Shockwave Therapy, the new Soft Tissue Panacea?
Shockwave Therapy, the new Soft Tissue Panacea?
What is Shockwave Therapy?
It’s a non-invasive treatment which encourages the healing of stubborn soft tissue issues (deemed as chronic), by firing mechanically produced waves into the affected area.
Chronic Tissue can be described as unhealthy/ non healing and has lost the ability to regenerate, which is required after injury.
Its scientifically proven as an affective second option treatment for patients whose injury has failed to respond to other conservative techniques such as Physiotherapy.
Produced by a specific unit applied by a Therapist , the mechanical waves effectively and subtly re-injure the tissue, thus instigating a new healing response from the body at the effective area. This is known as ‘cell proliferation’.
Shockwave Therapy is not new but its development within the treatment of Soft Tissue issues is. It was original inception was in the field of Urology for the treatment of kidney stones during the 1990s.
It is approved for medical use by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in both Private and Hospital settings . It is a safe an effective treatment but should only be applied by qualified medical practitioners.
What are its uses?
Used for chronic Soft tissue disorders (muscular, tendon or ligaments )and some joint or bone conditions. Common conditions with positive outcomes include.
Achilles Tendinopathy 1
Bicep/ Triceps Tendinopathy
Plantar Fasciitis
Tennis Elbow
Golfers Elbow
Patellar Tendonitis
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB)
Medial Tibial Stress Disorders (Shin Splints)
Bony Heel Spurs
Break Down of Scar Tissue
Does it Hurt
Shockwave Therapy is ‘Non-invasive’ and only applied to the affected area . Its relatively pain free but some patients may feel a negligible level of discomfort, but that’s mainly down to the injury opposed to treatment itself . Some patients describe the procedure as rhythmical pulses on the skin. The unit can be quite noisy which also may be distracting to some . Application lasts for up to five minutes in duration and a small amount of inflammation/ redness or soreness may be noted post treatment, but this is localised and will settle down , in fact this can be seen as a positive as its highlights the tissue is being affected.
Once treatment is completed you can go about your daily activities as normal but avoid high impact or explosive movements , eg Running / Tennis . This will obviously be in conjunction with your Therapists Rehab recommendations.
Does it work Straight Away?
Even though some patients do report an easing of symptoms relatively early , the highest degree of positive results have been proven to come from a course of sessions. These sessions are best undertaken around 7-10 days apart and number between 5-8. These will be prescribed by your Therapist, based on what is presented by the patient.
Where Can I find a local Shockwave provider?
Although provided by the NHS, sessions would be referred via your GP and could prove quite a wait. Private qualified practitioners are also available and can provide exact the same treatment. For Shockwave Therapy in Oswestry or Mid Wales and their localities , contact Wayne Peter , via my Website www.waynepeter.com , and lets get you back to your fit pain-free self again.