What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-frequency, acoustic shockwaves generated via a handheld probe which is positioned over and moved around tendons of the body. Shock wave therapy helps kick start the body’s natural healing through natural response in tissue.

If you have tried other treatments such as medication, physiotherapy treatments and even steroid injection and you are considering surgery, why not try shockwave therapy and join the 90% of the patients who have reported that they have experienced significant improvement in their tendon pain after going through a series of shockwave therapy.

What is treated using shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat many different conditions that usually involve a tendon. These conditions can include Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, jumper’s knees, shin splints, gluteal tendinopathy and shoulder tendinopathy, frozen shoulder, musculoskeletal disorder, and heel spur.

So, if you present with any of these pain, a physiotherapist can help you with the initial assessment and delivery of the service professionally and calmly to put you at ease during the process.

How does shockwave therapy help?

Shockwave therapy uses a pneumatically powered handpiece that generates low-frequency radial shockwaves at the tip of the device, which is then transmitted to the injury site through a conducting gel.

Shockwave provides analgesic effect by diluting the neuropeptide substance in the tendon, which is the main source of pain in the injured site and reduction in inflammation which further reduces the pain levels of the site.

Shockwave therapy also helps with neovascularization and tissue regeneration. Repeated shock at the affected area encourages the growth of new blood vessel and through a set of biochemical reactions due to the shockwave would also improve tissue regeneration. 

Some people feel better right after their initial session, meanwhile, it might takes 4-5 sessions before you feel relief. This can be due to the type of injury and the length of time you have experienced it. Shockwave therapy is also followed up with strengthening to ensure you get back to your full potential and reduce the chances of re-injury.

What are the benefits?

Shockwave therapy benefits can include but not limit to

• Accelerated healing and tissue regeneration
• Reduce pain and enhance the anti-inflammatory effect
• A non-invasive treatment which could get you back into working condition and possibly remove the chance of having a surgery

What is the difference between shockwave therapy and therapeutic ultrasound?

Therapeutic Ultrasound (US) is the use of sound waves above the range of human hearing to treat injuries like muscles strains and tendon injuries. While it is widely used by the physiotherapist in the clinics, other contraindications have to be considered before proceeding with US.

Shockwave therapy is more suitable for almost anyone and because of it being a lot more focused it provides people with improved recovery time and getting better in a few sessions. Research has shown that shockwave therapy has shown a significant reduction in pain compared to US in 6 weeks.

So if you’re interested and want to know more about the shockwave therapy make an appointment by calling 07 5302 2933 or email us at gattonphysiotherapy2@yahoo.com