WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) has been used medically since the 1980’s and was first discovered as a way to break up kidney stones. Further applications have demonstrated SWT as an effective treatment for chronic muscle and tendon injuries.
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is indicated for:
Lateral epicondylitis
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff injuries
Sprains and strains
Proximal hamstring tendonitis
Patellar tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy
Dupuytren’s contracture
Shockwave Therapy Benefits
During SWT a mechanical vibration or “shock” is repeatedly delivered to the injured area. This is helpful in chronic injuries, over six months in duration, as it increases circulation and allows for remodelling of soft tissue. SWT breaks up calcium and scar tissue deposits, stimulates new blood vessel formation and metabolism to speed up healing, activates the body’s innate healing response that has been shut off during a chronic injury and diminishes pain.
Individual SWT treatments last 15-20 minutes with no residual downtime. Patients can return to daily activities that day. Most injuries respond best to a total of 4-6 sessions, with a marked reduction in pain after 3 sessions.
If you are interested if Shockwave Therapy can be of benefit to you, please reach out to one of our Care Coordinators.
