Shockwave therapy is becoming very well known in the medical and allied health professional industries for its successful patient outcomes. It is a useful treatment method of pain, that is related to a number of soft tissue conditions and injuries.
What is Shockwave Therapy, and how does it work?
Shockwave therapy is the use of sound waves to treat injuries and muscular and tendon problems. Shockwave therapy* is both FDA and TGA approved and has been the focus of many successful clinical trials and has been deemed a safe method of treatment. The hand-held device sends high energy soundwaves into the underlying target tissue.
This results in an:
• Increased blood flow to the area
• Increased metabolic activity around the site of pain
These changes can lead to immediate relief from pain, and after successive treatments can accelerate the healing process – getting you pain-free quicker!
What to expect during and after your session?
Your Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Podiatrist will thoroughly examine the affected area, and via a handpiece held against the skin, will send shockwaves into the target tissues. Initially, you may feel some deep pain which will be replaced by a less painful numbness or a heavy feeling – this indicates correct targeting of the problem area.
Your shockwave session is 15 minutes long by itself or can be used in conjunction with your appointment. This can be discussed with your treating practitioner. Many patients get pain relief straight after the first treatment. Depending on the condition and your response to the treatment, you may require 1 to 5 treatments. Usually, 3 shockwave sessions are sufficient for a reduction of pain and tissue healing.
After the shockwave treatment, you may experience some transient soreness or local bruising – this shouldn’t last for more than 24-48 hours.
What can it be used to treat?
The shockwave machine can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to:
• Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis/Golfer’s elbow)
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Hamstring and Gluteal Tendinopathy
• Biceps Tendinopathy
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy • Plantarfasciitis • Osteoarthritis
• Muscular Strains • Shin Splints • ITB Syndrome
Can Shockwave Therapy be used instead of a Cortisone Injection?
Yes! Shockwave can absolutely be used as a treatment method before committing to getting a cortisone injection. Cortisone injections are used as a method of pain relief for inflamed, irritated or damaged tendons. As said previously, the shockwave machine increases blood flow to the injured tissue which provides pain relief but also stimulates the healing process too.
Contraindications?
Shockwave is not a suitable method of treatment, if you are pregnant, have bleeding or coagulation disorders, or have an open wound in the affected area of treatment.
Think shockwave might be for you? Call us on (03) 95897815 with any questions you may have, and to book in your next session with one of our practitioners.
REFERENCES:
1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666498/
2) https://shockwave-therapy.co.uk/blog/ot7q1y81m3c9qb0is2yn1huc99jm0l
3) https://www.ems-dolorclast.com/ (images)
*Based on the EMS Swiss Dolorcast Shockwave Machine