Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy
Summary
A clinically proven, safe, non-surgical treatment that speeds the recovery of musculoskeletal conditions. Multiple academic papers & NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines recommend the use of Shockwave Therapy for the treatment of many musculoskeletal problems.
Many clinical studies have provided an overwhelming body of evidence to support the use of Shockwave Therapy.
Ludger Gerdesmeyer (2008 & 2020) & Testa (2019) both state that Shockwave Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions, significantly improving pain, function, and quality of life.
Conditions Treated
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Low back Pain – acute and chronic
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Nedelka (2014) reported results: Shockwave therapy has better long-term results compared to facet joint injections. They did not observe any adverse effects. And significant long-term improvement in daily activities was observed.
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Achilles tendonitis
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Shin Splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
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Patellar Tendonitis & Jumper’s Knee
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Proximal Hamstring tendinopathy
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Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (often referred to as Bursitis)
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Supraspinatus or Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
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Frozen Shoulder
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Tennis Elbow
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Golfer’s Elbow
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Morton’s Neuroma & Metatarsalgia
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Stress Fracture and Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
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OA Osteoarthritis of the knee
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy is usually referred to as ESWT or Shockwave. Shockwaves are high energy pressure waves which are absorbed by tissue and cause a number of changes that lead to:
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Pain relief – mechanically stimulate sensory fibres.
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Increased blood flow thereby bringing in more oxygen and nutrients which are important for healing.
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Stimulation or “waking up” of cells resulting in the release of chemicals that help reboot the inflammatory or healing process and promote increased blood vessel formation.
FAQs
How long is a course of Shockwave?
The application of Shockwave treatment lasts 5-10 minutes, but your total treatment time may be up to ½ hour. Your treatment will be combined with more “traditional” therapy, such as manual therapy (manipulation) & exercise.
A course will usually take between 3-6 sessions, depending on the condition being treated.
Most treatments are repeated weekly, typically no sooner than 5 days and ideally no longer that 14 days between treatments.
Not all Shockwave Units are the same!
Good quality Shockwave Therapy units are precise, delicate & expensive. They require parts to be replaced frequently throughout the year and need an annual service to ensure they continue to work optimally. When registering with BUPA to provide shockwave they insist on knowing the type of unit and the service history. The unit we use is a Gymna model with a Storz treatment head.
Need to know more about shockwave therapy? Then please call Paul, 07941 856156 or email: paul@southamphysio.com
