Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. The sound waves are directed at the affected area, creating microtrauma that triggers the body's natural healing response. This can lead to an increase in blood flow, collagen production, and the formation of new blood vessels, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. It's important to note that shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It is best to book for an assessment with me to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for you.
Some common conditions that can be treated with shockwave therapy include:
Plantar fasciitis: A condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): A condition that causes pain on the outer part of the elbow.
Calcific tendinitis: A condition characterized by the deposit of calcium crystals in the tendons, most commonly in the shoulder.
Chronic tendinopathies: Tendinopathies that persist for more than 6 months and are resistant to other treatments.
Patellar tendinopathy: Inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
Achilles tendinopathy: Inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Myofascial pain: a type of chronic pain that affects the muscles and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of shockwave therapy treatments needed to achieve the desired results can vary depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the injury. In some cases, one or two treatments may be enough to see improvement, while others may need more treatments to achieve the desired results. Typically, a series of 3-5 treatments are needed for the more chronic conditions, usually once a week. However, some people may require more or less treatments depending on their specific case.
Can shockwave be used as an alternative to surgery?
Shockwave therapy may be used as an alternative to surgery or as a pre-surgical treatment in some cases. However, whether or not shockwave therapy can prevent the need for surgery depends on the specific condition being treated and the severity of the injury. In some cases, shockwave therapy may be effective in reducing pain and inflammation, promoting healing, and improving function, which may make surgery unnecessary. However, in other cases, shockwave therapy may be used as a pre-surgical treatment to prepare the tissue for surgery or as a post-surgical treatment to aid in recovery. It is always best to consult with me as your physio to determine if shockwave therapy is a suitable treatment option for you and whether or not it can prevent the need for surgery. In some cases, where the condition is severe or progressed, surgery may be the only option.
I've been told I have calcific deposits on my tendon and surgery is being suggested. Can shockwave help this?
Shockwave therapy may be effective in treating calcific tendinitis, which is a condition characterised by the deposit of calcium crystals in the tendons, most commonly in the shoulder, but can be elsewhere such as in the Achilles tendon. The high-energy sound waves used in shockwave therapy can help to break up the calcium deposits and promote the body's natural healing response, which can lead to a reduction in pain and inflammation. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for calcific tendinitis may vary depending on the size and location of the calcium deposit, as well as the stage of the condition. In some cases, shockwave therapy may be effective in resolving the condition, while in others it may only provide temporary relief.
Author: Valerie Storm
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