We are excited to announce that we have recently added shockwave therapy to our physiotherapy treatment options. Shockwave can be an adjunct to other physiotherapy treatments to aid with accelerating the healing process in the body by stimulating the metabolism and increasing blood circulation to regenerate any damaged tissue. Strong energy pulses are produced by the machine and stimulate cells in the body that promote soft tissue healing. Shockwave therapy is usually the most effective at treating conditions that have become chronic, that is conditions that have not been able to heal on their own. It often only takes a few treatments to be effective, and in the case of chronic soft tissue injuries, three treatments with the shockwave are typically all that is needed in addition to your usual physiotherapy treatment sessions.
Shockwave therapy can be used for chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and calcific tendonitis, epicondylitis (tennis or golfers elbow), muscle strains, and bursitis. It has been shown to be up to 88% effective for these conditions in research trials.
Shockwave therapy can also be beneficial for myofascial pain, trigger points, and frozen shoulder. For these conditions it can be used as frequently and for as long as is needed.
Shockwave treatment may cause short lived redness or bruising of the skin in the treatment area, and the treatment may be mildly uncomfortable while it is being applied.
There are some situations and conditions where shockwave therapy is not recommended. These include pregnancy, clotting disorders, taking blood thinner medications, steroid injection within the last four to six weeks, having a pacemaker, metabolic conditions where the bone may be fragile, and current or past history of cancer.
If you have any questions, or would like to book a physiotherapy appointment to discuss if shockwave treatment would be appropriate for you, please contact us here at the clinic.
