Shockwave therapy, more commonly known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) offers a non-invasive treatment solution for long term insertion and soft tissue pathologies. Common conditions that Shockwave therapy may be worth trying for include Plantar Fasciopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, Hamstring origin tendinopathy, Patellar tendinopathy, Medial and Lateral epicondylopathy.
HOW DOES SHOCKWAVE WORK
Chattanooga RPW are compressed air-ballistic shockwave generators. The shockwave is generated with a precision ballistic mechanism in the handpiece which accelerates a projectile by compressed air. The motion and weight of the projective produce kinetic energy which translates along the transmitter into a sound energy form as an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave is transmitted into the tissue via a coupling gel and this is known as radial pressure wave therapy.
Radial pressure waves offers a non-invasive solution for these complaints and it is believed that the physical effects of radial pressure waves create increased cell membrane permeability metabolically which allows old damaged and weakened cells to be removed and replaced with health viable cells, shockwaves also help to modulate the amount of nociceptive activity and decreasing the pain signal and increases blood circulation in tissues which may stimulate the healing process.
WHAT’S INVOLVED FOR YOU AS A PATIENT
Before we can undertake shockwave therapy treatment with a client, a detailed assessment is required. During this assessment it is determined if shockwave therapy is indicated and will help you achieve a faster and better recovery. We offer shockwave treatment in conjunction with other allied health treatments, biomechanical adjustments (ie orthotics and footwear) with evidence showing that the best outcomes are achieved when shockwave, biomechanical adjustments and exercise therapy are combined.
We can work together to outline a suggested treatment plan. Usually, the process involves treating the site of pain and placing the applicator against the skin tissue. During the initial phase of treatment there may be some pain which indicates correct targeting of the problem area. During the later phases of treatment, you may feel less pain.
Each shockwave session may last approximately 10 minutes in which you may receive somewhere between 1500-3000 shockwaves depending on the region being addressed and suggested treatment protocol. It is usually recommended that individuals undergo between 3-6 sessions. Treatments may be carried out every 5-8 days and should you feel any discomfort following the session icing and analgesia may help.
Contraindications
While Shockwave is suitable for a large number of conditions both evidenced and experimental with minimal side effects, there are some conditions, also known as contraindications that means Shockwave is not an option.
Shockwave is unsuitable in the following circumstances:
If you are pregnant
If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
If you are taking oral anti-coagulants
Neuropathy
If you have received a Steroid injection within 6 weeks
If you have a Pacemaker fitted
If tumours are present at the treatment site
If you have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site
If you would like to explore this treatment option, please call and make an appointment.
The following research articles are available if you would like some additional information on this treatment option:
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis
Patellar tendinopathy
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