The name shockwave therapy conjures up a thought of a sadistic torture method or imagining how Frankenstein had life put into him, but nothing could be further from the truth. With many of us living a longer and more active lifestyle, this can bring injuries, pain and sufferings of some sort along the way.
Not necessarily wanting to opt for surgery, we learn to live with these discomforts. Still, maybe with shockwave therapy as physiotherapy treatment, we may not have to live in pain and misery.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwaves, used as a physiotherapy treatment can reduce pain and restore mobility from a disease, condition or sustained injury. Shockwave therapy treatment uses an acoustic wave that is pulsated at a high-energy frequency, directly to the painful or affected area.
Though it has evolved, shockwave therapy was first introduced over 20 years ago as a medical treatment to eradicate kidney stones without causing harm to the skin. Through technology and innovation, the use of shockwaves has been extended to other therapies and treatments, especially that of musculoskeletal intervention.
Musculoskeletal pain affects your bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. The pain can be acute (rapid onset) or chronic (long-lasting), which can be localised or widespread, a common type musculoskeletal pain many of us may experience is lower back pain. With the use of shockwave therapy, you can deal with musculoskeletal pain as a whole which returns greater healing rates than from treatments that can only concentrate on one particular element.
However, not all shockwave therapy is the same, and at CK Physio, we offer focused shockwave rather than a radial shockwave. Through evidence, it has been shown, that over radial, focused shockwaves have more accuracy in targeting problem areas and promoting more significant healing.
As an alternative to invasive surgery or the use of strong painkillers, shockwave therapy naturally promotes the regeneration of bones, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues of a targeted area. With this, shockwave therapy aims to reduce pain and swelling, increase muscle tone and blood flow, whilst promoting cell generation and mobility.
What are the benefits of having shockwave therapy?
Apart from the obvious and astounding physical benefits we have previously mentioned, there are other benefits of shockwave therapy to consider.
Quick and easy
Typically a shockwave treatment session will be between 15-20 minutes with an average of 2500-3000 shocks being emitted in that time.
Little discomfort
Although most patients do not complain of pain or discomfort, everybody’s pain threshold varies and is also dependent upon the level of injury. If necessary, the range can be adjusted throughout the course to suit.
Less risk
Any therapy, surgery or medicines carry risks, but shockwave therapy is an effective treatment that has minimal risks to the recipient. It is non-invasive and does not affect prescribed medications.
Fewer sessions
Unlike some other therapies, due to its intensity and accuracy, many recipients feel the benefit from the first few sessions. Depending on the severity of the injury; after your initial assessment and indication of your tissue response, we will be able to give you an indication of how many sessions you may need.
Affordable
Shockwave therapy sounds extensive, and though it definitely is in its delivery, the cost of the shockwave therapy is relatively affordable.
It works
More research is coming to light to show the benefits of shockwave therapy; within studies, it is a treatment that consistently shows positive effects and results from time after time.
A team player
Shockwave therapy is effective on its own but dependent on your injury and circumstances it works well when combined with other rehabilitating treatments.
What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy is well known for treating tendon or ligament ailments, but it is also highly effective in the treatment of muscle tightness, pain and injuries. Whether resulting from impact, trauma or an ongoing condition, many recipients feel relief following the session.
Shockwave therapy can be used to target areas mainly of (but not restricted to) the back, shoulder, elbow, hip and leg. Below are some conditions that the therapy is most responsive.
- Swelling of Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinopathy)
- Pain in arch of foot/under the heel (Plantar fasciitis)
- Jumper’s Knee (Patellar tendinopathy)
- Tennis/Golfers elbow (Lateral/Medial epicondylitis or lateral epicondylalgia)
- Frozen shoulder (Periarticular shoulder pain)
- Calcium deposits within the tendons (Calcific tendinopathy)
- Pain inside of hip/buttock (Gluteus medius tendinopathy or trochanteric bursitis)
- Hamstring pain in buttock area (Hamstring tendinopathy)
Studies have shown that shockwave therapy treatment is suitable for a range of conditions also including carpal tunnel, facet joints of the spine, non-healing fractures and even cellulite! So it is safe to say there are many positives uses and placement for shockwave as physiotherapy.
What can I expect after shockwave therapy?
Where other conservative forms of therapy have failed, shockwave treatment is safe, non-invasive, low cost and without the dangers that surgical alternatives carry. In the short-term, many recipients experience an improvement from their initial session and as a long-term treatment strategy recipients have sustainable, long-lasting results.
As with all therapies side, effects can occur. After shockwave therapy, side effects are usually minimal and mostly confined to the affected area. They can include:
- Mild bruising or swelling
- Temporary soreness or tenderness
- Minor aching or tingling
After receiving shockwave therapy, overall, recovery time is drastically decreased compared to that of surgical intervention. Thus significantly reducing pain; improving your functionality and quality of life.
Where can I get shockwave therapy?
You must search for an experienced physiotherapist to conduct shockwave therapy. At CK Physio, we have years of experience with in-depth knowledge of human anatomy. We can give you appropriate and accurate information from our consultation to assessment. We will also advise you on the best course of shockwave treatment for you and at a reasonable cost.
Contact us today at our Ealing branch to discuss with us your full needs and expectations, and book an appointment for our advanced shockwave therapy.
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