Shockwave therapy was first used to treat kidney stones. Clinicians used the powerful sound waves to break up the painful stones. Since then, doctors have used the therapy to treat patients with:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Runner’s knee
- Heel spur
- Hip pain from sporting injuries
The benefits
Speeds up recovery from musculoskeletal injury without surgery
Breaks down scar tissue - a non-elastic tissue that weakens surrounding tissues
Increases circulation around the injury, promoting cell regeneration
It is inexpensive
The process
1
We locate the area to treat with shockwave therapy using palpation. This allows us to target the area with high precision.
2
We apply a gel to the area that helps conduct acoustic waves for efficient delivery. You may have seen this before during prenatal scans - it’s the same principle.
3
We press the shockwave applicator against the treatment area.
4
We deliver the shockwave to the site of injury.
Suitability
Some patients are unsuitable for shockwave therapy. You may be unsuitable if you are:
- Under 18
- Pregnant
- Taking anticoagulants
We cannot use shockwave therapy over metal pins or plates