduce excessive muscle contractions, which can alleviate stiffness and improve muscle relaxation.
2. Inhibition of Pain Pathways
RSWT can desensitise nerves in the spastic muscles by reducing the activity of pain receptors (nociceptors). This decrease in nerve sensitivity can help interrupt the pain-spasm cycle, where pain triggers more spasticity, and vice versa.
3. Improvement of Blood Flow
RSWT promotes increased blood flow to the treated muscles. Improved circulation helps reduce inflammation and removes waste products like lactic acid, which can contribute to muscle tightness and discomfort. Enhanced blood flow also supports muscle healing and recovery.
4. Reduction of Muscle Tone
The mechanical stimulation provided by RSWT is thought to decrease muscle tone by altering the structure and function of the connective tissues within the muscle. This can lead to a decrease in muscle stiffness and help restore normal movement patterns.
5. Stimulation of Tissue Regeneration
RSWT promotes the regeneration and repair of damaged muscle and tendon tissues. It stimulates the production of collagen, the main protein involved in tissue healing. Over time, this can lead to improved muscle flexibility and function, reducing the impact of spasticity.
6. Neuromodulation
Shockwave therapy may also help modulate the neurological aspects of spasticity. By affecting the nervous system's control of muscles, it can help "retrain" the muscles to function more normally. This neuromodulation can contribute to long-term relief from spasticity.
7. Reduction of Trigger Points
RSWT is effective in reducing myofascial trigger points—knots of tight muscle that can exacerbate spasticity. By breaking up these trigger points, shockwave therapy can relieve localised muscle tension and pain.
Radial shockwave therapy helps with muscle spasticity by disrupting abnormal muscle activity, reducing pain, improving circulation, and facilitating muscle relaxation and repair. These effects combine to reduce muscle stiffness, alleviate discomfort, and improve functional movement in people suffering from spasticity.
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