What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a modern, innovative and cost effective advanced physiotherapy procedure that works with mechanically generated acoustic sound waves which is delivered using a special device. Shockwave was earlier used only to treat kidney stones however the medical science has evolved a lot over the years, leading to an outstanding innovation of using shockwave for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Using acoustic sound waves, shockwave aims to increase blood flow to the injured area while accelerating the body’s healing process. The treatment is much quicker than traditional physiotherapy and delivers promising and long term results, especially for chronic conditions.
Shockwave demonstrates positive results and offers a non-surgical approach while treating multiple conditions including tendinopathies by reducing inflammation, improving tissue healing and breaking down calcifications allowing your body to reabsorb them especially in cases like calcific tendinopathies. Being a safe, non-invasive treatment, shockwave is used to treat a variety of tendon issues which will help you get rid of constant nagging pain and restore your normal functions so you can enjoy your favourite activities pain and stress free.
Conditions Treated Using Shockwave
Shockwave is an evidence based practice used to treat a variety of conditions. The list includes but is not limited to:
- Plantar Fasciitis – One of the most commonly treated conditions using shockwave. Shockwave targets plantar fascia which helps to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair and alleviate pain.
- Calcific Tendinopathy – A condition in which calcium is deposited within the tendons which causes pain and limited movements. Shockwave helps to breakdown the calcium deposits inorder to allow the body to reabsorb them and promotes healing and pain free movement.
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome – GTPS causes pain on the outer side of the hip. Shockwave helps to break down scar tissues around tendon and bursae which is the cause of inflammation and pain.
- Hamstring, Gluteus/Patellar/Achilles Tendinopathy – Tendinopathies occur due to inflammation and degeneration of tendons. Shockwave can stimulate tendon tissue repair and tendon function which helps to reduce pain and inflammation and promote complete range of motion.
- Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow – Shockwave allows site specific application and helps to break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen production which will inturn help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Muscle strains – Muscle strains are mostly experienced by athletes and active individuals, shockwave helps to improve blood flow, promote tissue healing and reduce pain.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
With minimal side effects, shockwave provides long lasting results and in some cases can help you avoid surgery. The ability to promote tissue repair, reduce pain and improve healing has made shockwave a transformative modality which is why it is an upcoming advancement in physiotherapy practice. It is the new era where physiotherapy meets innovation to provide a patient centered approach.
Book a Session Today
If you believe you could benefit from Shockwave Therapy please click below to book a Kickoff call with a Physio to discuss the best course of action for you!