Shockwave Therapy

What is shock wave therapy?

Acoustic waves with high energy peak used in Shockwave therapy interact with tissue causing overall medical effects of accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia and mobility restoration. Shock Wave therapy is employed simultaneously with osteopathic treatment to treat chronic, sub-acute and acute conditions.

How is it applied?
Radial shock wave is generated using compressed air. This is used to drive a projectile in a cylinder, located in the hand piece to a shock transmitter.

The pulses you can hear and feel spread into your underlying tissue to a depth of up to 6cm.

Medical benefits

• Release trigger points – reducing waste build up in the areas
• Reversal of chronic inflammation- allowing for improved healing process
• Stimulation of collagen production – for improved repair
• Dissolving of calcified fibroblasts- allowing reabsorption through the lymphatic system
• New Blood vessel formation – improving blood and oxygen supply and oxygen to the area for healing
• Dispersion of pain mediator – Pain relief

Indications

• Painful shoulder
• Tennis elbow
• Tendinitis
• Hip Pain
• Foot and heel pain
• Plantar faciitis

How many sessions are required?

We recommend 6-8 sessions with approximately 4 days in between to see good benefits and results. Many patients notice a difference after just one session.

Does it work for everyone?

We find improvements in approximately 60-70% of patients, but still a percentage of people do not respond. We will only offer this treatment when other treatment avenues have been tried first. Most patients will still have degree of “home work” to continue with regards to stretching, self mobilisationand strengthening which should be continued.

Are there any side effects?

Normally radial shock wave therapy is well tolerated and has few side effects. Bony areas can be reasonably tender with the application of radial shock wave therapy, but this stops as soon as treatment stops and we will try to take steps to make this comfortable. Other side effects (which usually disappear after a few days) include redness of the skin, slight swelling and discomfort over the treatment area.

If you have any other questions regarding radial shock wave therapy, please ask your osteopath who will be pleased to answer these for you.