What is Shockwave Therapy and How is it Important

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), or more commonly known as simply Shockwave Therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that utilises high-energy acoustic sound waves to stimulate the healing of bone injuries and other chronic soft tissue. The sound waves are delivered through a Shockwave therapy machine to promote increased blood flow, which helps to reduce pain, and the effective breakdown of existing scar tissue. This is how Shockwave therapy works.

 

This form of outpatient treatment is typically used to treat chronic, stubborn musculoskeletal injuries that require targeted treatment in order to properly heal. Plantar Fasciitis, Tennis Elbow, and persistent shin splints are common examples of when Shockwave therapy is utilised, as it provides a conventional method that has a success rate of 75-85%. This type of therapy is often used when all other attempts - rests, medication, and standard physiotherapy - have proven ineffective and require a more intense approach.

 

At Back in Motion, our team of highly specialised physiotherapists will assess your current condition and evaluate whether Shockwave treatment is right for you. With an adequate treatment plan that encompasses both targeted exercises and manipulative therapy, we can ensure an improved restoration of your mobility and overall lifestyle.

 

The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy 

In addition to reducing chronic pain and healing a persistent injury, there are many additional benefits along the Shockwave therapy journey that will greatly improve your overall life quality. Some of the added benefits of Shockwave treatment include short treatment times, promotion of tissue healing and restoration, and decreased muscle stiffness. Shockwave therapy is also non-surgical and non-invasive, which can be a great complementation to other forms of physiotherapy treatment as they aren’t highly impactful on the body. 

 

Shockwave therapy is also a great alternative to medication, and oftentimes has minimal to no side effects. This allows patients to continue living their everyday lives with no disruption, and improves mobility by dissolving calcium buildup substantially over a period of time. 

 

Before commencing treatment, the physiotherapists at Back in Motion will discuss all benefits of Shockwave therapy in great detail to ensure that you receive the most out of your treatment, and get you back on your feet sooner!

Are There Any Dangers to Look Out for when Receiving Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is an incredibly effective form of extended physiotherapy that has very few risks directly associated with it. Firstly, it is both non-invasive and non-surgical, reducing the risk of any anesthesia related complications. The treatment also initiates a highly controlled anti-inflammatory response that automatically stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

 

Occasionally, however, some patients do experience mild side-effects. The most common side-effects include temporary soreness at the treatment site, swelling, tingling, or onset bruising after the treatment. These usually resolve within a day or two, so it is nothing to be concerned over. If symptoms do persist beyond this timeframe, consult promptly with your physiotherapist and establish an appropriate alternative plan.

 

Is Shockwave Therapy Painful

Before consulting with their physiotherapists, many patients often ask the question; “does Shockwave therapy hurt”, and the answer is no. The word “shockwave” can sound incredibly intimidating, and often deters many patients from receiving this highly effective form of treatment. However, patients can rest assured that they will only experience mild to moderate discomfort during the treatment, and even this only lasts for 10-15 minutes. That is how long a full treatment session takes to conduct! 

 

As mentioned above, after the procedure patients may experience slight tenderness or discomfort at the application site. If you have any concerns or questions post treatment, our Back in Motion team is happy to discuss this with you to ensure that you feel comfortable and supported throughout your shockwave treatment journey.

 

What are the Best Conditions to Treat Using Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is most commonly used for persistent musculoskeletal conditions that have proven to be unsuccessful with other forms of physiotherapy treatment. This specialised form of treatment can help to reduce chronic inflammation and stimulate collagen production and blood flow to affected areas, allowing the body to initiate its natural healing process.

 

Radial Shockwave therapy is most effective when complimented by other physio treatments such as deep tissue massage, manipulative therapies, hands-on treatment, acupuncture, and clinical pilates. This will guarantee an accelerated road to recovery, and optimise day-to-day mobilisation. Some of the most common soft tissue problems and injuries that can be effectively treated by shockwave therapy include chronic pains (i.e. neck, lower back, and hip pain), athlete-related injuries (i.e. Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Shin Splints, Fasciitis, and Achilles Tendinopathy), and other persistent pains  including tendon, ligament, or muscular conditions.

 

Early intervention is key to reducing the overall impacts of these conditions on your life. Consulting with a licensed physiotherapist and discussing all treatment options are pivotal to promote the healing of painful/chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Consult with your clinician and discuss whether Shockwave therapy is the right fit for you.

Who is Eligible for Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone, and your physiotherapist will thoroughly assess eligibility prior to commencing treatment. Oftentimes, Shockwave treatment is not recommended for patients who are taking coagulant medications for any blood clotting disorders and/or hemophilia, having a medical history of a heart condition or cancer diagnosis on or near the treatment site, or women who are pregnant or trying to conceive currently. Patients who have undergone previous treatment near the spine, brain, or the lungs, as well as on pre-ruptured tendons are also ineligible for shockwave treatment due to an increased risk of complications. Patients must also be over the age of 18, and have a valid form of identification to show as proof before commencing treatment. 

Speak to Our Team of Trusted Physiotherapists about Shockwave Therapy 

Shockwave therapy is the future of physiotherapy treatment! It provides an innovative, non-invasive approach to chronic musculoskeletal treatment, and can also be used to treat a wide variety of different soft tissue conditions! If you are ready to take the next step towards better mobility, speak to one of our trusted physiotherapists at Back in Motion and we will establish a treatment plan specifically tailor made to suit your needs. 

 

If you are in search of a gentle, non-surgical treatment, Shockwave therapy may be worth looking into.