Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment modality that can help in reducing pain and symptoms in a number of chronic orthopaedic and sports conditions.
How does it work?
Shockwave Therapy delivers acoustic energy waves that are specifically targeted at the painful tissues. These acoustic waves stimulate mechanical, bio-chemical and pain relief mechanisms that reduce inflammation and accelerate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
What conditions can be treated?
Shockwave Therapy can be used to treat chronic tendon pain in both upper and lower limbs including:
- Foot (plantar fasciitis)
- Knee (patella tendinopathy)
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Hip (gluteal tendinopathy / trochanteric bursitis)
- Elbow (tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis)
- Shoulder (rotator cuff tendinopathy / calcific tendonitis)
What should I expect during a treatment session?
You will be positioned comfortably on a treatment plinth where your therapist will locate the painful area through palpation. Contact gel will be applied to the area before administering the shockwave treatment. The procedure is non-invasive but does produce a feeling of discomfort that resolves once the treatment has finished.
Common protocols advise 1 session per week for 3 weeks but your therapist will discuss your individual treatment plan with you. The treatment is done during a normal 30 minute physiotherapy appointment.
How beneficial is Shockwave Therapy?
There is a growing body of high-quality evidence supporting the use of Shockwave Therapy for chronic tendon conditions that have failed to improve with time or other treatment modalities. A significant number of patients report initial improvements with pain. The maximum effect of Shockwave Therapy can also take several months to achieve. It is, however, important to note that although a positive clinical outcome is likely, it cannot be guaranteed and there is a chance your symptoms do not improve.
