Shockwave Therapy: Next-Generation Treatment at Elevate Physio Balwyn

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), employs high-energy acoustic waves to target specific areas of the body experiencing pain, inflammation, or reduced mobility. Initially used for non-invasive treatment of the kidneys, his technology has found a remarkable application in the field of physiotherapy and tendon health.

The Science Behind Effective Pain Management

The treatment involves delivering focused shockwaves to the affected area. These shockwaves create micro trauma within the tissues, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. This leads to increased blood flow, tissue regeneration, and the breakdown of calcifications or scar tissue that may be hindering the healing process.

Principles of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to target specific areas of the body affected by musculoskeletal issues. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it operates:

• Shockwave Generation: Specialized devices generate shockwaves, which are intense, short-duration sound waves.
• Focused Delivery: These shockwaves are directed precisely to the affected area using imaging techniques like ultrasound, ensuring accurate targeting.
• Tissue Interaction: Upon reaching the target area, shockwaves interact with tissues, creating micro trauma. This prompts the body’s natural healing response.
• Healing Stimulation: The micro trauma caused by shockwaves stimulates blood flow, tissue regeneration, and the breakdown of scar tissue or calcifications.
• Pain Reduction: Shockwave therapy also helps alleviate pain by disrupting pain signals and triggering the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.

By harnessing the principles of shockwave mechanics and tissue interaction, shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive and effective solution for various musculoskeletal conditions, promoting healing and pain relief.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy at Elevate Physio Balwyn

Targeting Chronic Pain and Tendonitis

Shockwave therapy has demonstrated significant outcomes in pain reduction across various conditions. Here are some proven outcomes:

1. Chronic Pain Management: Research has shown that shockwave therapy effectively reduces chronic pain associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and Achilles tendinopathy. Patients report reduced pain levels and improved functional outcomes after treatment.

2. Tendonitis Relief: Studies have indicated that shockwave therapy provides relief from tendonitis-related pain by promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation. This non-invasive treatment option has been particularly beneficial for conditions like rotator cuff tendinopathy and patellar tendonitis.

3. Long-Term Relief: Long-term follow-up studies have demonstrated sustained pain relief and functional improvement following shockwave therapy. Patients experience lasting benefits, with reduced reliance on pain medication and improved quality of life.

4. Sports Injuries: Athletes suffering from sports-related injuries, such as muscle strains and stress fractures, have experienced significant pain reduction and accelerated recovery with shockwave therapy. This enables them to return to their activities sooner with reduced risk of re-injury.

5. High Success Rates: Clinical trials and observational studies have reported high success rates in pain reduction with shockwave therapy. Patients often experience a noticeable improvement in pain symptoms after a series of treatment sessions, with minimal side effects.

6. Patient Satisfaction: Patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction surveys consistently show positive feedback regarding the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in reducing pain and improving overall function. Many patients express a high level of satisfaction with the results achieved.

Overall, the evidence supports the efficacy of shockwave therapy in reducing pain across a range of musculoskeletal conditions, making it a valuable treatment option for individuals seeking non-surgical pain relief and improved quality of life.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of shockwave therapy can vary depending on various factors such as the specific condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and individual patient factors.

Your Shockwave Therapy Journey at Elevate Physio Balwyn

Preparing for a Shockwave Therapy Session

Preparing for a shockwave therapy session typically involves a few simple steps:

1. Consultation: First, you’ll have a consultation with your Physio or podiatrist to discuss your medical history, the specific condition being treated, and whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you.

2. Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. For example, if you’re receiving shockwave therapy for a shoulder problem, wearing a loose-fitting shirt may be helpful.

3. Medications: Inform your physiotherapist about any medications you’re taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. They may advise you on whether to continue or adjust your medications before the session.

4. Hydration: Staying hydrated is important, so drink plenty of water before your session.

5. Avoiding Certain Activities: Depending on the condition being treated, your physiotherapist may recommend avoiding certain activities or exercises that could exacerbate your symptoms before the session.

6. Shaving: If the treatment area has excessive hair, it is recommend to shave the area before the session to ensure proper contact between the shockwave device and your skin.

7. Questions: If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your Physiotherapist during your consultation or before the session begins.

What Patients Can Expect

Patients undergoing shockwave therapy can expect the following:

1. Evaluation and Consultation: Before starting shockwave therapy, patients typically undergo a thorough evaluation by the Physiotherapist. This may include a physical examination, review of medical history, and possibly imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the condition being treated.

2. Treatment Sessions: Shockwave therapy is usually administered in a series of sessions, typically spaced out over several weeks. The exact number of sessions can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to treatment.

3. Procedure: During the shockwave therapy session, a gel may be applied to the skin overlying the treatment area to facilitate the transmission of acoustic waves. The Physiotherapist then applies a handheld device to the skin, which delivers controlled pulses of acoustic waves to the targeted tissues.

4. Sensation: Patients may experience sensations such as tingling, mild discomfort, or a tapping sensation during the treatment. The intensity of these sensations can vary depending on factors such as the energy level of the shockwaves and the individual’s pain threshold.

