So not long ago the Mediphysio team attended a study on the appropriateness of theory and clinical application in: Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathy Management. However, We had a great day testing the equipment on our own and being updated with the latest research on its clinical performance. We also love any day where we can put the team together and laugh. So I was thinking to do a quick blog on shockwave because most of you out there probably don’t know what it is? Shockwave Therapy, Alternative and Radial Pressure Wave therapy (RPW) is a new non-invasive treatment intervention. We as a physio use it to treat musculoskeletal conditions and usually by tendon regeneration.
Do You Want To Know What Is Difference Between Shockwave Therapy and Physiotherapy?
Most Importantly, When we are dealing with excessive tendon injury, it is often accompanied by injury in the form of small tears. Further, These changes cause swelling, red tissue, stickiness or staining. This can limit patients’ physical activity, daily functioning and can eventually grow into pain. Such conditions are usually resistant to natural therapies.
When physios use shockwave therapy, energy is brought into the muscle, causing subtle injuries and severe / controlled muscle damage. Now do not be afraid, these very small ones do not cause harm. Most Importantly, These small changes stimulate new blood vessels and activate the body’s natural healing processes.
Shockwave therapy At Mediphysio mostly we use in adjunct, along with other physiotherapy methods. Some of them include manual therapy techniques and standard exercise / loading programs.
These are the Common conditions treated by physios with shockwave therapy:
Pathologies of the tendon
Achilles tendon and patellar tendon; Patellar tendon and tennis elbow; Shoulder/rotator cuff;
The frozen shoulder
Calcification
The condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrists
Chronic neck discomfort
A painful condition of the lower back
Myofascial hypertrophy (an abnormally high level of muscle tone or tension at rest or with activation)
Achy, painful hips
Shin splints
Inflammation of the plantar fascia
Spurs for the toes
How shockwave therapy works?
To clarify, An impact with the elastically suspended impact body occurs after the projectile is accelerated by compressed air pressure (transmitter). Direct contact with the patient’s skin over the area to be treated with coupling gel is made possible by placing this transmitter there. This longitudinal acoustic wave is the result of impact, and we can see it in the transmitter. According to this theory, the “radial shock wave’s” only therapeutic component is the ultrasonic pressure wave. You can “reboot” a healing cascade with Shockwave.
How Physiological effects of shockwave therapy?
During, Stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation are all influenced by shock waves in a matter of hours or days, resulting in tissue healing and regeneration.
On the other hand, Mechanics can have a profound effect on tenocytes. Using shock waves in the treatment of tendinopathy promotes tenocyte proliferation and tendon tissue remodeling.
Additionally, I would like inform you that shockwaves can impact nervous system and neurophysiological processes. Hypertonia (a high level of muscle tension) we can reduce it in spastic muscles with their help. As a result, following treatment, patients we advice patients to refrain from physical activity for at least 48 hours to prevent a delayed response to pain.
A Cortisone injection, for example, is quite different from shockwave therapy. This is accomplished by triggering inflammation rather than suppressing it. both have the ability to alleviate symptoms, but shock wave therapy is considered to be more long-lasting.
Treatment Principles
Number Of Sessions:
Typically, 3-6 sessions are required for treatment.
Immediate pain relief and functional improvement are common outcomes of the first treatment session.
You will feel 85% symptomatic resolution after 3 sessions.
Post-treatment improvement is visible for up to three months.
Periodicity
We recommend intervals 5 to 10 days between therapy session for treatment of tendons.
On a daily basis, we are able to treat muscles, trigger points, myofascial pain, and other similar conditions.
Benefits of shockwave therapy:
A different treatment option to prescription drugs
The procedure is non-invasive and has no known side effects.
Ability to treat a wide range of surfaces
We can see the results with one to five sessions.
Vibrating applicator for massage of the muscles
Shockwave Therapy Treatment At Langley Fraser Physiotherapy
However, We are one of the best providers of shockwave therapy to treat common musculo-skeletal conditions. We will clinically examine your condition and determine if shockwave treatment is the right intervention for you. Meanwhile, If appropriate, the course of shockwave treatment is usually three times, each one separately per week in accordance with the advice about exercise management and rehab.
Firstly, We apply contact gel to the painful area. Secondly, We deliver shockwaves to the injured area via skin. Similarly, In order to respond to this controlled trauma, your body will increase blood flow, activate stem cells, and produce enzymes in the injured tissue, all of which aid in the healing process and reduce pain.
Certainly, At Langley Fraser Physiotherapy, we have the best EMS Swiss Dolor clast Master shockwave machine. It is a top level specification machine that much of the scientific evidence supporting shockwave therapy is based on. Likewise, With the help of shockwave therapy we can treat wide range of conditions.
To sum up, In many cases, patients report immediate relief from their symptoms, including decreased pain and improved range of motion in the treated area. Before and after treatment, rest the injured area for 24 hours, and then continue with your prescribed rehabilitation exercises.