Shockwave Therapy is a fairly new modern and highly effective treatment in rehabilitation medicine in particular with the use on tendinopathies.  The term “shockwave” refers to mechanical pressure pulses that expand as a wave in the body.  In modern pain therapy, shockwave energy is conducted from the point of origin to the painful body regions, where it applies its healing capacities.

A simple analogy of how this technique is working is to think of a Jacuzzi: as the bubbles are generated outside the body, the energy of the jets is focused on a certain area and the effect can be felt below the surface of your skin, The stronger the jet, the deeper the effect.

NICE GUIDELINES

The official clinical guidance for treatment is issued by NICE (National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence), in the UK. They have recognised the following conditions to benefit from Shockwave Therapy. Therefore, it is from their research we have the supporting evidence to suggest having treatment for the following conditions:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Shoulder Pain— Frozen Shoulder/Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy/Calcific Tendinopathy
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Hip Pain—Trochanteric Bursitis/ Arthritis
• Hamstring Pain—Tendinopathy
• Tennis Elbow /Golfers Elbow ( Lateral & Medial Epicondylitis)

Am I Suitable Candidate?

Shockwave Therapy is suitable for many conditions however there are some conditions known as “contra-indications” which means Shockwave is NOT an option. These conditions are:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are under 18 years old
• If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
• If you are taking oral anti-coagulants
• If you have received a Steroid Injection in the last 6 weeks
• If you have a Pacemaker fitted
• If tumours are present at the treatment site/cancer
• If you have a skin infection or skin abrasion at treatment site/bleeding wound
• Areas of plastic surgery

Sessions are recommended on a weekly basis over a 6-week period to achieve the full benefit of therapy. Treatments are booked 7 days apart to allow time for healing. An initial assessment will be carried out to confirm patient suitability, and a treatment plan will be devised.

Please pick up a leaflet in clinic or speak to the Chiropractor for further information.