Shockwave Therapy

What is the purpose of shockwave therapy? Shockwave therapy is a highly effective treatment method used to address various conditions affecting the lower and upper limbs. These conditions include:

1. Bone injuries - such as shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome), stress fractures, and non-union fractures.

2. Calcific tendinopathy.

3. Tennis elbow (common extensor tendinopathy).

4. Golfer's elbow (common flexor tendinopathy).

5. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (also known as gluteus medius tendinopathy and/or trochanteric bursitis).

6. Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (also referred to as high hamstring tendinopathy or hamstring origin tendinopathy).

7. Patellar tendinopathy.

8. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

9. Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.

10. Plantar fasciitis.
     

How does shockwave therapy function? Shockwave therapy employs a specialised device to transmit acoustic energy through the skin to the affected area of the body. It is important to note that the shockwaves used in this therapy are mechanical in nature and not electric. These audible, low-energy sound waves contribute to an increased blood flow to the injured region.
 

Shockwave therapy operates through two primary mechanisms to alleviate persistent tendon pain. Firstly, it desensitises nerve endings, resulting in an immediate reduction in pain. Secondly, and perhaps most significantly, it induces controlled micro-trauma (microscopic damage) to the tissues, prompting the body to respond by enhancing blood circulation and metabolic activity in the affected area. This activation and acceleration of the body's innate healing response are vital. Additionally, shockwaves can facilitate the breakdown of disorganised tissue and calcifications.