What is shockwave therapy, and how does it differ from other treatments?
Shockwave therapy was initially developed for treating kidney stones, leveraging its vibratory power to affect tissues effectively. Over the last 15 years, its therapeutic use has grown exponentially. Research supports its effectiveness in healing various common sports injuries, including elbow and rotator cuff tendon pain, acute conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, muscle strains, and stress fractures, as well as more chronic conditions like Osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and calcific tendinopathy.
Nearly all evidence suggests that combining 3-6 shockwave treatments over a fortnightly period with progressive exercise is more effective than exercise alone (see our shockwave blog).
Therefore, we allocate longer appointment times than most other clinics to assess, treat, and advance your home plan, ensuring that you follow the best evidence-based practices.
What to expect at your assessment
Shockwave therapy is currently only available at our City Road Clinic. Upon entering the clinic, you’ll be greeted by your physiotherapist in our state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym and taken to the assessment room.
We recommend wearing clothing that allows our physiotherapist to assess your condition easily, as shockwave therapy must be applied directly to the skin. (e.g., shorts if your appointment is for your lower body).
We will then take this moment to discuss how the injury occurred, the nature and location of your pain, and how it affects your daily life and sporting activities. We will also review your medical history to ensure that shockwave therapy is suitable for you.
Objective assessment
Following the discussion of your history, we will conduct an examination of the injury, guided by your account, to confirm the condition and the treatment area. We will review any contraindications and obtain your consent for the therapy.
Treatment
At this stage, you and your physiotherapist will find a comfortable position for the shockwave applicator to be used. The area of skin being treated will be modestly exposed, using towels if necessary. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the area as a coupling medium to ensure that the soundwave energy reaches the targeted tissue without dissipating into the air. Your physiotherapist will explain the settings being used and initially apply the applicator head to a non-painful area so you can get a sense of the sensation. The applicator will then be moved over the affected tissue, which may cause some soreness. If the discomfort exceeds a 4/10 on a pain scale, please inform your physiotherapist. The applicator head may be moved around the painful area or focused on a specific point for a sustained period.
Agreed plan and home exercises
After the treatment, your physiotherapist will review relevant exercises with you and discuss when to perform them between sessions. These exercises can be printed out or sent to you via an app link through email.
Payment and re-booking
Finally, your Sports Physiotherapist will process your payment and book a follow-up session if necessary. You can then change back into your clothes, if needed, and continue with your day.
We look forward to seeing you and helping you progress from pain to peak performance!