5. Post-Treatment Care: After each session, patients are typically advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a short period. Some patients may experience temporary soreness or mild discomfort in the treated area following the session, but this usually resolves within a few days.

6. Results: The effects of shockwave therapy may not be immediately noticeable, and it may take several weeks to months to experience the full benefits of treatment. Some patients may require additional sessions or complementary treatments for optimal results.

7. Follow-Up: Patients will typically have follow-up appointments with their Physiotherapist to monitor progress, assess treatment response, and determine if further sessions are needed.

Safety of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is generally considered safe when performed by trained healthcare professionals.

Common side effects may include mild discomfort or soreness in the treated area, bruising, redness, or swelling. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few days.

Serious complications are rare but can include skin injury, nerve damage, or worsening of symptoms. These risks are minimized by proper patient selection, appropriate treatment parameters, and skilled administration by trained professionals.

Tailored Shockwave Therapy for Various Conditions

Addressing a Spectrum of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Shockwave therapy has been explored and used in the treatment of a spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders, with varying degrees of success and evidence supporting its efficacy. While research and clinical experience suggest that shockwave therapy can be beneficial for certain conditions, its effectiveness may vary depending on factors such as the specific disorder, patient characteristics, and treatment parameters. Here are some musculoskeletal disorders that shockwave therapy has been studied for:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• Shoulder Disorders such as calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
• Hip Disorders such as hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome
• Muscle Disorders: such as chronic myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points

Condition-Specific Treatment Protocols

The specific protocols for shockwave therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and individual patient factors. However, here are some general guidelines for shockwave therapy protocols for common musculoskeletal conditions:

Plantar Fasciitis/ Muscle Disorders (Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Trigger Points):

– Energy Level: Low to moderate
– Frequency: Typically 1 session per week for 3-5 weeks
– Total Sessions: 3-5 sessions
– Focus: Targeting the plantar fascia, surrounding tissues/ affected muscle and trigger points

Achilles Tendinopathy:

– Energy Level: Moderate
– Frequency: Typically 1 session per week for 3-6 weeks
– Total Sessions: 3-6 sessions
– Focus: Targeting the Achilles tendon and surrounding tissues

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee) and Hip Disorders (Hip Bursitis, Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome):

– Energy Level: Moderate to high
– Frequency: Typically 1 session per week for 3-4 weeks
– Total Sessions: 3-4 sessions
– Focus: Targeting the affected tendon insertion site

Shoulder Disorders (Calcific Tendinitis, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy):

– Energy Level: Moderate to high
– Frequency: Typically 1 session per week for 3-6 weeks
– Total Sessions: 3-6 sessions
– Focus: Targeting the calcific deposits or affected tendon insertion sites in the shoulder

Customized Treatment Strategies at Elevate Physio Balwyn

At Elevate we can customize and strategize your treatment with shockwave therapy, this involves a personalized approach that considers each patient’s individual needs and circumstances.

Starting with an assessment of the patient’s medical history and specific musculoskeletal condition allows for the development of condition-specific treatment protocols. These include Treatment parameters, including shockwave intensity and frequency, which can be adjusted based on the patient’s response to therapy.

Studies show that a combination of shockwave therapy with other modalities such as soft tissue massage, acupuncture, and exercise enhances the effectiveness of treatment. Throughout treatment, we are able to closely monitor the progression and allow for adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Follow-up appointments and maintenance sessions may be recommended to sustain the benefits of therapy over time. By tailoring treatment to each patient’s unique situation, customized shockwave therapy strategies aim to maximize effectiveness and promote long-term health for a variety of conditions.

Patient Resources at Elevate Physio Balwyn

Maximizing the Benefits of Your Therapy

Maximizing the benefits of Shockwave therapy involves several key steps aimed at optimizing treatment outcomes and promoting overall well-being. First, it’s essential to adhere to the treatment plan outlined by your Physiotherapist, attending all scheduled sessions and following any prescribed exercises or lifestyle modifications.

Consistency is key to achieving the desired results. Additionally, maintaining open communication with your Physiotherapist is crucial, as it allows for adjustments to the treatment plan based on your progress and any changes in your condition.
Along with treatment, incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and stress management can support the healing process and enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

Staying proactive about your health by addressing any concerns or questions with your physiotherapist and actively participating in your recovery journey will contribute to maximizing the benefits of shockwave therapy and achieving long-term benefits.

Tips for a Successful Treatment Outcome

By following these steps, you can maximize the benefits of shockwave therapy and improve your recovery

• Open Communication: Keep your provider updated on any changes or concerns during treatment.

• Combine Therapies: Consider combining shockwave therapy with other treatments (e.g. Massage therapy, Acupuncture, Clinical Exercise)

• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, hydration, rest, and activity levels.

• Follow Exercise Plans: Adhere to any prescribed exercises to support the effects of shockwave therapy.

• Realistic Expectations: Understand that results may take time and manage your expectations accordingly.

Study Reference:

Jones et al., 2020 – Efficacy of Shockwave Therapy in Tendon Injuries

Simplicio et al., (2020). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. Journal of clinical orthopedics and trauma, 11 S309–S318

Dedes et al., (2018). Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies. Materia socio-medica, 30(2), 131–146.