What is Shockwave?

Shockwave Therapy (or Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy - ESWT) is a non-surgical treatment, which works by delivering impulses of sound and air generated energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within an abnormal tissue such as tendons or fascia.

How does Shockwave work?

The radial shockwaves initiate an inflammation-like response in the injured/affected tissue that is being treated and prompts the body to respond naturally by increasing blood circulation, the number of blood vessels, and therefore metabolism in the injured tissue. This process facilitates a healthy repair of the treated tissue(s) Currently, when correctly applied ESWT displays remarkably high success rates in the treatment of several conditions.

What is Shockwave best used for?

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Epicondylitis (Tennis/Golfer Elbow)

• Shoulder/Rotator cuff tendon issues

• Trochanteric Bursitis (outside hip pain)

• Mechanical Lower Back Pain

• Patella Tendonitis

• Pes Anserine Tendinopathy (front/side knee pain)

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (often misdiagnosed as shin splints)

What does Shockwave treatment consist of?

A gel is applied to, and a probe is lightly pressed onto the affected area as the shockwaves are delivered through the skin. The impulses are spread inside the injured tissue as an aspherical ‘radial’ wave. The shockwaves are felt as pulses which may be an uncomfortable experience. However, the level of pulse/discomfort can be altered manually to the patient’s tolerance level. Each treatment session can take between 15 – 20 minutes.

What should I expect following treatment?

Many patients experience some soreness following the treatment as the technique is an inflammatory process. Some patients feel an improvement in symptoms almost immediately following the first session, while others take several weeks to respond. You may notice reddening or swelling of the area with some patients experiencing a brief increase in pain. It may take a few weeks to see an overall benefit.