Shockwave Therapy

A healthy outside starts from the inside. – Robert Urich

What is shockwave therapy and how is it applied?

The full name for the treatment is Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). It is a procedure where shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the body, using a special device. Extracorporeal means outside of the body. The Shockwave device sends an acoustic wave of high energy into the targeted tissues. It is a mechanical wave, not electrical and is completely non-invasive. The kinetic energy wave is carried into the tissues and has beneficial effects.

A high water contact gel is applied to the skin This has no effect other than to helping to carry the wave of energy through the skin into the tissues. The applicator is then paced over the painful tendon and is moved over the area of tenderness. Compressed air hits a widget inside the applicator head and the widget then hits a metal plate on the applicator breaking the sound barrier momentarily and producing a sonic wave which then travels into the tissues. The impact of the energy wave passing into the tissues can feel uncomfortable. The machine makes a clicking sound as it operates. The usual length of treatment is approximately 5 minutes.

How does it work?

The treatment initiates a pro-inflammatory response in the tendon that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area, accelerating the body’s own healing processes. The shock waves breaks down injured tissues and calcifications. As a result of cellular tissue micro-trauma, it can provide a temporary analgesic effect on afferent nerves providing immediate pain relief, known as ‘hyper-stimulation anaesthesia’.

How many sessions should I have?

The recommendation is between 3 and 5 sessions no more than a week apart.

How does it work?

The treatment initiates a pro-inflammatory response in the tendon that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area, accelerating the body’s own healing processes. The shock waves breaks down injured tissues and calcifications. As a result of cellular tissue micro-trauma, it can provide a temporary analgesic effect on afferent nerves providing immediate pain relief, known as ‘hyper-stimulation anaesthesia’.

How many sessions should I have?

The recommendation is between 3 and 5 sessions no more than a week apart.

More Shockwave Therapy Information

What are the effects?

New blood vessel formation:

Arterioles are re-modelled, stimulated to grow and new ones are formed. The new blood vessels improve blood supply and oxygenation of the treated area and support faster healing of both the tendon and the bone.

Reversal of chronic inflammation:

Chronic inflammation occurs when the inflammatory response is not completely stopped. Shortwave has been shown to decrease the high level of inflammatory mediators .

Stimulation of collagen production:

Collagen synthesis is critical for repair of the injured tendon and shockwave therapy accelerates pro-collagen synthesis and also encourages a longitudinal alignment of fibres making the tendon denser and firmer

Chronic pain reduction:

Chronic pain travels along C-fibres and is mediated by the neurotransmitter Substance-P. Shockwave treatment reduces the amount of Substance-P in the area, so reducing chronic pain.

How will I feel after treatment?

The treatment can be painful and leave a small area of redness and inflammation. Rest is recommended, except for the exercises given. If the after-treatment is very sore the therapist can reduce the intensity of application, which may elongate healing time but will make the area less painful following treatment. We recommend that anti-inflammatory are not used as these can reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Are there circumstances which will prevent treatment? (Contra-indications)

If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)

If you are taking oral anti-coagulants

If you have received a Steroid injection within 6 weeks

If tumours are present at the treatment site

If you have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site

If you are Under 18

Caution:

If you are pregnant

If you have a pacemaker

What machine do you use?

We use the Storz Shockwave Machine. There are different types of machine producing waves with different methods, so it is important to look at information about this particular machine as results for different types of machine vary.

Our Shockwave Therapy practitioners

Jo Hartshorn

Director/Owner - MSc. MMACP. MCSP. Grad Dip Sp Inj.
MSK (FCP) Physiotherapist

Musculoskeletal
Rehabilitation post-op/injury
Headaches and migraines
TMJ and face pain
Adolescent problems

Nevzat Yuksel

MSK (FCP) Physiotherapist - BSc (Hons). MCSP.

Musculoskeletal
Rehabilitation post-op/injury
Biomechanical Assessments
Sports injuries
Functional rehabilitation

Harsha Gadre

MSK (FCP) Physiotherapist - BSc. MSc (Muskuloskeletal). MCSP

Musculoskeletal
Rehabilitation post-op/injury
Sports Injuries/Injury Prevention
Sports Performance Enhancement
Rigid/Kinesio/Dynamic Taping

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