INTRODUCING SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Shockwave therapy is used to treat patients with chronic tendon disorders. It is a non-surgical treatment and works by delivering  impulses of energy targeted to specific damage tissues within the abnormal tendon. This increases the blood flow within the affected area stimulating cell generation and healing and decreasing local factors which can cause pain. The treatment was originally designed as a treatment for kidney stones and has since been developed for the effective treatment of  tendon conditions.

How Shockwave Therapy works:

A conductive gel is first applied to the affected area to help promote the process. A probe is then pressed on to the area when the shockwaves are transmitted through the skin.

Impulses are delivered through the skin as a shockwave and  permeates inside the injured tissue as an aspherical radial  wave. These radial shockwaves initiate an inflammation  response within the injured tissue that prompts the body to  respond naturally increasing blood circulation, the quantity of  blood vessels and improved metabolism within the injured tissue. Although the shockwaves are felt as a series of gentle pulses, the tingling sensation can be a little uncomfortable for some. Rest assured, the practitioner administering your treatment will start with a low level of intensity and increases this to a point where you feel comfortable.

Conditions recommended for treatment with shockwave therapy:

• Plantar Fascilitis and Heel spurs

• Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder

• Tennis and golfers elbow

• Achilles tendinitis

• Trochanteric Bursitis (lateral hip pain)

• Patella Tendinopathy (Jumpers knee)

• Medial Tibial Periostitis (shin splints)

• Some muscle injuries

What happens during shockwave treatment?:

Shockwave therapy treatments are usually performed weekly. Each treatment session takes about 15 minutes and it  is usual to need between three and six treatment sessions. Shockwave Therapy treatment may also be used alongside other treatments provided by Chiropractors and Physiotherapists.

What can I expect during and after my shockwave treatment?:

Many patients experience an improvement in symptoms almost immediately, whilst others may take several weeks to respond. You may experience some discomfort during the treatment but this is normally quite tolerable. Following the treatment, you may experience redness, bruising, swelling and numbness to the area. The side-effects should resolve within a week before your next treatment. There is a small risk of tendon rupture or ligament rupture and damage to the soft tissue. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have deemed this procedure to be safe. Every patient will be monitored before and after the treatment to discover how successful the outcome is.