NatNews

Sound can be much more powerful than one might think.

Originally used to break up kidney stones, acoustic wave therapy (also called shockwave therapy) has become a commonly used treatment method for several musculoskeletal and soft tissue issues, particularly for individuals seeking alternatives to surgery and long-term medication use. It is often recommended by a provider when treatments such as physical therapy, rest, or anti-inflammatory medications aren’t offering long-term relief.

During shockwave therapy, a wand-like device delivers shockwaves to the affected area, creating a pulsing or tapping sensation on one’s skin. The intensity can be adjusted by the provider, and the process doesn’t take an extensive amount of time or require downtime afterward.

Dallas-area chiropractor Ismael Gonzalez noted that he employs shockwave therapy for tendon and muscle injuries (e.g., plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, jumper’s knee, tennis elbow, shoulder tendon injuries, chronic muscle injuries), especially when such issues aren’t improving.

“Shockwave therapy sends sound waves into the injured area to help stimulate the body’s natural healing process,” he said. “It can improve blood flow, help with pain, and encourage tissue repair. The goal is to help the athlete recover and get back to doing what they love.”

While some methods of treatment are also used as forms of injury prevention, Gonzalez acknowledged that shockwave therapy is mainly used to treat existing conditions, not prevent them.

“However, it can help when an athlete starts noticing early signs of tendon pain,” he said. “For injury prevention, I focus more on strength, mobility, proper recovery, and managing training loads.”

Not every injury or issue should be treated with shockwave therapy, though. Gonzalez said this form of treatment works best for certain tendon and chronic soft-tissue injuries but isn’t the appropriate solution for every situation.

“Fractures, infections, open wounds, and certain medical conditions may make someone a poor candidate,” he said. “That’s why an evaluation is important before treatment.”

The thought of having shockwaves applied to an area of the body may make one hesitant or create a fear of potential pain. However, it is a noninvasive treatment, so no surgery or needles are involved, and those who have received this form of treatment have often compared it to a deep tissue massage.

“It may cause some discomfort during treatment, but the intensity can be adjusted,” he said. “It works best when combined with exercises and a good rehab plan.”

Individuals who are affected by such conditions as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, and other tendon and muscle pains should consult with their physical therapy or chiropractic providers and make sure that any shockwave therapy is given by trained professionals. As Gonzalez noted, the ultimate reason for delivering any form of treatment goes far beyond temporary relief.

“My goal isn’t just to get someone out of pain,” he said. “It’s to help them get stronger, recover properly, and return to the sport or activities they enjoy.”

Nevada is one of the leading producers of gold in the world.

The chi movement has officially arrived in the U.S.

Beginning in Balaclava (a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) in September 2012, Yo-Chi frozen yogurt and açai seeks not only to offer quality options but also to provide a space where everyone feels welcome and where chi (positive energy) is at the heart of everything.

Now with more than 70 locations, Yo-Chi continues to expand its brand beyond Australia, including in Singapore and London. On October 3 (yes, Mean Girls Day), the first Yo-Chi location in the U.S. officially opened in Dallas on Lovers Lane.

Despite multiple attempts and an initial confirmation that information would be provided, requests for commentary from the Dallas Yo-Chi team were not returned. However, in this Instagram post, the brand addressed why it chose Dallas as its first U.S. expansion location, one reason being the market for frozen yogurt in the city.

Dallas resident Emma Lunden initially tried Yo-Chi when she was in Australia, where she ran the Sydney Marathon earlier this year. She recently visited the new Dallas location and said what was most enjoyable about the experience is that it reminded her of her time spent there. As far as the product goes, though, she said she believes that it’s pretty comparable to other froyo places. 

“Yo-Chi does have more unique toppings, like banana bread and scoop-able cookie dough,” she said. “However, they have less flavor options and variety. So it kind of depends on what you like in a frozen yogurt place.”

Dallas resident Allison Brenner noted that she wasn’t overly impressed by the froyo at Yo-Chi, though she did appreciate the disco ball and wide range of toppings as well as a few additional positive aspects.

“It looks very Instagramable compared to the other yogurt shops in town,” she said. “Their vegan options are also much better compared to others, and the Nutella fountain is pretty cool.”

Australian resident Sabina Pjetrovic, who is originally from the U.S. and visits her family here, wasn’t originally planning to be a Yo-Chi customer, but once she tried it, she said the product itself is what truly sets it apart from other froyo options.

