Shockwave Tendon Therapy

Shockwave therapy has been used for many years as a treatment for a range of tendon, muscle and joint conditions. Shockwave Therapy is administered to the soft tissue surface of the body, and with research to support its efficacy (reliability), it has been shown to enhance tissue healing.

The therapy is administered in the practice, with the machine delivering acoustic shock waves to stimulate the damaged tissue and enhance natural tissue repair mechanisms.

Extracorporeal shock waves work on hyper stimulation of the tissues, often causing anaesthesia, therefore reduction in pain. It also assists by fighting inflammation.

Shockwave therapy helps with the physical repair and regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues by stimulating the repair of tendons and sometimes bones, while also improving blood supply to the affected area.

Shockwave Therapy accompanies alternative therapies and can be used soon after the occurrence of injury to stimulate immediate and ongoing repair, but is most effective with chronic injury where scar tissue and calcification might be present.

Shockwave treatment may be beneficial for the following injuries/tissue damage:

• Shoulder tendinitis and tennis elbow;
  
• Heel spurs and achilles tendonopathy;
  
• Degenerative disorders;
  
• Knee pain;
  
• Hip pain

Shock waves are delivered through a device held lightly on the skin. The procedure is safe and treatment lasts for around 10 minutes. Discomfort levels are variable but usually last for only a short time.

Shockwave can be administered every 4-7 days and may require 2-3 treatments to see a change in symptoms. Other treatment regimes including strength work may need to continue in conjunction with Shockwave Therapy.

Physiotherapists, Sports Doctors, Podiatrists and GP’s can suitably assess your condition to determine if Shockwave Therapy can assist your pathology.