Low Back Pain Archives | Apollo Soft Tissue and Spine

The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief

Dr. Drew Ruebbelke — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:06:19 +0000

Chronic pain is a widespread issue that affects countless individuals worldwide, limiting their ability to live active and fulfilling lives. It can disrupt daily routines, interfere with professional and personal goals, and often lead to emotional and physical strain. Unlike acute injuries, chronic pain persists over time and can become a source of frustration when conventional treatments fail.

Shockwave therapy offers a revolutionary approach to addressing these challenges. As a non-surgical solution, it targets the root causes of pain, fostering healing and recovery. At Apollo Soft Tissue and Spine in Denver, we specialize in delivering advanced therapies like shockwave therapy to help our patients regain their strength, mobility, and quality of life.

To understand more about chronic pain challenges, visit resources like The American Chronic Pain Association or Mayo Clinic’s chronic pain overview.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Why Chronic Pain Differs from Acute Injuries

Chronic pain is more than just prolonged discomfort—it is a complex condition that goes beyond the initial cause of injury. While acute pain typically stems from a specific incident, such as a sprain or fracture, and resolves within weeks, chronic pain can persist for months or even years. This type of pain often arises from conditions like arthritis, tendon disorders, or nerve entrapments, and it frequently lacks a clear or immediate cause.

The impact of chronic pain extends beyond physical limitations. It can disrupt sleep patterns, diminish mental health, and hinder social interactions. Unlike acute injuries, which the body is naturally equipped to heal, chronic pain requires specialized interventions to manage and treat effectively.

Common chronic pain conditions include:

Neck pain and headaches: Often stemming from muscle tension or nerve compression.
Foot and ankle issues: Such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
Lower back pain: A widespread problem that can limit mobility and productivity.

For a detailed explanation of chronic pain, consult WebMD’s guide to chronic pain.

Comparison chart of chronic vs acute pain

The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy

How Shockwave Therapy Works to Reverse Tissue Damage

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves that penetrate deep into tissues, promoting cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation.

When administered to the affected area, the shockwaves encourage increased blood flow, break down scar tissue, and trigger the release of growth factors that accelerate healing. These effects make ESWT particularly effective for treating conditions like tendonitis, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and calcifications.

Unlike surgical procedures, ESWT does not require incisions or downtime, making it a safe and convenient option for patients seeking long-term pain relief. The process typically involves multiple sessions, with each treatment lasting 15-30 minutes.

Learn more about how this technology works by exploring Harvard Health’s perspective on ESWT.

Key Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Transformative Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain Sufferers

The benefits of shockwave therapy extend far beyond pain relief, offering a range of advantages for individuals struggling with chronic pain:

Pain Reduction and Improved Mobility: Patients often experience significant relief from discomfort and enhanced movement after just a few sessions.
Accelerated Healing and Tissue Regeneration: Shockwave therapy promotes faster recovery by stimulating the production of collagen and repairing damaged tissue.
Breaking Down Scar Tissue and Calcium Build-Up: The acoustic waves help dissolve calcified deposits and reduce adhesions, restoring normal function.
Improved Blood Circulation: Enhanced blood flow to the affected area facilitates oxygen and nutrient delivery, supporting natural healing processes.
Non-Surgical Alternative: Unlike invasive treatments, shockwave therapy provides effective results without lengthy recovery times or potential complications from surgery.

For a deeper dive into the benefits, explore our Radial Shockwave Therapy services or consult NIH studies on shockwave therapy efficacy.

Effective Pain Treatment Is Just a Call Away

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Diverse Applications: From Sports Injuries to Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders

Shockwave therapy is a versatile treatment that effectively addresses a wide range of conditions, including:

Plantar Fasciitis: Relieves chronic heel pain by targeting inflammation and promoting healing.
Tennis Elbow: Reduces pain and enhances mobility in the elbow joint.
Achilles Tendonitis: Speeds up recovery and alleviates discomfort in the Achilles tendon.
Chronic Neck and Back Pain: Addresses persistent discomfort by improving blood flow and reducing scar tissue.
Stress Fractures: Supports faster healing in bones affected by repetitive stress injuries.

Learn more about these treatable conditions at Cleveland Clinic’s musculoskeletal care resource.

