Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is a treatment modality for a variety of lower and upper limb conditions. These include:

• Tennis elbow;
• Golfer’s elbow;
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome;
• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy;
• Patella tendinopathy;
• Insertional Achilles tendinopathy;
• Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy;
• Plantar fasciitis.

Shockwave therapy uses a specialist device to deliver acoustic energy through the skin to the injured part of the body. The shockwaves low-energy sound waves, increase the blood flow to the injured area.

Shockwave therapy will help with persistent tendon pain. First the shockwaves work to desensitise nerve endings which will often give an immediate reduction in pain. The shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma, This will activate and accelerate the body’s own healing response. The shockwaves can also ‘breakdown’ disorganised tissue and calcifications.

Is there clinical evidence supporting the use of Shockwave Therapy?

There is a significant body of evidence supporting the use of Shockwave Therapy in many common conditions.

The use of shockwave therapy for tendon issues is well supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care in both NHS and private practice. It provides evidence based recommendations to guide best practice within healthcare. NICE have produced guidelines for the use of shockwave in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, plantarfascitis and calcific tendinopathy.

Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It has been stated that shockwave therapy has a 70% success rate for tendinopathies (Moya et al, 2018, Dedes et al 2018).

If you would like to discuss Shockwave Therapy before booking in please call 07455250006 or email info@romenendezphysio.com and I will contact you to discuss.