Shockwave Therapy: Benefits, How It Works, and Conditions Treated

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that utilises high-energy acoustic waves, known as shockwaves, to address various musculoskeletal conditions. These shockwaves deliver mechanical energy into the body’s tissues, stimulating natural healing processes, reducing pain, and improving function. Its growing popularity stems from its effectiveness in managing chronic pain, particularly in conditions affecting tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy delivers targeted pressure waves into the affected tissues. These waves stimulate cellular activity, enhance blood circulation, and promote tissue repair. The therapy initiates the body’s healing response by:

  • Increasing blood flow to the area, delivering oxygen and nutrients essential for recovery.
  • Breaking down scar tissue to restore healthy tissue integrity.
  • Reducing inflammation, which alleviates pain and fosters healing.

This multifaceted approach makes shockwave therapy a powerful tool for musculoskeletal recovery.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

  1. Pain Relief
    Shockwave therapy blocks pain signals through the “pain gate” theory, offering immediate relief for chronic pain conditions.
  2. Accelerated Healing
    It enhances cellular repair and transitions tendons from a degenerative state back to a reactive state, expediting recovery.
  3. Non-Invasive with Minimal Downtime
    Unlike surgery, shockwave therapy requires no incisions or extended recovery periods. Patients can resume daily activities almost immediately.
  4. Tissue Regeneration
    The therapy encourages the regeneration of healthy tissue by stimulating mechanoreceptors and breaking down scar tissue, essential for restoring function.
  5. Improved Mobility and Function
    As tissues heal, patients typically experience reduced pain and enhanced mobility, allowing them to return to daily activities, sports, and work with ease.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is highly effective for managing a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:

  • Achilles Tendinopathy: Overuse-related pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon, common in runners.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia.
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Outer elbow pain from repetitive arm movements.
  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Inner elbow pain due to repetitive wrist flexion.
  • Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): Outer hip pain linked to tendinopathy or bursitis.
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Shoulder pain from inflamed or damaged tendons.
  • Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy: Pain along the inner foot and ankle, often seen in runners.
  • Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints): Shin pain due to repetitive stress on the tibia.
  • Myofascial Pain with Trigger Points: Relief from muscle pain caused by tight, painful knots.
  • Muscle Sprains: Accelerated healing of overstretched or torn muscle fibres.

Shockwave Therapy for Degenerative Tendons

Tendons have limited blood supply, making them vulnerable to chronic degeneration. Without proper intervention, tendinopathy can progress to a degenerative state, becoming harder to treat.

Shockwave therapy stimulates tendon mechanoreceptors, promoting controlled inflammation and initiating cellular repair. By activating neuropeptides like Substance P and CGRP, shockwave therapy jump-starts the healing process, breaking down scar tissue and restoring tendon function.

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy

The Procedure
A specialised device delivers shockwaves through a narrow rod applied to the treatment area. Patients may feel a pulsating sensation, which is adjustable for comfort.

Post-Treatment Sensations
Mild redness, bruising, or soreness may occur temporarily but typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Many patients notice improvements in pain and function shortly after treatment.

Recovery Timeline
Full recovery may take 10–12 weeks as tissues continue to heal and strengthen. By the end of the treatment regimen, most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility.

Combining Shockwave Therapy with Exercise

For optimal results, shockwave therapy is often paired with a progressive loading exercise program tailored to the patient. This approach strengthens the affected tissues, restores normal function, and reduces the likelihood of re-injury.

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive solution for chronic musculoskeletal pain and limited mobility. By promoting healing, reducing pain, and enhancing function, it offers hope for patients struggling with conditions like tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis. If you're seeking a treatment that delivers lasting results without downtime, shockwave therapy could be the answer.

For More Information

For more details about shockwave therapy, contact Neurohealth Wellness at neurohealth@icloud.com or call us at (02) 9905 9099. You can also book an appointment online.

References

  1. Schmitz, C., & Maffulli, N. (2017). Current concepts of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in orthopaedics. British Medical Bulletin, 123(1), 209–230.
  2. Ogden, J. A., et al. (2021). High-energy shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone & Joint Research, 10(7), 398–409.
  3. Speed, C. (2014). Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in the management of chronic soft-tissue conditions. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 96(2), 119–124.
  4. Gerdesmeyer, L., et al. (2020). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: A multicentre, randomised trial. BMJ Open, 10(8), e034226.
  5. Rompe, J. D., et al. (2015). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(5), 1241–1248.

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