To see the full range of conditions treated, visit our Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy page.

The Shockwave Therapy Experience at Apollo

What to Expect During Your Shockwave Therapy Session

At Apollo Soft Tissue and Spine, each shockwave therapy session is designed to ensure comfort and effective results. During treatment, a specialized device delivers acoustic waves to the targeted area, with sessions typically lasting 15-30 minutes. While some patients may feel mild discomfort, most find the procedure tolerable and experience significant improvements after just a few sessions.

Our team prioritizes personalized care, tailoring each treatment plan to address your unique needs and goals.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

Success Stories and Testimonials

Real Patient Experiences: Shockwave Therapy Success Stories

Patients at Apollo Soft Tissue and Spine often report life-changing results following shockwave therapy. Here are some of their stories:

Manny Rin: “I saw Dr. John and the Apollo team in the summer of 2018 with significant knee pain. As a former track athlete, it was heartbreaking to be unable to run. After 6 weeks, I rediscovered my love for running and have been pain-free since!”
Suleica Melow: “After years of debilitating pain and failed treatments, Dr. John’s care gave me my life back. His expertise and personalized approach have allowed me to live pain-free and even run again!”
John Phi: “I’m a barber who dealt with bulging discs and pinched nerves. Dr. John’s treatment transformed my life—I now work pain-free and recommend him to all my clients.

FAQs About Shockwave Therapy

Answering Your Questions About Shockwave Therapy

Is shockwave therapy painful? Most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment, which is typically brief and tolerable.
How many sessions are typically needed? Significant improvement is often seen after 3-5 sessions, depending on the condition and severity.
Are there any side effects? Side effects are rare but may include mild redness or tenderness, which usually resolves within a few days.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance? While many insurance plans do not cover this treatment, Apollo provides receipts for out-of-network reimbursement.

Take the First Step Towards Lasting Pain Relief

Shockwave therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-surgical solution for chronic pain relief. At Apollo Soft Tissue and Spine, our expertise and patient-centered approach ensure lasting results.

Ready to experience the transformative benefits of shockwave therapy? Book your consultation with Apollo Soft Tissue and Spine today and take the first step towards lasting pain relief.

Find Lasting Relief for Your Pain – Schedule Your Appointment Now!

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What Treatment Will Fix Your Pain and Injuries?

Dr. Drew Ruebbelke — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:00:24 +0000

Treatment doesn’t work unless it’s 1) Safe 2) Effective and 3) Durable. It’s that simple. There are several different treatments that can temporarily change pain, but that doesn’t mean they work. Let’s dive into the details…

1. Safe.

All treatments have different risks. Some have more risks than others. Typically, the more risks there are, the more invasive or aggressive the treatment. (Think taking a pill compared to surgery). What are the risks associated? Do the risks outweigh the reward? What you should be looking for is treatment that is safe with little to no risks, as long as it can help with your diagnosis.

2. Effective.

Does the treatment actually fix what it claims to fix? This is where it gets tricky. Most treatments for muscle, nerve, and joint pain are geared toward fixing pain without identifying the cause of pain. No diagnosis means your doctor is guessing. Having a correct diagnosis, no matter what the problem is, is paramount for choosing what treatment you need. Most of the time, when you visit a chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, or medical doctor for pain, they establish ABSOLUTELY NO DIAGNOSIS. Typically they’re ready to do treatment before nailing down the actual problem. This is very bad! Trying to treat areas of pain without a diagnosis is similar to throwing darts at a dartboard while blindfolded, and expecting a bullseye. When it comes to your health, relying on luck doesn’t cut it. Do you have a clear and accurate diagnosis? If not, you shouldn’t be getting treatment yet.

3. Durable.

The treatment you receive for your problem should provide sustainable, lasting results. If treatment provides temporary results, and your pain constantly comes back or you continue to have re-injury, then it isn’t working. These types of treatment (needling, adjustments, injections, massage, cupping, taping etc.) get expensive, and often leave you frustrated. Treatment durability is the main reason why chiros, physical therapists, and other therapists can get a bad rap.

So what treatment works? A treatment that works is one that is safe, effective, and lasting for your specific diagnosis. It’s that simple.

