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SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in various parts of the body, particularly in areas with musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. These acoustic waves are high-energy sound waves that are generated by a device and transmitted to the affected area. This provides effective pain relief, accelerated healing, and cell regeneration. 

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Radial vs. Focused Shockwave Therapy

There are two main types of shockwave therapies: Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) and Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT).

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  • Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT):

    • Radial shockwaves are generated via ballistic mechanisms.

    • The waves spread outward from the applicator tip, dispersing energy across a broader area.

    • Penetration depth is typically up to 4 cm, making it ideal for treating conditions closer to the skin’s surface.

    • Commonly used for superficial injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and trigger points.

  • Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT):

    • Focused shockwaves are generated using electromagnetic technology.

    • The energy converges at a specific focal point, allowing for a highly targeted treatment.

    • Penetration depth can reach up to 12 cm, making it effective for deeper structures such as deep tendinopathies, bone injuries, or certain joint conditions such a knee osteoarthritis.

    • Focused waves can also deliver higher energy levels compared to radial.

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What can shockwave help with?

Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as:

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Tendinopathies: Conditions involving tendon inflammation or degeneration, such as:

  • Calcifying tendinopathy of the shoulder, often associated with calcium deposits.

  • Lateral epicondylopathy, commonly known as tennis elbow, affecting the outer elbow.

  • Greater trochanter pain syndrome, related to hip tendon issues.

  • Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee, affecting the knee tendon.

  • Achilles tendinopathy, causing pain in the heel and back of the ankle.

  • Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, often with or without heel spurs.

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Bone Pathologies: Issues involving bone healing and structure, including:

  • Delayed bone healing, where fractures take longer to mend.

  • Bone non-union, where bones fail to heal properly.

  • Stress fractures, small cracks in bones due to repetitive stress.

  • Avascular bone necrosis, where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, without articular derangement.

  • Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a joint condition involving bone and cartilage, without articular derangement.

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Skin Pathologies: Conditions affecting skin integrity, such as:

  • Delayed or non-healing wounds, which fail to close within expected timelines.

  • Skin ulcers, chronic sores often seen in diabetic patients.

  • Non-circumferential burn wounds, partial-thickness burns not encircling a limb.

  • Cellulite, a cosmetic condition involving dimpled skin.

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Focused shockwave therapy is also used for other conditions, and these include:

  • Additional Tendinopathies: Such as rotator cuff tendinopathy without calcification, medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), adductor tendinopathy syndrome, pes-anserinus tendinopathy syndrome, peroneal tendinopathy, and various foot and ankle tendinopathies. Trigger finger, a condition causing finger locking.

  • Bone Conditions: Bone marrow oedema, Osgood Schlatter disease, tibial stress syndrome (shin splints), and knee osteoarthritis.

  • Muscle Pathologies: Myofascial syndrome, involving muscle pain and trigger points, and muscle strains.

  • Neurological Conditions: Spasticity, often seen in neurological disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome, causing wrist and hand pain.

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Is there good evidence that it works?

Yes, there is solid clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for several musculoskeletal conditions. Numerous studies, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, have shown that shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function, particularly in cases where other conservative treatments have not been successful.

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How many sessions will I need and how long is each treatment?
As a general approach, 3-6 weekly sessions are advised for best effect. Treatment sessions typically last for 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.

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Shockwave therapy is often used as a conservative treatment option before considering more invasive procedures such as surgery. There is a success rate ranging from 60-90% depending on the condition being treated but has great results for both new and chronic injuries. 

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Your shockwave treatment will also include specific rehabilitation to accelerate healing and prevent injury reoccurrence. 

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