Shockwave therapy (also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy) is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, and it is designed to treat the causes of chronic tendon pain without the need for injections, medication or surgery.
A hand-held device is used to pass shockwaves (high energy sound waves) to the affected area. It is a purely mechanical not electrical procedure.
Shockwave therapy stimulates blood flow and supports the body’s self-healing mechanisms. It has been proven to be particularly effective in the management of conditions such as:
The treatment starts with a healthcare professional taking a case history then carry out careful examination to ensure that Shockwave Therapy is the appropriate treatment for you.
The symptomatic area is located through palpation and massage, then a water-based gel is applied to improve the transmission of the shockwaves.
The shockwave is delivered to the tissue via a compressed air impulse exerted by a hand device. The shockwave radiates to the area where pain occurs.
The treatment itself can be initially painful during the application of the Shockwave Therapy. However, if a patient is unable to tolerate the pain levels the settings will be adjusted to reduce the discomfort. A mild ache may occur later that day but should pass after a day. The Shockwave treatment takes only a short time, but each treatment will include additional massage and stretching to enhance treatment effectiveness. Exercises and aftercare advice to continue help the healing process will also be given.
You will likely feel the benefits following the first shockwave treatment; however, most conditions usually require anywhere between 3-5 sessions for the full effect to be reached due to an accumulative effect from each session alongside the necessary healing periods between sessions. The course of shockwave therapy depends on the injury location as well as the duration of symptoms.
There are some health conditions when Shockwave therapy would not be appropriate, and you will be asked if you have any of these as part of the initial assessment process. If you are concerned, please contact us before your appointment.
