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What is shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or shockwave therapy is a non-invasive (1), conservative treatment which is effective for treating many tendon conditions(4, 10). Multiple studies have found shockwave therapy to be up to 80% effective, with improvements found in pain level and function at the affected area (5, 6). Shockwave therapy is considered for individuals when their pain is not settling with conventional physiotherapy alone. Evidence suggests that shockwave therapy can be most effective when combined with an exercise programme and conventional physiotherapy (4).
Who can shockwave help?
Shockwave therapy has been used for many years (1) to treat both acute and chronic pain, with most of the recent evidence suggesting it is particularly effective for individuals with chronic, nagging, issues, including -
Plantar fascitis (1,3)
Achilles tendinopathy (itis) (2)
Patellar tendinopathy (Jumpers knee) (2)
Calcific adn non-calcific shoulder tendinopathy (itis) (2)
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitits) (2)
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (2)
Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (itis) (7)
How shockwave therapy works?
Shockwave therapy is delivered through a hand held probe which pulses high energy sound waves to the skin and underlying tissue through a water based gel medium. There are many theories as to why ESWT can be effective, but some of the latest theories we have about shockwave therapy about the underlying treatment effect is that it can decrease local tissue sensitivity and pain, increase tissue repair, support the body’s natural healing processes and reduce inflammation, (4).
Shockwave at Edinburgh Sports Club
If shockwave therapy is the appropriate intervention for you, you will see an experienced physiotherapist who will deliver 3-5 initial sessions of shockwave therapy (7). Appointments generally last 25-40 mins.
Alongside your shockwave treatments, you will be following an individualised exercise programme.
After your initial block of shockwave sessions, we will monitor your progress with the exercise programme and assess whether further treatment is indicated based on how you are feeling and functioning.
Are there any side effects?
Shockwave is regarded as a safe therapy, (8). However as with many physiotherapy treatments, there are some potential side effects. These side effects include pain, (primarily during the application of shockwave therapy), skin redness, swelling and bruising. To help mitigate any potential side effects, your therapist will adjust your treatment to suit your needs and comfort level.
Who can’t have shockwave therapy?
There are relatively few contraindicaitons to shockwave, however you cannot have shockwave if (9):
you are pregnant or trying to concieve
you are undergoing cancer treatment
you have had a steroid inection in the last 6 weeks
you have an infection at the treatment site
you are under 18 years old
if you are taking anticoagulants
you have a. blood clotting disorder
you have a viral infection
the tendon in pain has previously ruptured
Next steps - Booking your treatment
If shockwave therapy sounds right for you can book a shockwave initial appointment through the book online link below. Alternatively if you have any queries, you can enquire through the email link below.
Edinburgh Sports Club, 7 Belford Place, Edinburgh EH4 3DH
E: Julietcshaw@gmail.com T: 07549 933816