What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a pneumatically powered handpiece to generate radial shockwaves, which are sent to the injury site through a conducting gel.
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for many tendon injuries and orthopaedic conditions. It can provide immediate pain relief and has also been found to be effective for promoting tendon repair by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels into tissues, promoting growth factors, increasing cell proliferation, decreasing inflammation and mobilising stem cells.
Shockwave therapy can be used for a range of conditions, including:
· Plantar fasciitis
· Shin splints
· Tennis and golfer’s elbow
· Achilles tendinopathy
· Frozen shoulder
· Hamstring pain
· Heel spurs
Studies show success rates of up to 90% for certain conditions, and in some cases, it has been shown to be more effective than three months of traditional rehabilitation.
Will it hurt?
Most people describe the feeling as a tapping feeling, that can be uncomfortable but not generally painful. For some people there may be some pain as intensity increases, but our physios will always work within your comfort level and treatment can be stopped at any time.
After treatment
You should notice an immediate improvement in your pain level. However, after 2-4 hours, you may feel a bruised/tender feeling, which may last a couple of days after your treatment. This is a sign that the treatment has worked, and a healing response is happening in the tissues.
Do not ice the area, or take anti-inflammatories after your session. This can slow down the healing process and decrease the effectiveness of the shock wave therapy.
“Active rest“ is recommended for 24-48 hours after each session.
Appointments
No referral is needed to receive shockwave therapy. You will require an initial assessment by one of our qualified physiotherapists to determine if is a suitable treatment for you.
If you’d like to make an appointment, get in touch today.