PERFORMANCE PHYSIOTHERAPY SHOCKWAVE THERAPY TREATMENT

Shockwave therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an innovative, cost-effective, evidence-based treatment for tendon pain (often known as tendinitis or tendinopathy) and other conditions throughout the body. Extracorporeal means outside of the body.



The main benefits of shockwave are pain relief and restoration of function. Shockwave therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for a range of common tendon complaints including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow.


Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment with convincing evidence for its effectiveness from a large body of research and clinical trials. There are now multiple, randomised, double-blinded clinical trials that support the use of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

  • HOW DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WORK?

    It has been postulated that the shockwaves created during the treatment may initiate an inflammatory (healing) response in the tissue being treated. This leads to an increase in blood flow and metabolism in the area, helping stimulate the bodys own healing mechanisms. 


    The treatment is also thought to help reduce pain by stimulating nerve fibres and helping desensitize chronically painful tendons.


  • WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY USED FOR?

    Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment modality for a variety of lower and upper limb conditions. These include:

    • Calcific tendinopathy
    • Tennis elbow (common extensor tendinopathy)
    • Golfer’s elbow (common flexor tendinopathy)
    • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (also referred to as gluteus medius tendinopathy and/or trochanteric bursitis)
    • Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (also referred to as high hamstring tendinopathy, or hamstring origin tendinopathy)
    • Patella tendinopathy
    • Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
    • Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
    • Plantar fasciitis

  • CLINICAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE USE OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

    There is a significant body of evidence supporting the use of shockwave therapy in many common conditions. For more information about your specific condition please use the links above.


    The use of shockwave therapy for tendon issues is well supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care in both NHS and private practice. It provides evidence based recommendations to guide best practice within healthcare. NICE have produced guidelines for the use of shockwave in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, plantarfascitis and calcific tendinopathy.

IN SUMMARY

Shockwave Therapy is a safe, non invasive treatment that can be used as part of the overall management of painful tendon injuries. Contact the clinic for more information, to speak to one of our Physiotherapists or to book an appointment.