Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) & Its Benefits
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive, non-surgical method to effectively treat tendon pain and other musculoskeletal injuries. Here at All Care Physiotherapy, we use ESWT regularly along with other physiotherapy techniques to completely heal injuries and prevent their return. We have had many patients walk through the door with tendon injuries that have been persisting for 18months or longer. Fast forward 4-6 treatments of shockwave therapy later and these people are hopping, skipping and jumping out the clinic door, pain-free.
A recent patient of All Care’s, David, came to us with worsening pain in his achilles tendon that was ongoing for three months. It began with pain every time he went for a run, but then it started to appear even after walking and especially first thing in the morning when he got out of bed. David tried several forms of treatment, rest and ice but every time he tried to run, it would continue to flare up with pain. After 3 months of physiotherapy, he was improving but remained unable to run properly without pain. Then he came to All Care Physiotherapy to try the extracorporeal shockwave therapy machine (ESWT). After 4 treatments over 4 weeks, David was completely pain free and able to run 5km with ease. Even after follow up 6 months later David was still completely pain free and running 3 times a week, even managing 10km distances and steep hills.
All Care also recently met another patient, Cheryl, who was a 56year old lady who had tennis elbow quite badly for over 6 months. She had tried months of tendon strengthening and cortisone injections with no improvement. Cheryl had 6 shockwave therapy over 6 weeks and was given an eccentric loading program by our physiotherapists and is now back at her body pump gym classes pain-free.
Shockwave therapy combined with an eccentric tendon strengthening programme has high quality evidence for the resolution of tendinopathies, with the additional benefit of avoiding the complications and high costs associated with the surgical treatment.
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CONDITIONS TREATED WITH SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis/tendinopathy
- Hip bursitis/tendinopathy (Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome)
- Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis (shoulder)
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfers Elbow
- Trigger finger
- Trigger points
- Patella tendinopathies
- Shin pain (shin splints)
- Musculoskeletal pain syndromes
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Shockwaves are high energy soundwaves that work on a microscopic level to increase circulation, promote tissue repair, reduce pain and facilitate a faster recovery of injuries.
- Reverses Chronic Inflammation: Shockwaves restart the inflammatory process, sending pro-inflammatory compounds to help restore normal healing and regenerative processes.
- Stimulates Collagen Production: Shockwave therapy accelerates collagen production in the concentrated area. Collagen is vital in the repair process of damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Disperses Pain Mediator “Substance P”: “Substance P” is a chemical that heightens pain signals within the central nervous system. Shockwaves reduce the concentration of this “substance P” to reduce pain levels and prevent excessive inflammatory responses.
- Breaks Down Calcific Deposits in Tendons: Acoustic waves break up the existing calcifications that can build up in tendons as a result of microtears or trauma. These broken up particles are then absorbed by the body’s lymphatic system.
- Forms New Blood Vessels: The application of high velocity acoustic waves creates capillary micro-ruptures in tendon and bone. As a result of this process, blood vessels are remodelled, stimulated to grow and new ones are formed. This improves blood supply and oxygenation of the treated area and supports faster healing of both the tendon and the bone.
Treatment with our ESWT machine has transformed the timeframes of our clients’injuries. You will notice an improvement in symptoms almost immediately after treatment that continues in the days after treatment and beyond. If you have an injury that is lingering despite several treatments, make sure you give Shockwave Therapy a go today at All Care Physiotherapy.
FAQ’s:
DOES THE TREATMENT HURT?
There normally is a mild discomfort with a treatment of shock wave therapy, however, the majority of our clients tolerate the treatments well and notice diminishing discomfort after successive treatments. We are able to adjust the intensity of the treatment if required but most treatments are finished in 5 minutes.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
The research evidence shows that you will need from 3 to 5 treatments to have a clinical effect.
WILL I FEEL SORENESS AFTER THE TREATMENT SESSION OF SHOCK WAVE THERAPY?
Most of our clients feel immediate pain relief after the treatment in their injured area. If there is soreness it is reported as mild and settles quickly.
HOW MUCH DOES SHOCK WAVE THERAPY COST?
All Care Physiotherapy uses shock wave therapy as part of your treatment and doesn’t charge any extra fee. Your treatment will include a full assessment, treatment, exercise programme and advice on appropriate exercise load management.