Shockwave Therapy A New Tool In Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions

Shockwave Therapy At Sydney Physio Clinic

At Sydney Physio Clinic we are pleased to be able offer our patients access to radial shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy (also referred to as ESWT) is a relatively new tool used in the fight against many chronic musculoskeletal conditions. An effective tool in the conservative treatment of soft tissue pain. Utilized where previous conservative measures have failed to resolve what can be notoriously stubborn complaints. Including; achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis… Shockwave Therapy performed at Sydney Physio Clinic provides a treatment option to patients suffering chronic conditions. Effective treatment without any need for injections, medication, or surgery… The type of shockwave used at our practice is Radial Shockwave Therapy. A treatment approach ultimately adapted from the therapeutic use of shockwaves to treat kidney stones. The basic principle behind shockwave therapy in physiotherapy is the use of high pressured acoustic shock waves. Shock waves that travel through the skin to stimulate targeted tissue repair. Essentially, kick starting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions Shockwave Therapy Treats

Shockwave therapy has undergone extensive clinical research trials. With numerous research results supporting shockwave therapy use in the treatment of several chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Including;

• Plantar Fasciitis/Heel spurs (calcaneal spur)
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
• Patella tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfers elbow
• Gluteal tendinopathy
• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
• Other forms of insertional tendinopathy
• Muscle strains
• Haematomas (deep bruises in the muscle)
• Shin splints
• Osteitis pubis
• Recalcitrant trigger points
• Osteoarthritis
• Osgood Schlatter Disease

A Growing Body Of Supportive Research

Shockwave therapy has yielded some impressive results in hard to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Conditions that have failed to respond to other conventional treatment approaches. Shockwave therapy is a relatively new tool physiotherapists have at their disposal. The use of shockwave therapy is not limited to these above listed conditions. As the body of research and understanding grows, applications for its use grows with it. It is common to hear of practitioners achieving great results using ESWT on other musculoskeletal complaints, including; low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis of the knee…

How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Are Required With Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions?

This is always open to individual variations. Due to severity, chronicity and individual circumstances, however a few standard guidelines for ESWT and what to expect regarding potential results.

• For optimum results shockwave therapy usually requires three to six sessions per area treated.
• Treatment sessions are frequently conducted close together. Ideally, sessions are spaced at one to two week intervals.
• Per area, a session takes a maximum of 5-10 minutes to complete. Following application ESWT kick start the self-healing process.
• As a treatment experience, shockwave therapy is uncomfortable. Any discomfort subsides quickly on cessation of treatment. Individuals may experience a period of analgesia following treatment.
• Patients may experience lasting relief from shockwave therapy. This can occur in as little as 10 days following the initial session. Yet, in some cases it may be weeks for any pain relief to occur.
• Shockwave therapy helps reduce pain and increase mobility. As well as helping restore function whilst improving quality of life.

What Should I Expect During A Shockwave Therapy Session?

All Sydney Physio Clinic patients need be assessed by their physiotherapist. This occurs during the initial consultation. The purpose is to assess if shockwave therapy is an appropriate treatment option. ESWT may be administered in isolation, or in conjunction with other physio treatment. The exact approach used is so to best assist the recovery of your complaint.

With the application of shockwave therapy to any area, palpation will be used to locate the desired treatment location. This is either by anatomical location, or tenderness on palpation. Depending on the area, the overlying skin may need to be marked with a pen so to ensure accurate application. To optimize contact between skin and the applicator, a silicon based gel will be applied. Then the hand held probe delivering the shockwaves is applied in a controlled and focused manner. Individually specific, but sessions are about 5-10 minutes per injured area at a maximum.

• Some patients described the process as sounding and feeling like a “small jackhammer” tapping the treatment area. A stimulation producing discomfort. Depending on the area treated the level of pain experienced at the time of treatment varies. As a rule, discomfort felt persists temporarily, or resolves immediately. At a maximum lingering before resolving completely within 24 hours.

Between any treatment sessions, patients are able to perform all normal daily activities as usual. Generally, very few complications have been reported with shockwave therapy treatment. The primary complaint, being related to that not all patients are cured of their symptoms. This more so than patients suffering any side effects, treatment complications.

Shockwave Therapy May Be Right For Your Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions

If you suffer a longstanding ache, or pain. Have a reoccurring, or unresolved problem. Failed to respond to previous conservative treatment. Shockwave therapy may be the right treatment choice for you. So, if you think shockwave therapy could be beneficial, call Sydney Physio Clinic. A centrally located CBD physio practice, we can discuss suitability with and help book a time to come in for assessment and your initial treatment.

Disclaimer: This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance on Shockwave Therapy A New Tool In Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions should consult his or her general practitioner, physiotherapist, orthopaedic surgeon or otherwise appropriately skilled practitioner.