HOW DOES IT WORK?
Shockwave Therapy, evolved from the technology of Lithotripsy (used to disintegrate kidney stones). It involves a series of intense, but very short physical energy waves traveling faster than the speed of sound (non-electric). This energy wave causes break down of targeted dysfunctional tissue and increases blood flow. The body then responds by increasing local metabolism and production of new healthy tissue.
Certain musculo-skeletal and orthopaedic conditions have a hard time healing due to the development of unhealthy, disorganized tissue in the area of injury. Over time, this dysfunctional tissue limits the body’s ability to repair and heal itself. Research has shown Shockwave Therapy to be highly effective in treating musculo-skeletal and orthopedic conditions by stimulating the body’s own natural healing response.
INDICATIONS
Shockwave Therapy can treat a number of different ailments, particularly where there are major connective tissue attachments to bone:
● Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
● Rotator Cuff Injuries
● Calcified Tendonitis
● Trochanteric Bursitis
● Plantar Fasciitis
● Achilles Tendinopathy
● Muscular Trigger Points
● Stress Fractures/Shin Splints
This therapy works without the use of drugs, and stimulates the body’s natural self-healing processes.
THE ADVANTAGES OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Shockwave therapy is a recent development that is used successfully by healthcare providers that specialize in musculoskeletal disorders. Recent research has shown that shockwave can also break down calcium deposits in soft tissue.
As compared to other treatment methods, the advantages are:
● Quickly reduces pain
● No medication is needed
● Avoids surgery and anaesthesia
● No side effects
● Accelerates healing
● Effective for chronic conditions
FREQUENCY & DURATION
One session with shockwave therapy usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Typically, 3 treatments applied once weekly are necessary for results to be seen. For more chronic conditions, 5 to 6 sessions may be needed.
Shockwave treatments can be uncomfortable but is generally well tolerated.. Immediately following each session, you will most likely be pain-free, but you may experience a throbbing pain later (24-48 hour after session). Physical activities should be done with caution, as an inflammatory response will be induced. Moreover, it is recommended to not use anti-inflammatory medications during this time.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
● Cortisone injection within the last 6 weeks
● Hemophilia or any blood coagulation disorder
● Blood thinner medication ( eg. Heparin, Coumadin)
● Heart or circulatory problems (Thrombosis)
● Growing children (Growth Plates)
● Cancer
● Diabetes
● Pregnancy
Shockwaves are generally not applied to target areas located above air filled tissue (lungs), large nerves and blood vessels, the spinal column or the head.
