What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical method to effectively treat tendon pain and other musculoskeletal injuries. 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.
How Does It Work?
- 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.
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
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 a gap fee. Your treatment will include a full assessment, treatment, exercise programme and advice on appropriate exercise load management.
Example of a recent patient at All Care Physiotherapy:
David came to All Care Physiotherapy with worsening sharp pain in his achilles that was ongoing for 3months. His pain was usually brought on after going 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 was able to settle his pain using traditional physiotherapy manual therapy, activity modification and exercises, but running continued to flare it. After 3 months of physiotherapy, he remainedunable to run properly. Then All Care Physiotherapy purchased the extracorporeal shockwave therapy machine (ESWT), and David grabbed the opportunity to try it. After 3 treatments over 3 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 8km distances and steep hills.