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Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy involves the use of a machine that can deliver high frequency sound waves through the affected bodily tissue. The increasingly popular treatment modality is a non-surgical and non-invasive form of therapy that can treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

The machine uses air pressure to send a selected frequency and power of wave through the head of a cylindrical tool, that then delivers this wave-based force into the underlying tissue. Contrary to name, shockwave doesn’t use an electrical impulse and is a safe and effective treatment; with studies showing an estimated 84% success rate when used for the correct conditions.

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How Does it Work?

Once a correct dose of shockwave has been applied to the affected tissue, it can help reduce pain and inflammation, while speeding up the natural healing process of the body. It does this in the following ways:

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  • Pain analgesic: The shockwaves help desensitize the neural pain signal of the affected tissue, which ultimately reduces the pain felt by the patient.

  • Reduce inflammation: The stimulation of the inflamed tissue increases the number of anti-inflammatory factors and collagen production in the area. This then speeds up the natural healing process of inflammatory MSK conditions.

  • Increase blood flow: A process called angiogenesis happens when the affected tissues are agitated/acted upon by the shockwave. This process involves the remodeling and reformation of blood vessels, which help deliver greater blood flow to the area.

  • Break up adhesions: The shockwave can penetrate deep within the tissue, which can help break apart muscle fibrous adhesions and scar tissue.

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Shockwave Therapy

When is is Used?

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat multiple musculoskeletal conditions:

  • Tendinopathies: Probably the most common use of shockwave is to treat inflamed tendons, which is the source of conditions like ‘Tennis Elbow’ and ‘Runners Knee’.

  • Peripheral neuropathies: Shockwave can be used to break down the deep neuromuscular adhesions throughout the body. These fibrous adhesions don’t allow the nerve to glide through the body when moving and often result in a deep radiating pain. The controlled depth of shockwave allows us to break down these adhesions in areas where hands on release cannot be achieved.

  • Shoulder and hip bursitis

  • Plantar fasciitis

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