Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment for tendon pain (tendinopathy) and can be affective in the treatment of a range of tendon problems around the body including plantar fasciitis, ankle, shoulder, knee and elbow pain.

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, and works by delivering impulses of energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon.

What does it do?

First the shockwaves work to de-sensitise nerve endings which will often give an immediate reduction on pain symptoms – i.e. it blocks the P-fibre nerve endings.

Then and often most importantly, the shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma (microscopic damage) to the tissues which will activate the bodies natural healing response, regenerating blood vessels ultimately increasing the blood supply to the damaged tendon.

What conditions justify having this treatment?

• Shoulder pain/Impingement/Supraspinatus Tendonitis

• Tennis Elbow/Golfers Elbow (Lateral/Medial Epicondylitis)

• Thumb and wrist joint arthritis

• Trochanteric Bursitis (Lateral hip pain)

• Patella Tendonitis

• Periostitis/Shin Splints

• Achilles Tendinopathy/Tendonitis

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Myofascial Trigger Points

• Calcific Tendonitis

Is it painful?

Due to the nature of the treatment you may experience some discomfort during a Shock Wave Therapy session but the power of the shock waves can be adjusted to a level that suits you.

After treatment you could feel a mild discomfort but this usually disappears within 24 hours.

What are the benefits?

• Non surgical

• No anaesthetic

• No infection