At Apollo, we specialize in fixing difficult problems other providers have missed or can’t resolve. We do this by taking the time to diagnose, and then providing the best treatment methods to resolve the cause of your pain and injuries.

To live pain free, give us a call. We would be happy to help.

The post What Treatment Will Fix Your Pain and Injuries? appeared first on Apollo Soft Tissue and Spine.

What’s Your Pain Telling You?

Dr. Drew Ruebbelke — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:00:27 +0000

| Pain |

It’s a problem. It’s a big deal. Pain is an indicator of muscle and joint damage, and it is warning you that whatever you’re doing has to stop.

Why do you feel pain? This is a common question we can get in the office, and a good one.

Our bodies are intelligent. Pain is our body’s warning system, and it is an indicator of inflammation and damage. Pain shows up to prevent us from ignoring the problem any longer.

Importantly, pain also serves to unload, or take pressure off the damaged area, so that we don’t make any bad choices that could further damage the underlying problem.

Often times, pain is confusing, because it isn’t specific. It doesn’t tell us exactly WHAT the problem is, and it doesn’t tell us exactly W

HERE the problem is.

This is very similar to the check engine light on the dashboard of your car. When the light comes on, you know there’s a problem. But you don’t know what or where the problem is. We all understand that in order to have the problem resolved, we have to take our car to a mechanic.

What happens if you don’t? What happens if you continue to drive your car and ignore the check engine light? You will damage your car! This means more money out of your pocket, bigger problems down the road, and your car simply won’t last as long.

This is the same for your body. Pushing past pain, or ignoring it will certainly lead to more pain, and irreversible damage to you

r joints, muscles, and nerves. This puts your body on the fast track to wearing out.

And trust us when we say, surgeons waiting rooms are filled with people who didn’t take their pain and injury seriously.

Fixing your problem now means bet

ter, faster results, more money in your pocket, and longevity for you.

Between your car and your body, which one has to last your entire life?

If you, or anyone you know is dealing with pain and injury, or has seen trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other manual therapists with little relief, it’s time to give us a call.
The doctors at Apollo have more training accurately diagnosing and fixing muscle, nerve, and joint problems than any other healthcare facility in the state of Colorado.

Yours in Health,

The Apollo Team

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6 questions to help solve your low back and neck pain.

Dr. John Appleman — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:00:05 +0000

Chronic Low back or Neck pain

If you’re reading this, you most likely suffer from some sort of chronic low back or neck pain. Ask yourself these following questions to help solve the problem:

Is your pain worse in the morning?
Does the pain get better after waking up and moving around?
Have you had multiple or previous episodes of moderate to severe pain?
Does the pain usually last 2-10 days before going away?
Trouble sitting or standing prolonged periods of time?
Are movements “guarded/protected” or noticing decreased range of motion?

If you answered “yes” to a majority or all of these questions, you most likely are suffering from a disc injury whether you have been diagnosed with it or not. Internal Disc Derangement (IDD) accounts for upwards of 40% of all low back pain and the majority of neck pain!

Disc injuries are often made worse by the presence of adhesion. Adhesion is the most common cause of pain and decreased range of motion in the body. Adhesion acts like glue in muscles and restricts movement. Restricted motion causes more load on injured discs, leading to more pain and long term problems such as disc bulging or disc herniation.

The good news is that a large majority of disc injuries do not require surgery if you seek out an expert to help restore full range of motion and take pressure off of the disc. Disc injuries respond well to conservative management and treatment. By fixing and removing adhesion, range of motion is restored and discs are essentially “decompressed” and unloaded. Leaving you with little to no pain and able to return to regular, daily activity.

We are 2 of only 3 providers in the Denver Metro Area certified to provide you with a proper diagnosis and provide the treatment your neck or back problem needs, even if other practitioners have missed it. Our treatment has helped many people looking for answers to their pain. We have helped patients prevent surgery and those still suffering with pain after surgery. If you answered “yes” to most or all of the questions above, chances are we can help! Call Apollo today at 720-593-2047.

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Numbness, Tingling, Aching, Burning Pain?

