Shockwave
Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or radial shockwave therapy, is a multidisciplinary device used in orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, urology, and veterinary medicine. It may offer rapid pain relief and aid in restoring mobility, potentially reducing the need for surgery or painkillers.

Shockwave therapy can help accelerate recovery and address various conditions that result in acute or chronic pain.

Indications for Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat variety of conditions, particularly those involving tendons and soft tissues. Common conditions that can benefit from this therapy may include:

• Feet Conditions: Including heel spurs, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis.
• Elbow Disorders: Effective in treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and golfer’s elbow.
• Neck Dysfunction: Used for chronic neck issues.
• Shoulder Pain: Beneficial for calcific tendinosis of rotator cuff muscles.
• Knee Pain: Addresses patellar tendonitis.
• Hip Disorders: Useful in treating bursitis.
• Lower Leg Conditions: Helps in managing shin splints.
• Upper Leg Ailments: Treats iliotibial band friction syndrome.
• Back Pain: Applicable for both lumbar and cervical spine regions, as well as chronic muscular pain.

Shockwave Therapy Procedure

The procedure for shockwave therapy includes the following steps:

1. Initial Setup: The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area to be treated is exposed.
2. Gel Application: A specific gel is applied to the treatment area. This gel aids in transmitting the acoustic waves efficiently and smoothly into the tissues.
3. Therapy Initiation: The shockwave therapy applicator is carefully positioned against the targeted area. The therapy is initiated with the press of a button, starting the delivery of shockwaves into the tissue. Patients may experience sensations of pulsing or tapping.

The duration and intensity of the therapy can be adjusted according to the patient’s response and the specific condition being treated.

Once the therapy session is completed, the gel is wiped off, and the patient can usually resume normal activities with specific guidelines provided by the orthopaedic specialist.

Rehabilitation Process

After undergoing shockwave therapy, the recovery and rehabilitation process may include:

• Immediate Resumption of Activities
  Patients can often immediately resume daily activities. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for the first 48 hours post-treatment.
• Engage in Physical Therapy
  It is recommended to adhere to the physical therapy programme provided by the orthopaedic specialist to aid in recovery and enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
• Monitoring for Side Effects
  While side effects are typically minimal, patients should monitor for any signs of bruising, swelling, or discomfort in the treated area.
• Regular Follow-Up Appointments
  Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress and determine if additional sessions are necessary.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy offers several benefits, particularly for patients suffering from various musculoskeletal conditions.

Pain Reduction

Shockwave therapy is used for targeting and alleviating pain, notably in chronic conditions such as tendinopathies. It stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, which can lead to pain relief.

Improved Mobility

The treatment can enhance joint and muscle flexibility, leading to improved range of motion and mobility, which is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions like frozen shoulder or plantar fasciitis.

Muscle Tightness Relief

It targets muscle tightness and painful trigger points, often found in repetitive strain injuries, providing relief.

Enhanced Circulation

The therapy promotes increased blood and lymphatic flow in the treated areas. This can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.

Cell Regeneration

By stimulating the affected areas, shockwave therapy encourages the regeneration of cells, facilitating the repair of damaged tissues.

Non-Invasive with Minimal Side Effects

As a non-surgical treatment, shockwave therapy presents a lower risk of complications compared to invasive procedures.

Risks and Complications

While shockwave therapy is generally safe, there are some risks and complications associated with the treatment.

• Mild Side Effects: Some patients may experience minor side effects like bruising, swelling, or pain in the treated area.
• Temporary Discomfort: During the procedure, patients might feel temporary discomfort or tingling.
• Contraindications: The therapy is not recommended for certain groups, such as pregnant women, patients with acute inflammation, recent recipients of corticosteroid injections, those on high-dose anticoagulant therapy, or patients with cancer.
• Rare Complications: Although rare, there is a possibility of nerve or tissue damage if the therapy is not administered correctly.