Frequently Asked Questions in Boone NC

High Country Pain Relief is a private health clinic in Boone NC. This non-surgical, non-opioid-based pain relief clinic is a Self-Pay practice. Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid does not cover the alternative therapies used in our practice.

Our patients have a 91% satisfaction rate! Many of our patients have been able to restore their quality of life through the services at High Country Pain Relief. We help people work within their budgets to get the care that can change their lives. Money will never be a barrier to someone getting the care they want and need.

Please consider Care Credit as a payment option: CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

Shock wave therapy is a modern, non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity sound waves (acoustic pulses) to interact with and help promote healing faster and more effectively -with no downtime. Shock wave therapy is divided into two categories: Radial shock wave therapy, which is designed for a larger area, and focused shock wave therapy, which is a more concentrated solution that penetrates deeper into the tissue.

Among its many benefits, extracorporeal shock wave therapy relaxes muscles, regenerates tissue, increases microcirculation, reduces stress through lower cortisol levels, and stimulates metabolic activity. Patients who partake in shock wave therapy have been shown to experience increased satisfaction, shorter/faster treatments, and accelerated healing.

How does shock wave technology differ from ultrasound? Shock wave therapy machines use short pulses with high amplitude and negative tension that infiltrate deeply into the affected area. Ultrasounds use a low-frequency, continuous wave that is less targeted and doesn't infiltrate as deeply as shock waves.

Standard sessions last approximately 8-10 minutes. During that time, 1,500 - 3,000 pulses are administered per treatment, with the precise number varying based on the patient's diagnosis. Most conditions are treated within three to eight sessions spaced at weekly intervals. Each session is conducted without sedation and patients can resume most normal activity after treatment.

Most patients will feel better right after their initial treatment, with alleviation typically coming in the form of pain reduction and increased mobility. With continued treatments over the next two-three weeks, long-term healing begins to take place.

One of the major benefits of shock wave technology-based treatments is the lack of major side effects. Occasionally, patients will experience some swelling, reddening, hematomas, petechia, localized increased pain, or skin lesions in cases of previous cortisone therapy. These side effects are temporary and generally subside within two-five days. Patients should be clear of any side effects before starting their next acoustic wave therapy session.

Shock wave therapy units treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including trigger points in muscles, as well as painful shoulder, back, heel, knee or elbow areas.

Acoustic wave therapy treatment should not be applied in the following cases: Coagulation disorders (hemophilia), anticoagulant usage, Marcumar, Thrombosis, tumor diseases, carcinoma, pregnancy, growing children and patients in cortisone therapy (up to six weeks before first treatment). It also should not be applied to target areas located above air-filled tissue (lungs), large nerves, vessels, the spinal column or head.

Research indicates that shock wave therapy can also help improve cellulite, wrinkles, body shaping and fat reduction -without the use of needles or other invasive procedures.