“I’d avoided Yo-Chi for ages because there’s always a line, and I just won’t wait in a line for food, no matter how good it is,” she said. “Then I happened to be in Brisbane, walked past one with no queue, and finally gave it a go. It’s easily the best frozen yogurt I’ve had, and that’s coming from someone who lived through the Pinkberry craze in L.A. in the early 2010s. There are so many flavors and a Nutella chocolate fountain, so what’s not to like? The toppings change all of the time and actually feel fresh, not like they’ve been sitting there all day.”

Pjetrovic said the frozen yogurt itself tastes better, noting that it’s creamier and that the flavors available are more interesting than what she remembers from the U.S. chains.

“My family always say they taste the difference with the food in Australia,” she said. “I’m not even sure if they are exporting for Yo-Chi, but there are much stronger food regulations in Australia, so when it comes to a dairy product, I feel you’ll get a bit of a taste difference.”

Pjetrovic also added that she thinks Yo-Chi is unique in the environments and branding it offers and that customers want to align themselves with the brand.

“Yo-Chi has built somewhere people actually want to hang out,” she said. “Young Aussies, 18 to 22, aren’t drinking like we did (legal age here is 18), so instead of going to a bar, they’re spending their nights at Yo-Chi. Back home, froyo was something you grabbed and left. Yo-Chi feels more like a place to go. The interiors and branding have a general coolness to them, and the loyalty program is good enough to keep people coming back.”

The brand made a rather significant immediate impact in the U.S., as long lines began to form as soon as the Dallas location opened last month. Like Pjetrovic noted, Brenner also recognizes that many individuals are seeking to spend time at different establishments than those that were more sought-after in the past.

“It’s viral, and they did a fantastic TikTok social media campaign,” Brenner said. “Additionally, fewer people are going to bars and drinking alcohol, but people still want a treat with friends.”

Despite Yo-Chi’s aesthetics and popularity, it’s not likely one will encounter Brenner there anytime soon.

“I personally thought it was overrated and won’t go back frequently,” she said. “Salt & Straw ice cream is so much better.”

Lunden also said the initial social media hype for Yo-Chi was well-executed. Despite the opening occurring only last month, the Instagram posts began back in July.

“Doing the fake ‘OMG, they flew me to Australia to try good frozen yogurt’ was a good way to go viral and get people to learn about the brand,” she said. “It’s also the first U.S.-based store, so I think that helped it gain a lot of traction, as well.”

Like Brenner, though, Lunden won’t necessarily be a frequent customer, acknowledging that she doesn’t think it’s worth having to wait in a long line for froyo.

“But overall, I haven’t gotten frozen yogurt in a while,” she said. “I think I’d have to go to other Dallas shops and compare it, especially since it is more expensive than the average frozen yogurt shop and farther from me.”

As Yo-Chi continues to leave its imprints in other parts of the world than Australia, Pjetrovic said she believes that this is an exciting opportunity as her two worlds collide in a positive way.

“As a Texan who has been living in Australia for 14 years now, I love seeing an Aussie business break into the U.S., and it’s even better that they’re starting in Dallas,” she said. “Froyo isn’t new in America, and there’s plenty of competition, so they can’t just rely on the product.”

Pjetrovic, who also acknowledged that she hates waiting in lines, said she thinks that the “hangout spot” idea could really work there, too, particularly since many Gen Z individuals in the U.S. are drinking less, as well.

“If they keep the vibe and the quality, I think it’ll do well,” she said. “Is it worth the hype? Yes. Would I wait in line for it? Still no. Nothing is that good.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews and some dear readers embrace the early mornings

Monday, November 2: Mavs vs. Kings at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, November 3: Lucinda Williams at the Kessler
Wednesday, November 4: Doja Cat at the American Airlines Center; Ottoman Turks at Legacy Hall
Thursday, November 5: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Emerald City Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Steve Lacy at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Friday, November 6: Déjà Bloom album release; Candlelight — Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at Cathedral of Hope; Ian Lara at Dallas Comedy Club; Panda Fest Dallas at Carpenter Park (goes through Sunday); SMU Football vs. Virginia Tech at Gerald J. Ford Stadium; Yappy Hour Dog Adoption at Happiest Hour
Saturday, November 7: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Stars vs. Sharks at the American Airlines Center; John Summit at Ariat Arena (also on Sunday); Ye at AT&T Stadium; DIY Con at Fair Park (also Friday and Sunday); Plano Food + Wine Festival at Legacy West; Veterans Day Walk at Reverchon Park
Sunday, November 8: Mavs vs. Nets at the American Airlines Center; Cowboys vs. Colts Watch Party at Legacy Hall; Dallas Trinity FC vs. Sporting Jax at Cotton Bowl Stadium; SMU Volleyball vs. Duke at Moody Coliseum; Pickleball World Championships at Brookhaven Country Club (events all week long)