Shockwave Therapy uses a series of ultrasound shockwaves to promote healing in damaged tissues. The shockwaves lead the body to respond by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impact area. This has the effect of accelerating the body’s own healing processes. The shockwaves can also break down calcifications within tendons and damaged tissue.
Shockwave Therapy can be used to treat chronic inflammation in tendons throughout the body.
Up to 70% of tendon problems that have not improved with other treatments are significantly improved by shock wave therapy. Treatment effects are usually seen within a couple of weeks, but it can take several months for the maximum treatment effect is seen.
No anaesthetic is needed. The treatment itself can be a little uncomfortable during the procedure, but not to the extent that medication is required.
It is common to experience some dull, achy pain in the treated area over the next few days after treatment. This is a sign that the treatment is producing a healing response in the tissues.
It is common to experience some dull, achy pain in the treated area over the next few days after treatment. This is a sign that the treatment is producing a healing response in the tissues.
Do NOT ice the area, or take anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac. These impair your body’s healing processes and will decrease the effectiveness of shock wave therapy.
Our Sports Physicians will advise you about whether Shock Wave therapy is suitable for you.