Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

A non-surgical solution to persistent problems

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment where a hand-held device is applied outside the body, introducing energy to painful areas and promoting the body to heal itself. Regardless of the cause; injuries can be debilitating and, if left untreated, may affect your daily life. Shockwave is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment option for a wide variety of conditions with no downtime.

COMMON PROBLEMS THAT SHOCKWAVE TREATS:`

• Achilles Tendonitis • Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain) • Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) • Back Pain • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints) • Epicondylitis (Tennis or Golfers Elbow) • Periarticular Shoulder Pain • Tendinosis Calcarea (Calcific Tendonitis) • Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip)

In having a long-term injury many people think that surgery is their only option to get better but there is risk involved and a long recovery time associated with this. “Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods: fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity.” FDA

HOW SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WORKS

Shockwave Therapy has emerged as a powerful treatment option for various persistent issues. This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing and provide pain relief.

Shockwave Therapy works by:

• Increasing blood flow to the affected area
• Triggering healing processes through stem cell activation
• Reducing pain by modulating nerve fibers
• Breaking down scar tissue
• Accelerating healing time

As a treatment protocol, Shockwave Therapy is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Most patients require 3-6 sessions of Shockwave Therapy, spaced one week apart. The number of sessions may vary depending on the duration of symptoms.

CLINICALLY PROVEN

Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven, recognised by the top orthopaedic hospitals and used by high-profile professional sports bodies.

WHAT ARE SHOCKWAVES?

Shockwaves are high-energy sound waves which are transmitted to the affected area to accelerate healing. The treatment increases blood flow, decreases localised pain and stimulates cell regeneration - this encourages the body to repair itself. Shockwaves also break down injured tissue and calcifications.

ON WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY CAN SHOCKWAVE THERAPY BE USED?

Shockwave Therapy can treat conditions in the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, Achilles, forearms, shins, back and feet.

IS SHOCKWAVE PAINFUL?

You may experience some discomfort during treatment but the pain should be tolerable. Due to the analgesic effect of Shockwave Therapy many patients report immediate pain relief following treatment.

CAN SHOCKWAVE TREAT OLD/PERSISTENT INJURIES?

Shockwaves can treat both long-term chronic conditions and newer injuries, there is a great deal of evidence to show that Shockwave Therapy can achieve great results even with historical conditions.

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY: TOP 3 TREATABLE CONDITIONS

We use Shockwave Therapy in our clinic to treat a range of debilitating conditions. Here are some guides to the 3 most common problems we see, and how Shockwave treatment can help.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes heel pain and discomfort. By addressing the root causes of inflammation and promoting the body’s natural healing processes, Shockwave Therapy provides a non-invasive solution that can significantly improve quality of life for plantar fasciitis sufferers.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting your daily activities and quality of life.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis:

• Engaging in high-impact activities like running
• Having high arches or flat feet
• Spending long periods standing or walking
• Wearing poorly fitting or unsupportive shoes
• Having tight leg muscles or Achilles tendons
• Certain types of inflammatory arthritis

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, which may:

• Feel sharp and stabbing
• Be worse when taking first steps after waking or being inactive
• Increase throughout the day
• Worsen when walking barefoot or going up stairs
• Improve with rest

Shockwave Therapy works by targeting the affected area, addressing the inflammation at its source and supporting the natural healing process. Contact us to book an appointment.

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition affecting the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This injury can cause significant discomfort and limit physical activity, especially in athletes and active individuals.

Causes of Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is primarily caused by:

• Overuse and repeated stress on the tendon
• Sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration
• Tight or weak calf muscles
• Poor ankle flexibility
• Age-related tendon degeneration

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy

Common signs of Achilles tendinopathy include:

• Pain and stiffness in the heel area, especially in the morning
• Swelling around the tendon and ankle
• Tenderness when touching the affected area
• A grating or creaking sensation during movement
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a highly effective treatment for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, particularly when other conservative methods have failed. This non-invasive procedure offers several benefits:

• Pain Reduction - Studies show that shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain, with patients experiencing an average pain reduction of 5 on a 10-point scale.
• Improved Function - ESWT has been found to enhance tendon function and overall mobility in patients with Achilles tendinopathy.
• Long-lasting Results - The benefits of Shockwave Therapy continue to improve for several years after treatment, with a low recurrence rate.
• Complementary to Exercise - When combined with eccentric exercises, Shockwave Therapy produces better outcomes than exercise alone.
• Quick and Non-invasive: The treatment typically involves three short sessions over three consecutive weeks.

For those suffering from persistent Achilles tendinopathy, Shockwave Therapy offers a clinically proven, non-surgical solution to alleviate pain and promote healing. Talk to one of our qualified physiotherapists to determine if this innovative treatment is right for you.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition causing pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition affects people of all ages and professions, not just tennis players. Tennis elbow can also be known as golfer’s elbow given its prevalence among people who play golf.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow typically results from repetitive arm movements that strain the forearm muscles and tendons1. Common activities that can lead to tennis elbow include:

• Racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, squash)
• Golf
• Weightlifting
• Carpentry
• Typing
• Painting
• Knitting

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The main symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
• Discomfort when lifting objects or gripping
• Pain when straightening the wrist or hand
• Difficulty with everyday tasks like opening doors or shaking hands

Research has shown that Shockwave Therapy can be more effective than placebo treatments and as effective as other standard treatments like corticosteroid injections and physical therapy. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research demonstrated that both radial and focused Shockwave Therapy effectively reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.

For those suffering from persistent tennis elbow that hasn't responded to conventional treatments, Shockwave Therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive alternative. This cutting-edge treatment can help patients return to their daily activities – and favourite sports – with reduced pain and improved function. Talk to one of our team to book an appointment with us.