Lower back pain Archives - Physical Therapy Specialties

Discover EMTT: A Non-Invasive Therapy That Supports Cellular Healing and Mobility

A New Era of Recovery: What EMTT Can Do for Your Healing Journey

It’s no secret—joint stiffness, muscle aches, and slow healing can make you feel like you’re falling behind in life. When it hurts to get up in the morning or you hesitate before walking up a flight of stairs, it’s easy to wonder if you’re ever going to feel like yourself again.

Here at Physical Therapy Specialties in Pleasanton, we believe your body has the power to heal—and sometimes, it just needs the right kind of support to do so.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce a brand-new technology that helps your body recharge and recover, naturally.

Say hello to EMTT: Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy.

Let’s explore how it works, who it’s for, and why it might be just what your recovery has been missing.

What Is EMTT?

EMTT stands for Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free technology that uses pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate healing at the cellular level.

Think of it like this: if your cells are a team of tired workers trying to rebuild a broken structure, EMTT gives them the energy and tools they need to do their jobs better and faster.

Unlike more surface-level treatments, EMTT penetrates deeper layers of muscle and joint tissue, targeting the areas where healing has stalled. These magnetic pulses activate your cells, encouraging them to repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and regenerate function.

This is not just symptom relief. This is real, restorative progress.

How EMTT Works

When you come in for EMTT, here’s what happens:

You’ll be comfortably positioned, fully clothed, with the EMTT applicator placed near the area of concern.
The device emits high-frequency magnetic pulses, which travel into your tissue and stimulate cell metabolism.
These pulses help increase microcirculation, reduce swelling, and reawaken the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Each session lasts around 15–20 minutes, and most patients feel completely at ease during and after the session. There’s no downtime, and you can return to your normal activities the same day.

And here’s something even better: EMTT is often combined with other therapies like Shockwave or physical therapy to amplify results.

Who Is EMTT For?

EMTT is ideal for individuals who feel “stuck” in their recovery. You may have tried exercises, rest, medications, or even injections—and while some of those helped temporarily, they didn’t lead to lasting change.

This gentle therapy offers something different. It’s especially suited for:

Adults with osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, or spine
Individuals recovering from tendon or ligament injuries
People with degenerative joint conditions or chronic inflammation
Anyone trying to avoid surgery or cut down on pain medications
Patients whose progress has plateaued during rehab

Whether you’re an older adult hoping to stay active, a parent managing daily tasks, or simply someone who wants to move through life without restriction—EMTT may be what your body’s been asking for.

Conditions EMTT Can Support

EMTT is versatile and has been clinically studied for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. At Physical Therapy Specialties, we’re particularly excited about its potential to support the following:

🦵 Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis

Many of our patients live with stiffness or joint grinding that limits movement. EMTT can support cartilage health and reduce inflammatory responses.

💥 Tendinopathies and Chronic Overuse

Conditions like Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, or patellar tendinopathy respond well to EMTT by improving tendon regeneration.

🧠 Post-Surgical Recovery

If you’ve had surgery and are healing slowly, EMTT can help stimulate repair and reduce post-operative stiffness or discomfort.

🔁 Degenerative Conditions

Conditions like lumbar spine degeneration, shoulder arthritis, or cervical spine issues can benefit from the circulation and cellular boost EMTT provides.

Why People Are Talking About EMTT

This isn’t just another therapy—it’s a smart, science-backed solution for people who want to stay ahead of their health.

Here’s what patients love:

✅ It’s Non-Invasive – No needles. No scalpels. Just healing energy.
✅ Comfortable Treatments – Most people feel a light tapping or pulsing during sessions—nothing painful.
✅ No Downtime – Go about your day immediately after.
✅ Long-Term Results – EMTT is designed to promote true tissue repair, not just cover up symptoms.

And because it works at a cellular level, many patients notice improvements in strength, flexibility, and overall joint support over time.

What Makes EMTT Different?

You’ve probably heard of magnetic therapies before. So what sets EMTT apart?

Higher Energy Output: EMTT delivers over 100 times the magnetic field strength of traditional PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapies.
Depth of Penetration: The magnetic pulses travel deep into the body, reaching tissues that manual therapy or surface-level treatments can’t.
Cellular Focus: It doesn’t just reduce inflammation—it helps recharge your cells to function more efficiently.

Put simply, EMTT is a game-changer in the world of regenerative therapies.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During your sessions, you’ll relax while the magnetic applicator does its work. Most patients describe a gentle tapping or pulsing sensation, but there’s no pain.

Some people notice subtle improvements after the first visit—like smoother movement or less tension—but results usually build gradually over multiple sessions.

You might be surprised at what your body can do when it’s given the right tools to heal.

Is EMTT Safe?

Yes. EMTT has been adopted widely across orthopedic and rehabilitation settings. It has no known serious side effects, and it’s safe when administered by trained professionals.

