Shockwave Therapy
The newest therapy on the block
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a multidisciplinary device used by healthcare professionals to relieve various conditions, especially those that have a chronic or long-term presence. Its main assets are fast pain relief and mobility restoration. The fact that it's a non-surgical treatment with no need for painkillers makes it an ideal therapy to speed up recovery and cure various indications causing acute or chronic pain.
How does shockwave work?
The pressure waves penetrate the tissue and reduce pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals (Gate Control Theory). It also increases cell metabolism and promotes the release of pain and inflammatory inhibiting substances. Revascularization of the area occurs with new blood flow promoting tissue healing and regeneration.
What conditions can be treated?
Shockwave works well for any insertional tendinopathy where soft tissue attaches to the bone. It also works well on trigger points and muscle tension.
Common conditions treated:
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Long Term Rotator Cuff Injuries
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Medial/Lateral Epicondylitis (golfer’s/tennis elbow)
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Shin Splints
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Frozen Shoulder
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Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy
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Patellar Tendon Injuries (jumpers/runners knee)
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Muscle tension/trigger points
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Bone Spurs
What are the Medical Effects?
• Decreases muscle tension & inhibits spasms by increasing blood flow to the affected area, along with lessening the pathological interactions between actin & myosin.
• Dissolves calcified fibroblasts
• Increases collagen production
• Accelerates the removal of nociceptive metabolites, and increases oxygenation
• Enhances dispersion of substance P (a pain mediator and growth factor). The reduction of its concentration reduces pain in the affected area and decreases risk of development of oedema.
Does the treatment hurt?
There may be a slight feeling of discomfort during the treatment, depending on the level of pain the patient is already experiencing in the area. However, since the treatment lasts only about five to 10 minutes, most patients are able to tolerate this discomfort. Additionally, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted throughout the session.
What are the success rates?
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84% of patients with insertional achilles tendinosis had significant improvement after 3 treatments – Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 2011; 50(3)
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80% of professional athletes with chronic hamstring tendinopathy returned to their pre-injury activity by 9 weeks – Am J. Sport Med 2011; 39(1)
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75% of patients with patellar tendinopathy had significant improvement with 3 treatments – Knee Surg. Sports Traumatol 2013
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75% of patients with Osgood Schlatters were pain free following treatment – Sportverletz Sportschaden 2012 Dec; 26(4)
If you have any questions about the use and operation of the system, please do not hesitate to ask. The comfort and safety of our patients is of the utmost importance to us.