Shockwave Therapy For Chronic Tendon Pain
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What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment (ESWT)?
It is a non-invasive evidenced-based treatment method which uses a series of high energy acoustic wave to treat chronic tendon conditions. The energy promotes the regenerative and reparative processes of the soft tissue. It is never used in isolation and you will always be given a strengthening programme to work on alongside the shockwave.
Does it work?
Increasing evidence indicates that shockwave therapy is effective for treating several musculoskeletal disorders. It is indicated to treat chronic tendon injuries in which conventional conservative treatment is considered unsatisfactory after a prolonged and comprehensive management. In some cases, your physiotherapist may suggest using it earlier in the treatment programme.
The most common complaints that can be treated with shockwave are plantar fasciitis (heel pain), gluteal tendinopathy (lateral hip pain), calcified shoulder tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendon pain (jumper’s knee), and lateral elbow pain (tennis elbow).
Does it hurt?
There may be a slight feeling of discomfort during the treatment, depending on the level of pain the patient is already experiencing in the area. However, since the treatment lasts only about five minutes, most patients tolerate this discomfort without any issues. Additionally, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted throughout the session.
If you are you have ongoing tendon pain, contact one of our physiotherapists. Shockwave is available in both Ashbourne and Sutton Physiotherapy Clinics but as we move the machine between the clinics, appointments for shockwave must be booked in advance.
Author: Ahmad Salma MISCP
