Percussive therapy is having a moment, with handheld devices being marketed for home use. But patients of Dr. McSweeney are already familiar with percussive therapy, even if they don’t know it. That’s because Dr. McSweeney uses massage therapy before any adjustment to properly prepare the muscle and joints for treatment. Here’s what to understand about percussive therapy and why it’s so helpful.
PERCUSSIVE THERAPY 101
Percussive therapy is used to treat muscle, ligament and myofascial conditions. Dr. McSweeney uses this handheld tool to distribute waves of percussive impulses into the body’s tissues, which increases lymphatic flow and circulation. Percussive therapy is also known as vibration therapy, which gives you an idea of the sensation.
Rapid bursts of precise pressure can target specific areas to treat the following:
- Muscle spasms
- Tight joints
- Fixed areas, including tight muscles or scar tissue
- Chronic pain associated with migraines, persistent back pain, and TMJ
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Percussive therapy doesn’t fully eliminate muscle tightness or soreness. But it does break up scar tissue and adhesions in the fascia, which often restrict motion and cause pain. Fascia is connective tissue that protects the body’s organs, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves – think of it as a protective barrier. When a muscle is injured, the fascia surrounding it contracts to guard against additional injury. That means surrounding muscles must exert more effort, leading to muscle strain. By breaking down constricted, knotted fascia, percussive therapy can promote muscle relaxation, which also releases latent lactic acid build up and triggers lymphatic drainage.
All this, and percussive therapy is also an amazing form of massage. If you’ve been struggling with persistent pain in the back, hips, neck or shoulders, and it doesn’t seem to be getting better, chiropractic care may be effective. You’ll benefit from the many tools and techniques that Dr. McSweeney uses, including percussive therapy. Schedule a visit with Dr. McSweeney today.