Shockwave therapy is used to address a variety of conditions, but it is noted to be particularly effective for treating soft tissue injuries as well as bone and joint pain such as calcific tendinitis and plantar fasciitis, both of which boast a 90+% improvement rate. Shockwave therapy has also recently been found to promote the recovery of non-healing ulcers in addition to its already established place in treating tennis elbow, heel spurs, and tendinosis of the knee and Achilles tendons. Shockwave therapy works by creating an acute, inflammatory response to the affected area, which in turn causes the body to react metabolically to the site, effectively stimulating the healing process.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Once the physiotherapist has determined where the complaint originates, and that shockwave therapy is the correct treatment method to be used, some gel is applied to the painful area. Then the Shockwave device is used. The handpiece contains a fast-moving projectile controlled by a compressor. This projectile transmits energy to the applicator to generate the radial shockwaves, which then spread through and are absorbed by the body. The frequency and pressure of the waves can be adjusted.
The shockwaves reduce pain partly through the creation of substance P and the hyperstimulation of pain sensors. The body itself regenerates the affected tissues, resulting in the following effects:
- Improved blood flow and neovascularisation
- Increased growth factors
- More mesenchymal stem cells
- Stimulation of the metabolism