Of course, not every therapy is right for every person. That’s why we take the time to evaluate your condition, goals, and medical history before recommending treatment.

Coming Soon to Pleasanton

We’re proud to be one of the first clinics in the area offering this cutting-edge treatment.

Our staff has completed extensive training, and we’re now welcoming patients who are interested in trying EMTT. Whether you’re dealing with persistent joint stiffness, slow surgical recovery, or an old injury that won’t quit—we’d love to help you explore whether EMTT is right for you.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

At Physical Therapy Specialties, we believe healing should be natural, personalized, and empowering. EMTT reflects that philosophy beautifully.

If you’re ready to move with more confidence, improve your body’s ability to heal, and get back to doing the things you love—EMTT may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

We invite you to schedule a FREE Discovery Visit to learn more. Let’s chat about your goals, answer your questions, and explore your options together.

📞 Call us at (925) 417-8005
🌐 Schedule your FREE Discovery Visit here

Shockwave Therapy: The Natural Way to Restore Movement and Reduce Discomfort

Shockwave Therapy: The Support Your Healing Journey Needs

When you’re dealing with chronic irritation in a tendon, a lingering injury that just won’t heal, or stiffness that keeps you from moving the way you used to—it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck. Maybe you’ve tried stretches, rest, medication, or even other forms of therapy. But what happens when progress slows, or pain keeps returning?

That’s where Shockwave Therapy steps in.

At Physical Therapy Specialties in Pleasanton, we’re always exploring the best ways to support natural, non-invasive healing—and Shockwave Therapy is one of the most exciting tools we now have to offer.

Let’s take a deep dive into what it is, how it works, and whether it could be the right choice for your recovery.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Radial or Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-surgical treatment that delivers acoustic (sound) waves into injured tissue. These waves carry energy that helps break up tight areas, scar tissue, or calcifications while stimulating your body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Think of it like a wake-up call to dormant cells or tissues that need a boost!

This therapy has been widely studied and used across the world in rehabilitation clinics, orthopedic settings, and even sports medicine facilities. It’s FDA-cleared and safe when delivered by trained professionals.

How Does It Work?

Here’s what’s going on beneath the surface during a Shockwave Therapy session:

Stimulation of Cellular Activity: The mechanical pulses activate cellular metabolism, encouraging healing and tissue regeneration.
Increased Blood Flow: Shockwaves increase circulation in the treated area, which is critical for repairing damaged tissues.
Disruption of Scar Tissue: Chronic pain often stems from built-up scar tissue. Shockwave breaks it down gently.
Pain Reduction: The energy pulses can help desensitize irritated nerves and reset pain receptors.

The treatment is typically quick—lasting only 10 to 20 minutes—and most people require a short series of sessions (often 4 to 6) for optimal results.

Who Can Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?

This therapy is incredibly versatile, and we’ve seen great results across a wide range of concerns.

Shockwave Therapy is particularly beneficial for:

🔹 Tendon & Ligament Injuries

Achilles tendinopathy
Patellar tendinitis (“jumper’s knee”)
Plantar fasciitis
Tennis or golfer’s elbow
Rotator cuff injuries These common problems often result from overuse or repetitive strain. Shockwave provides targeted support that traditional rehab can sometimes miss.

🔹 Calcific Conditions

Shockwave Therapy is highly effective at breaking down calcium deposits, such as those found in calcific shoulder tendinitis. It can restore range of motion and function without surgical intervention.

🔹 Chronic Muscle Tightness or Trigger Points

People suffering from muscle knots, fascial tightness, or “frozen” areas of the body often find shockwave therapy helps them move more freely again.

🔹 Stress Fractures & Bone Healing

Although used more selectively, focused shockwaves may stimulate bone healing in certain stress-related injuries.

🔹 Athletes Seeking Faster Recovery

Weekend warriors and professionals alike use shockwave as part of recovery protocols to return to training faster.

🔹 Older Adults Managing Joint Stiffness

As we age, movement becomes harder. This gentle therapy supports joint mobility and helps reduce tissue degeneration by encouraging circulation and tissue repair.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?

Most people describe it as a pulsing or tapping sensation. It’s not painful, though areas that are highly sensitive or inflamed may feel more pressure.

The beauty of Shockwave is its ability to stimulate without straining. There’s no downtime afterward—so you can walk out of your appointment and go about your day, feeling a little more hopeful (and often, a little looser).

Key Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Let’s summarize the powerful advantages of this modality:

✅ Non-Invasive and Drug-Free

No injections, no surgery, and no medications needed. This is a completely natural approach that works with your body.

✅ Accelerated Tissue Repair

By boosting circulation and metabolism at the site of injury, your body can heal faster than with rest alone.

✅ Breakdown of Chronic Scar Tissue

If you’ve had a nagging issue that never fully resolved, scar tissue may be the culprit. Shockwave Therapy helps clear it out gently.

✅ Improved Mobility

When stiffness melts away and tissue quality improves, you move with more ease and confidence.