Dr. John Appleman — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 09:00:40 +0000

Nerve Entrapment

The buildup of muscle adhesion (1st video) can cause an unfortunate problem called nerve entrapment (2nd Video). There are over 100 places in the human body where a nerve can become trapped causing symptoms of numbness, tingling, aching, burning and pain. The symptoms result from increased tension on nerves. Nerves transmit information from the environment to the spinal cord and brain. There are many places in the body where nerves are adjacent to, and must slide through muscles.

Nerves need to be able to slide past and through different structures otherwise they will not be able to function properly. Muscles can develop adhesion; if the adhesion builds near a nerve, the two structures can become adhered together stretching the nerve causing problems. The stretching and increased tension injures the nerve and usually causes tingling down either the leg or arm.

I’m sure you have heard of conditions called carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, ulnar nerve (cubital tunnel) syndrome etc. These syndromes or conditions rather, are broad general labels put on a patient’s symptom without giving a complete and accurate diagnosis of why this particular condition is taking place. A typical treatment for these conditions consist of icing the affected area, stretching regimen, and ingesting more over-the-counter drugs than your body can handle. We now know that the treatments described above will not help in resolving your problem. In many of the listed syndromes above, muscle adhesion causing a nerve entrapment is the real culprit.

It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis so that effective treatment can be provided. If it’s treatable, our treatment fixes nerve entrapments, helps restore proper nerve function, and reduces pain.

If you or someone you know is suffering with nerve pain, restricted ranges of motion, and other treatments have failed to provide lasting results then they need to see Drs. Drew Ruebbelke and John Appleman of Apollo Soft Tissue & Spine.

You deserve clinical excellence! Call 720-593-2047 to schedule an appointment or contact us via Email: info@apollosofttissue.com.

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Have you been using your foam roller wrong?

Dr. Drew Ruebbelke — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:00:26 +0000

We’re sure by now that you, or someone you know, has reached for a foam roller to help with that tight quad or aching back. And while it may have provided some temporary relief, you find yourself needing to foam roll more and more, just to get less and less relief.

So what’s that about, you ask? Am I doing something wrong? Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not that you’re foam rolling wrong – It’s that you’ve been mislead about what a foam roller actually does.

The reason you feel better after foam rolling is akin to the age old trick your mother taught you, rubbing your boo-boo’s after a fall. What’s really happening here is your body is sending competing signals up to your brain. Remember the last time you jammed your finger, gave it a shake, and it felt a little better? I think it’s fair to say you didn’t un-jam that finger. What’s happening is receptors that signal pressure & movement are competing with receptors that signal pain and some of those pain signals get lost along the way. Another example is rubbing your head after you bump it. You’re simply overriding the pain response.

So should you throw out your foam roller?

Nope. I’m not suggesting you get rid of your foam roller at all. But before I can explain to you the true value of your foam roller, you need to know why you’re always stiff and injured, and why it’s too late for a foam roller to help with that.

The single biggest reason you are injured or overly stiff and tight, is because you are asking your body to do too much. Period. From sitting at your desk all day at work, to trying to set a new personal best in the gym, our bodies aren’t meant to handle all of these 21st century “conveniences.” So Overuse/Repetitive Stress Syndrome sets in…

When we overuse our muscles, we cut off the blood supply to them. The body is chemically tricked into responding as though it were injured. As a result, scar tissue, or adhesion, is laid down to repair the damage. Adhesion acts like glue in a muscle, making it weaker and less flexible or mobile.

When you warm up a muscle, the adhesion becomes more pliable, which is why foam rolling has exploded in popularity as a pre-workout tool. The foam roller warms up the muscle by pumping blood through it. This in return makes it more flexible and allows you to temporarily circumvent the problem, without any functional improvement.

Foam rolling is nothing but a temporary solution because it is only successful at compressing your troubled areas. In order to reduce adhesion you need to produce tension. Don’t believe me? It’s like having gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Which do you think would be most effective at removing it: a rolling pin or a butter knife?

Foam rolling does have its benefits though. It is a great way to lessen the impact of overuse. By pumping blood through the tissue, new oxygen is brought in and waste products are flushed out. Foam rolling can also serve as an early warning signal that something is wrong. This is a very good thing. Painful symptoms over time will inevitably get worse.

If you are injured or experiencing pain during your workouts, put down the foam roller and contact our office today at 720-593-2047 today to live your lifestyle pain free. Show your body some gratitude!

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