What is Shockwave?
- Shockwave (also known as ESWT – Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) has been used in medicine since the 1980’s.
- It is a clinically based non-surgical method used by therapists to treat tendon and/or muscle dysfunction.
- The technology involves the delivery of electromagnetic, pneumatic and sound waves.
- ESWT is non-invasive treatment for pain relief.
- 90-95% success rate for patients with applicable conditions.
- ESWT is an excellent stand alone and co-modality and can be used in conjunction with traditional treatments, such as:
- Exercise
- Dry-needling
- Massage
- Deep tissue massage
How does Shockwave work?
- Using the applicator, high-energy electromagnetic, pneumatic and pulse waves are transmitted into the body
- ESWT creates waves at different levels of pressure to penetrate through to soft tissue
- This helps tissue to re-generate and repair, especially after acute and chronic injuries
- The energy-waves can be administered at different levels of intensity with different sized applicator heads, tailored to your needs
Biological effects
International clinical trials have shown ESWT has significant improvement in regeneration and repair of tissues in the following areas:
- Improvement in blood circulation
- Reproduction of vessels in the area of tendons and muscles
- Improves bone-healing
- Supports the production of collagen
- Reduction in tissue tendon
- Regression of pain caused by restricted blood supply
- Dissolving of calcium buildup in soft tissue
- Reduction of scar tissue
Applications with clinical trial support
Shockwave therapy can treat a range of areas including:
- Feet (heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis)
- Shoulder (rotator cuff, inflammations and calcifications of shoulder joint tendons)
- Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)
- Knee (patellar tendonitis)
- Hip (bursitis, pain in hip area)
- Lower leg (shin splints, tightened calves)
- Upper leg (iliotibial band friction syndrome)
- Back pain (lumbar and chronic muscular pain)
Scientific research supports the use of ESWT for the treatment of many muscular-skeletal conditions
- This includes pain trigger points or painful points in muscles
Advantages of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has many advantages. It:
- Provides a new modality where there was previously no effective treatment (e.g. tennis/golfers elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis)
- Reduction of stress in tissue surrounding the targeted area
- Reduction in use of pharmaceuticals
- Avoidance of surgical intervention
- Reduction in downtime from training and work
- Reduction of scar tissue
Known aesthetic applications
Shockwave is also effective for aesthetic purposes, including:
- Elimination of lymphatic congestion
- Regulation of muscle tone
- Cellulite reduction from stage 1-3
- Muscle and connective tissue toning
- Body shaping
- Stretch mark reduction
Treatment expectations
- Sessions are between 20-30 minutes, depending on the area and the amount of treatment needed
- The specialist will place the handle onto the target area (usually the injury)
- They will then gently transmit the shockwaves into the region.
- Feedback will allow the specialist to fine tune the positioning and intensity
- The treatment is often described as a ‘mild sensation’ and generally causes no pain
If you have any other questions about shockwave therapy or if you would like to book in an appointment please give us a call at Epic Life Physio in Mona Vale on (02) 9997 4587 or book in an appointment online