WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (SWT)?
Sheila Barrett, Chartered Physiotherapist, explains that shockwave therapy is a revoluntary treatment for soft tissue injuries. It is a non-invasive, surgical procedure that uses mechanical shockwaves to treat chronic injuries.

Shockwave therapy converts a chronic inflammatory condition into an acute inflammatory condition (pro-flammatory) and so the body’s own healing process is accelerated. The same technology has been used to break up kidney stones without surgery (Lithotripsy) and has now been adapted to treat soft tissue problems that have been resistant to more conventional methods of treatment. Research studies have shown an approximately 80% success rate once all underlying issues are addressed. The biological changes allow the tissue to heal resulting in pain relief and return to normal function.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SWT?
“SWT offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods: fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity.” FDA.

HOW DOES SWT WORK?

  • The problem area is identified
  • The area is marked
  • Conduction gel is applied
  • Shockwaves are administered

Treatment takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.  No anaesthetic is required and while treatment can sometimes be uncomfortable, it can be modified to suit the patient’s pain tolerance.  Normally 3-4 treatments are necessary at weekly intervals.

 

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN SWT TREAT?

  • Conditions effectively treated with SWT include:
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonopathy
  • Patellar tendonopathy / Jumper’s knee
  • Tennis and Golfers elbow (medial and lateral epicondylalgia)
  • Shoulder calcification / frozen shoulder / tendonopathy / impingement
  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome/ITB
  • Neck and back pain
  • Muscle tears / tightness / strain
  • Poor bone healing

 

ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS?
SWT may not be suitable for you if you have/are:• pregnant
• taking antiplatelets excluding aspirin 75mgs (e.g. egclopidogrel) or anticoagulants (e.g.warfarin)
• a blood clotting disorder
• under the age of 18
• cancer
• a cardiac pacemaker or other cardiac device
• an infection in the injured area
• had steroid injections in the area in previous 12 weeks
• osteoporosis

If you would like more information, please contact us on 021 4633455 or you can book an appointment online by   clicking  here

We hope you enjoyed today’s blog by Sheila Barrett, Chartered Physiotherapist.