✅ Backed by Research

Multiple studies support Shockwave Therapy’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries and improving long-term outcomes.

Is It Safe?

Yes. Shockwave Therapy is FDA-cleared for the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions. It’s non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and has minimal side effects (usually just slight redness or tenderness afterward).

At Physical Therapy Specialties, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our team is fully trained and certified to deliver this therapy in a way that’s personalized for your condition and goals.

Who Shouldn’t Use Shockwave Therapy?

While Shockwave is suitable for many, it’s not appropriate for individuals with:

Active infections or wounds in the treatment area
Blood clotting disorders or on blood thinners
Cancer near the treatment site
Pregnancy (when treating certain areas)

Before any therapy begins, we perform an evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate.

Your Recovery Could Start Here

If you’re ready to stop just managing your condition and start changing the way your body feels and heals—Shockwave Therapy might be the next step.

Every person’s path to recovery is different. That’s why we offer a FREE Discovery Visit to help you explore if Shockwave Therapy (or another of our many services, like water therapy or EMTT) is right for you.

There’s no pressure, no obligation—just expert guidance, compassionate care, and a personalized plan.

Let’s Talk

We invite you to take that first step. If you’re curious, hopeful, or just plain tired of not feeling your best—call us. Let’s find the treatment that finally fits you.

📞 Call us at (925) 417-8005
🌐 Schedule your FREE Discovery Visit here

4 Tips For Sleeping With Lower Back Pain!

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most effective ways to manage lower back pain.

This is easier said than done when suffering from severe pain when lying down.

When you sleep, your body has an opportunity to rest and repair itself. But when you’re not getting enough or quality sleep, it can have a negative impact on your health overall.

Sleep deprivation leads to mood swings, aggravated pain, and added stress in your day-to-day life.

You and your family deserve to see you at your best!

The tips in this blog will not only improve your sleep cycle but in turn your daily life as a whole.

The Effects of Bad Sleep on Lower Back Pain

Chronic lower back pain can be caused by a multitude of factors, including poor sleeping posture, muscle strain, or a physical injury.

If you’re not getting enough sleep due to chronic pain or another factor, this can worsen the pain point and cause long-term damage. Without adequate rest, your body won’t have the time it needs to heal itself and restore properly.

Finally, the quality of sleep you get matters just as much as the quantity.

Uninterrupted sleep is important for giving your body enough time to repair and rejuvenate itself.

By practicing good sleeping habits and taking steps to reduce lower back pain, you can ensure that you’re getting the restful sleep that you deserve.

A good night’s sleep will not only help alleviate pain, but it will also have a positive effect on your overall physical and mental health.

Tip 1 – Invest in a Supportive Mattress

On average, we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. With so much time spent in bed, you should be investing in a quality mattress!

A supportive mattress is crucial for maintaining good spinal health and ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. A well-designed mattress should strike the perfect balance between firmness and softness to cater to your body’s unique needs.

Firmer mattresses specifically offers lower back support.

A mattress that is too soft may not provide adequate support for your lower back, leading to poor sleeping posture and discomfort.

Tip 2 – Take Hot Baths or Showers

Taking a hot bath or shower before bed is not only relaxing but can work wonders for your body. Especially when it comes to relaxing your muscles and reducing inflammation.

The warmth of the water helps to increase blood flow, this improved circulation aids in loosening up tight or tense muscles, promoting relaxation and easing any discomfort or soreness you may be experiencing.

The rise in body temperature followed by a gradual cooling down as you exit the bath can signal your body that it’s time to sleep.

Making it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Tip 3 – Elevate Your Legs

Elevating your legs while you sleep can provide numerous benefits for your body, particularly when it comes to providing extra support and promoting proper alignment.

Using a pillow under your knees or at the small of your back can enhance these benefits, ensuring a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

It also helps maintain the natural curve of your spine, reducing strain on your lower back muscles.

This position can alleviate discomfort caused by conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, or general lower back pain.

Tip 4 – Talk to a Professional

Struggling to manage your pain even after trying various self-care tips and painkillers?

It’s crucial you consult a professional.

Our professional advice can help to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and support for your specific condition.

We also offer a Back Pain Assessment! This is by far the fastest way to relieve your back pain and get back to a good nights sleep!

In this session you will receive a tailored treatment plan that addresses your individual needs.

Living with chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health. Our team can offer valuable emotional support by validating your concerns and providing well needed reassurance.

Click HERE To Arrange Your Back Pain Assessment

Want Expert Advice From Your Own Home?

In addition to our Back Pain Assessment, you can also call us from home.

Without leaving your home, you can talk about your experience, voice your concerns, and receive personalized advice.

Why continue to get a poor nights sleep when you could solve your issues for good?

What do you have to lose?

Additional Free Advice That May Be of Interest

Looking for some home exercises to help relieve your pain, check out our website – Home Exercises