Shockwave Therapy Lambton Quay

Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

• Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive therapy using low frequency, acoustic shockwaves generated via a handheld device. This kickstarts the body’s natural healing response in tissue that may not have responded to medication, rest or other therapies.
• Shockwave Therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for tendon injuries and musculoskeletal conditions

How Shockwave Therapy works

• Shockwave Therapy involves using a state-of-the-art device to deliver low frequency, high energy sound waves deep into the body and soft tissues. The shockwaves are transmitted directly to the site of injury through a conducting gel, enabling the best possible therapeutic effect. 
• Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area of the body. These sound waves create microtrauma, which triggers the body's natural healing response. The increased blood flow and metabolism in the area help to repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
• Most clients feel less pain immediately after therapy. Others may take up to six sessions to achieve significant pain relief. The body’s natural healing process continues after the prescribed course of Shockwave Therapy, so even after treatment has concluded, you will continue healing and feeling better. 
• Studies have shown 90% of patients who go through a treatment cycle of Shockwave Therapy have significant reductions in pain

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Analgesic Effect

• Shockwave Therapy dilutes the presence of the neuropeptide Substance P at the site of the injury, a chemical which is a major source of pain

Neovascularisation 

• Repeated shockwaves into the affected area stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. Better blood supply means better healing

Tissue regeneration

• Repair of the affected area is achieved through a process known as mechano-transduction, which sets off biochemical reactions in cells that stimulate tissue regeneration

Shockwave as an alternative to surgery and cortisone

• Shockwave Therapy stacks up highly against surgery, there is no risk of infection or complication, no downtime and significantly reduced costs. It is also a good alternative to steroid injections, which have been shown to weaken tissue over time increasing the chance of reinjury or tears

What conditions does shockwave work for?

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Tennis/Golfers Elbow
• Patellar Tendinopathy
• Frozen Shoulder/Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

- There are many other conditions which can be treated with Shockwave Therapy. To find out if Shockwave Therapy is right for you, talk to our trained physiotherapist

What to expect?

• Your condition will be assessed by our trained physiotherapist to ensure that Shockwave Therapy is the right option. Based on the examination findings and clinical history, an individualized treatment programme will be suggested 

• Most conditions respond best to six sessions of Shockwave Therapy, spaced one week apart. During the course of treatment, it is best to avoid activities that aggravate your condition. Your physiotherapist will also tailor a rehabilitation protocol for you incorporating stretches and exercises

• During the treatment it is normal to feel mild discomfort initially, which will quickly ease as you become accustomed to the sensation and the treatment area becomes desensitized. Treatment will usually take 15 minutes per area being treated. Most people feel relief immediately after treatment, others can take a few weeks for the healing response to occur

• Some people experience redness, numbness or tingling around the treatment area after treatment, though this is minor and goes away after one or two days

Is Shockwave Therapy suitable for me?

• Shockwave is safe and effective for a large number of conditions, but there are some situations, known as contraindications, that make Shockwave unsuitable

• Shockwave is contraindicated in the following circumstances: 

  • If you are pregnant

  • If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)

  • If you have received a steroid injection within 6 weeks

  • If you have a pacemaker fitted

  • 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 (except in the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease)

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