Every day I get patients asking “what is shockwave therapy” and a lot of them think that it is some sort of electrical shock treatment. And the of course the next question is what can it do for me?
What is Shockwave?
Shockwave Therapy treatment is in fact more of a pressure wave treatment. The actual equipment has a barrel that basically throws a small projectile backwards and forwards. As the projectile hits the applicator it transmits radial pressure waves into the body transferring high dose energy to the injured area.
How does it work?
The high dose of energy that your injured area receives helps to kick start your body’s natural healing process. The first stage being inflammation. In this stage your body increases circulation to the injured area bringing with it cells to help heal the area. Next is Proliferation where your body begins to repair the area. Last is remodeling, where the healed area begins to respond to external forces placed on it and begins to act more like normal tissues.
What can it help with?
Shockwave is best for chronic musculoskeletal conditions that are stubborn or not responding to other treatment at all. The following is a short list of conditions that we have found excellent results with.
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Any tendinopathy, previous called tendinitis – Achilles, tennis/golfers elbow, rotator cuff, gluteals, hamstring, quadriceps
- Chronic low back, Thoracic spine or neck pain
- Muscles strains
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
How do I know if Shockwave is for me?
If you answer yes to any of the questions below then shockwave may be helpful in your treatment.
- Have you had your injury for 3 months or greater?
- Have you tried other treatments and had little or no improvement?
If you answer yes to any of the below questions then shockwave may be contraindicated for you.
- Do you have any implants, screws, pins or plates in the area of your injury?
- Do you have a blood clotting disorder?
- Are you taking any anti-coagulants?
- Have you had a steroid injection near your injury in the last 6 weeks?
- Do you have a pacemaker?
- Are there any tumours presents at the injury site?
- Do you have an infection or skin abrasion at the injury site?
- Are you pregnant?
Your physiotherapist will always do a thorough assessment prior to recommending Shockwave Therapy. If we deem that you are unsuitable for Shockwave Therapy we will give you the reason why and you options for treatment going forward. This decision is always based on your safety.
Book an appointment
If you have a chronic musculoskeletal issues and you feel that shockwave therapy may be a good fit for you please call the Vitalis Physiotherapy team on 0410 559 856 to book an appointment with our highly experienced physiotherapists.
For more information, please see our FAQs or contact the clinic.
