16th January 18
Shockwave Therapy is used in physiotherapy and orthopaedics to heal tendons, muscles and ligaments quickly and effectively. Its main benefits stem from the fact that it is a non-surgical method of pain relief. It is non-invasive, will not cause infection, and holds less risk than other methods of treatment – whilst achieving similar outcomes.
Shockwave Therapy technology has developed massively over the last few years, and machines are now more efficient and effective than they were previously. SWT therefore offers a great opportunity for physiotherapists to treat patients at lower cost and higher efficiency than many popular traditional treatments.
Shockwave works by using a probe to deliver a targeted wave to the injured area, which stimulates tissue regeneration, increases blood flow, and breaks down scar tissue. The treatment can be tailored to each individual’s condition and comfort level, and it is the pressure, depth, and interaction with the tissue that has been shown to have impressive healing effects.
The conditions that Shockwave Therapy can treat include the following:
- Achilles pain
- Runners knee
- Rotator cuff pain
- Heel pain
- Hand pain
- Bone spurs
- Calcification
- Tennis elbow
- Golfers elbow
- Shin splints
- Hamstring tendon pain
- Hip pain
- Repetitive strain disorders
Patients will usually feel an immediate relief after treatment, and evidence has shown that between 4-6 sessions of shockwave are required to achieve optimum results. Patients should expect to see permanent results approximately 8-12 weeks after their final session.
Treatment is always used in conjunction with an appropriate exercise plan, and unlike other clinics we believe that it should be offered as part of a physiotherapy session if required. When our physio clinic opens for business in Hoddesdon in February we will not charge any extra for Shockwave treatment – despite it being a premium treatment option.
For more information on Shockwave Therapy, or to enquire as to how we could help you manage your pain at the clinic, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please note that shockwave therapy is not an appropriate treatment for back pain, including facet joint pain, but there are multiple other treatment options that we can suggest.