Radial Shockwave Therapy (R-SWT) is an innovative, cost-effective, evidence-based treatment for tendon pain (often known as tendonitis or tendinopathy) and other conditions throughout the body. We are also able offer Focussed Shockwave Therapy a much more powerful form of Shockwave which can be used to treat a number of different injuries and pain.
The main benefits of shockwave are pain relief and restoration of function. Shockwave therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for a range of common tendon complaints including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow.
Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment with convincing evidence for its effectiveness from a large body of research and clinical trials. There are now multiple, randomised, double-blinded clinical trials that support the use of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
Here Are The Injuries Most Likely To Benefit From Shockwave Therapy Treatment At Prime Performance Physiotherapy:
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment modality for a variety of lower and upper limb conditions. These include:
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Calcific tendinopathy
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Tennis elbow (common extensor tendinopathy)
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Golfer’s elbow (common flexor tendinopathy)
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Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (also referred to as gluteus medius tendinopathy and/or trochanteric bursitis)
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Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (also referred to as high hamstring tendinopathy, or hamstring origin tendinopathy)
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Patella tendinopathy
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Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
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Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
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Plantar fasciitis
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Shin Splints
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
This is sometimes known as its ‘mechanism of action’. Shockwave Therapy uses a specialist device to deliver mechanical energy through the skin to the injured part of the body. The shockwaves are mechanical and not electric. They are audible, low-energy sound waves, which increase the blood flow to the injured area and excite the cells within the tissue to help accelerate healing.
Shockwave Therapy has two main modes of action which will help with persistent tendon pain. First the shockwaves work to desensitise nerve endings which will often give an immediate reduction in pain. Secondly, and often most importantly, the shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma (microscopic damage) to the tissues which encourages the body to respond by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area. This will activate and accelerate the body’s own healing response. The shockwaves can also ‘breakdown’ 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. For more information about your specific condition please use the links above.
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, plantar fasciitis and calcific tendinopathy.
In summary, 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 01949 485084 or email info@primeperformancephysio.co.uk and a member of our team will contact you to discuss.