Shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy (sometimes called Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT) is a non-surgical revolutionary evidence based treatment. It works by delivering impulses of acoustic energy through the skin, to the specific injured tissue area. The shockwaves are mechanical, audible, low-energy sound waves, which increases the blood flow to the injured area, helps stimulate cell regeneration and healing, and decreases local factors which can cause pain.
Shockwave therapy has two main modes of action which will help with persistent tendon pain.
Firstly the shockwaves work to desensitise the nerve endings and secondly and often most importantly, the shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma (microscopic damage) to the tissues. This encourages the body to respond with:
- Immediate reduction in pain
- Increased blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area
- Increased activation and acceleration of body’s own healing response
- Breakdown of disorganised tissue and calcification
What can be treated?
There is a significant body of evidence supporting the use of shockwave therapy in many common conditions and its use for tendon issues is well supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
These conditions include:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy (insertional and mid portion)
- Patellar Tendinopathy
- Hip Bursitis
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- Tennis and Golfers Elbow
- Shoulder rotator cuff Tendinopathy (calcific and non-calcific)
- Bicipital tendinitis/tendinopathy
Is it safe and are there any contraindications to treatment?
Current research has reported that no significant adverse side effects have been found.
The shockwave treatment itself is not sensation free, and there may be some mild pain, discomfort and skin irritation and during treatment and up to 2 days after the treatment but this is generally a good indication that it is working! Your therapist will always ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
Whilst Shockwave Therapy is suitable for a large number of conditions with minimal side effects, there are some conditions this treatment is not an option for which are:
- If you have received a Steroid injection within 6 weeks
- If you are pregnant
- If tumours are present at the treatment site
- If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis/active DVT)
- If you are taking oral anti-coagulants
- If you have a pacemaker fitted
- If you have impaired cognition or communication
- If you have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site
- Any treatment over an air-filled area such as the lungs or guts
What happens during shockwave treatment?
Shockwave Therapy at The Body Reset Clinic is administered using the globally recognised EMS 560 Radial Shockwave Unit, manufactured in the UK.
Your therapist will place a hand-held device onto your skin with some water-based gel on the end of the probe. The gel ensures all the shockwaves enters the tissues and isn’t lost at the probe/skin barrier. You will be able to hear the acoustic sound waves as the probe is moved slowly over the body part to be treated. Your therapist can modify the treatment and ensure you are comfortable at all times. Each session lasts up to 15 minutes.
A course of four to six treatments, one week apart, is recommended, with a 6-week review period following the last treatment. This will give the body time to adapt and allows the shockwaves to effectively treat the pain centres. A further course can be applied for long-term improvements.