What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a physiotherapy modality that is non-invasive, safe and effective. It is a great adjunct to our other physiotherapy treatments and helps reduce tendon pain. Sometimes this pain reduction is immediate. This allows patients to perform their tendon exercises and strength work with less pain. The shockwave machine distributes a rapid mechanical percussion onto the skin above the affected tendon and research
What Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave therapy treats all tendon problems including Achilles tendon, patella tendon, elbow tendon, rotator cuff tendon and plantar fasciitis. Shockwave can help even when these conditions have been chronic. Research into Shockwave Therapy has suggested that the mechanism by which shockwave works is by the formation of new blood vessels, stimulation of collagen production and dispersion of inflammatory substances within soft tissues. Please ask us for references if you would like to read the relevant research.
Shockwave Therapy Aftercare
Can you Exercise After Shockwave Therapy?
Yes – we suggest generally that people wait 24 hours to perform intense exercise. Light exercise can be performed on the same day as your shockwave treatment.
FAQ
How Effective is Shockwave Therapy
Research into shockwave therapy shows this modality, when combined with specific targeted exercise, is effective at reducing tendon pain. Not only is the reduction of symptoms important for patients to feel better as soon as possible, it allows the patient to get into their rehabilitation program quicker. Strengthening muscles that work with the affected tendon makes a huge difference to an enduring return to function. For example, strengthening the calf muscle in patient with achilles tendon pain.
How many Sessions Do I Need
Generally we find most patients describe a marked improvement in their symptoms after one treatment. However, because symptoms start to return in the first week after your first treatment, we suggest another treatment in a week. Generally, we find that most patients need 4-6 sessions of shockwave therapy over 4-6 weeks. If you don’t need to see your physiotherapist but still need just a shockwave treatment, we have a cost-effective charge of only $20 per shockwave treatment. If you are seeing your physiotherapist for a standard consultation and they use the shockwave during your session, then the cost of the shockwave treatment is rolled into your standard consultation cost.
Is This Treatment Painful?
Not really. Some patients describe a mild discomfort when the machine is working. Your physiotherapist will check with you during the treatment to ensure you are OK. Most shockwave treatments last 3-4 minutes so any discomfort doesn’t last long.
Shockwave Therapy Newtown
Get In Touch
If you have a sore tendon, please get in touch. With our evidence based assessment and treatment techniques, we are sure we can make a huge difference in improving how your tendon feels. We will be able to look at how you are loading your tendon, how much you are loading your tendon and whether you are strong enough to perform the tasks/sports you enjoy. Once we have identified the cause of your tendon pain, we will design a treatment program for you. Call us or book online now.