What is Shockwave Therapy? Could it be right for you?

Are you dealing with chronic pain or a stubborn injury that just isn’t healing itself? Maybe you have heard about Shockwave Therapy… but what exactly is it and how does it work?

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or in other words Shockwave Therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate and promote healing in injured tissues. Recently, this treatment has gained lots of traction and is used widely in physiotherapy and sports medicine practices due to its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal conditions.

Shockwave Therapy works by:

Increasing blood flow to promote tissue repair in injured tissues.
Stimulating cell and tissue regeneration.
Breaking down calcified tissue and scar tissue.
Reducing pain by interfering with pain signals.

What are some common conditions that shockwave is helpful for treating?

Shockwave Therapy is typically effective for treating chronic conditions, including, but not limited to:

Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendonitis
Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) and/or Golfers Elbow (medial epicondylalgia)
Calcific Tendonitis (also known as Jumpers Knee)
Morton’s Neuroma
Tendinopathies of the Rotator cuff

How do I get Shockwave therapy?

Book an Initial Assessment – schedule a session with one our physiotherapists. During your assessment, your therapist will perform a thorough assessment of your injury and/or condition and determine if shockwave is the right treatment for you.
Developing Your Treatment Plan – Based on your assessment findings of your assessment and discussion with your therapist, a personalized treatment plan will be created. If Shockwave Therapy is suitable for you, your therapist will prescribe the proper parameters, dosage and frequency for treatment.

What to expect during and after my shockwave therapy treatment?

Treatment Session – Your therapist will thoroughly explain the process of shockwave, along with and any perceived risks or benefits. A typical session lasts 3- 5 minutes, and most conditions (depending on a variety of factors) require 3-6 sessions for optimal results.
Post-Treatment Care – After your session, your physiotherapist will provide you with any “do’s and don’ts” to ensure you are set up for the best results and maximize your recovery.

It is important to note that Shockwave Therapy works best when used as part of comprehensive treatment approach, including exercises, manual therapy and other techniques. With a multimodal approach, you are likely to achieve the best possible results.

If you’re struggling with an injury or persistent pain and think Shockwave Therapy might be right for you, give us a call and we can help you out!

Contact us today!