Shockwave Therapy in Adelaide
the development of the RPW shockwave technology
Therapeutic shockwaves were introduced as medical treatment over 20 years ago for eliminating kidney stones by applying a shock wave from outside of the body. During this early application of radial pressure waves, they found unexpected positive effects of increased tissue healing. Today the use of radial shockwaves or Radial Pressure Waves (RPW) has been successfully extended to other therapeutic and wellness applications.
what are RPW shockwaves and how do they work?
Radial shockwaves or Radial Pressure Waves are introduced into the body by means of a freely moved applicator. The technology used in the equipment works via the compression of air to create shock waves that are sent through the transmitter. These shockwaves penetrate into the tissue and have a direct effect on the tissues directly under the transmitter.
RPW Shockwave Therapy does not utilise electrical currents, magnetic fields or other wave forms such as infra-red waves or microwaves.
physiological effects of RPW
Radial pressure waves are a non invasive treatment solution for long term tendon insertion and soft tissue pathologies. Local treatment of the affected area will enhance and reset the healing pattern. Today there are several working hypotheses for the physical effects of radial pressure waves:
Pain Reduction
The intensive pulses from the hand piece help to inhibit the transmission for the pain signal (Gate Control Theory).
Increased Metabolism
Shockwaves influence the tissue on a cellular level, promoting the release of pain inhibiting and inflammatory inhibiting substances. It is also believed that RPW waves increase cell membrane permeability metabolically which allows old, damaged and weakened cells to be removed and replaced with healthy viable cells.
Revascularisation
Repeated Shockwaves influence the blood flow promoting tissue healing and regeneration.
Reduced muscular tone
Shockwaves help to restore a normalised muscle tone by action through trigger points as well as via reducing the impact of pain on the nervous system.
common musculoskeletal applications
- Plantar fasciitis, heel pain and heel spurs
- Shoulder calcification, tendinopathy and chronic shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow of lateral/Medial epicondylitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patella/knee tendonitis
- Gluteal tendonitis
- Reduction of myofascial trigger points (localised or referred muscle pain)
what are the side effects of shockwave therapy?
Side effects could occur after a treatment with Radial pressure wave therapy. The majority will appear after 1-2 days.
Common side effects include:
- Reddening
- Swelling
- Pain
- Heamatoma (bruising)
- Petechia (red spots)
These side effects usually subside after 5 to 10 days.
treatment
If your physio thinks that RPW Shockwave Therapy is a good treatment option for you, they will start a course of treatments on your specific injury area. The number of treatments may vary between 4-6 depending on your condition and the outcomes. Once the course has been completed, your physio will review the outcomes and decide on any further treatment plans. The length of time of the physical treatment application itself will not exceed the recommended 10mins, but may also vary based on your condition.
locations
This service is available at all of Core Physiotherapy and Pilates Studio’s locations.
references
Extra-corporeal pulsed-activated therapy (“EPAT” sound wave) for Achilles tendinopathy: a prospective study. Saxena A, Ramdath S Jr, O’Halloran P, Gerdesmeyer L, Gollwitzer H. May 2011
Eccentric Loading Versus Eccentric Loading Plus Shock-Wave Treatment for Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy. A Randomized Controlled Trial. Furia, Maffulli 2009
80%
of people will suffer from back pain at least once in their life. In any given year 1 in 6 Australians (16%) will experience debilitating back pain. ABS 2019
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patients attended Physio Group Exercise
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NDIS appointments at Core Physio