Shockwave Therapy (SWT)

What is Shock Wave Therapy?

Shockwave is the use of single acoustic pressure waves to treat musculoskeletal pathologies. Various mechanisms produced from the shock wave results in short-term and long-term effects and bring pain relief and healing to the musculoskeletal system. Multiple clinical studies with accordance to evidence-based medicine have been carried out and shown positive results. There is ongoing physiological changes that takes place after weeks and months even after the shockwave treatment has ceased.

What Specific Heel Pain Conditions does Shock Wave Treat?

Shockwave therapy is a treatment gaining some nice momentum given it’s results and ease of application. It has merit in treating multiple soft tissue injuries of the body but the conditions of the heel it is best utilised are:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles Tendon pain
• Medial and Plantar Foot Pain
• Flexor Foot Muscles
• Tight Calf Muscles

How does it work?

A shock wave is a type of propagating disturbance. It carries energy and can propagate through a medium e.g. solid, gas and liquid. Across the shock there is an extreme rise in temperature, pressure and density of the flow and the shock wave produces acoustic waves which travel through the soft tissue and bone.

Mechanism of Actions:

• Reduction in sensation of chronic pain.
• Blockade of neurogenic inflammation.
• Activation of mesenchymal stem cells (bone cells), thereby induction of healing.
• Release of growth factors.
• Improved blood circulation in the treated tissue.

What are the cause and effects?

Shock wave therapy is designed to activate C nerve fibers which are responsible for discomfort during and after treatment. With prolong activation, it reduces the release of C nerve fibers and thus, become incapable of producing substance P. This means less substance P is associated with a reduction in pain and neurogenic inflammation.

In a basic way it causes a decline in neurogenic inflammation which can lead to increased healing, growth factors and stem cells in the treated tissue.

The Shock Wave Process

• Pain therapy: Locate painful area, Mark, Apply Gel, Apply Shockwave.
• Duration: 5-10 minutes, varies dependent on number of locations of painful areas.
• Number of sessions:

–         Minimum 3 sessions to achieve results.

–         For greater results 5-6 sessions are recommended.

• Length between visits: 7-10 days.
• Immediate pain relief and can resume back to normal activities!

–        Pain response may vary depending on the severity of your symptoms.

FUN FACTS!

Here is a list of world’s sporting events using shockwave therapy to keep high performing athletes in shape:

If you are experiencing any chronic lower leg or foot conditions, book in and receive the latest advance technology to treat your condition in the shortest amount of time!