At Core Physiotherapy and Pilates Studio, we offer Shockwave Therapy at all of our locations. Here is some information about Shockwave Therapy, the type of treatment that it is, and how it can be of benefit to you.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy uses radial pressure waves which 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. The intensive pulses from the handpiece help to inhibit the transmission of the pain signal (Gate Control Theory). 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. The application of repeated shockwaves on the affected area influences the blood flow promoting tissue healing and regeneration. 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.
How Long Is A Session Of Shockwave Treatment?
The length of time of the physical treatment application itself will not exceed the recommended 10 minutes but may vary based on your condition. The rest of your treatment session will involve education, advice, and establishing a home exercise program aimed at enhancing the beneficial effects of the Shockwave Treatment.
How Many Sessions Do You Require?
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. Most treatments are approximately 3-10 days apart depending upon the particular patient.
Once the course has been completed, your Physio will review the outcomes and decide on any further treatment plans.
The patient’s innate healing process will continue once the recommended course of Shockwave Therapy has been completed.
Up to 92% of patients record a decrease in tendon pain after a course of Shockwave Treatment. It takes around 16 weeks to experience the full benefits of Shockwave Therapy.
Is It Painful?
You may feel slightly uncomfortable during your shockwave treatment. This is determined by the level of pain that you’re experiencing prior to your treatment.
The treatment may only last for up to ten minutes making the pain level bearable.
What Is It Like To Have Shockwave Treatment?
Shockwave therapy incorporates the use of radial shockwaves or radial Pressure Waves that 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 waveforms such as infra-red waves or microwaves.
Shockwave Therapy feels like a strong tapping sensation on your skin. The machine makes an audible noise as it’s working due to the way that the machine creates the shockwaves.
Which Problems Can Shockwave Therapy Assist With?
The problems that Shockwave Therapy can assist with are:
- Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and heel spurs
- Shoulder calcification, tendinopathy, and chronic shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow or lateral/medial epicondylitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patella/knee tendonitis
- Gluteal tendonitis
- The reduction of myofascial trigger points (localised or referred muscle pain)