Shockwave Therapy is the use of mechanical shockwaves applied through the affected tissues to encourage a healing response and reduce musculoskeletal pain.
Mechanical shockwaves are physical movements caused by high pressure events and the associated release of energy. For example, on a very large scale, the waves that you might feel through the ground following an earthquake or explosion are mechanical shock waves. When you have Shockwave Therapy we are creating a similar pattern of mechanical shockwaves originating from the applicator and spreading out through the tissues that are causing you pain.
So how does Shockwave Therapy work?
When your Podiatrist applies Shockwave Therapy to injured tissue, the injured area is affected in three ways:
- The way that nerve fibres are stimulated is changed leading to a reduction in pain from nerve impulses.
- Increase of blood circulation in surrounding tissue.
- The activation of stem cells in the affected stimulates an inflammatory healing response.
There is clinical evidence that mechanical waves applied through injured tissues stimulates these metabolic reactions, and promote the initial phases of healing and reduction in pain.
Conditions that would benefit from Shockwave Therapy include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tendon or ligament problems
Advantages of Shockwave therapy:
- Non invasive.
- Quick and effective treatment.
- Targeted therapy.
- Well researched and tested.
- Pain relief.
And a few disadvantages:
- Can be uncomfortable on application, sometimes described as similar to toothache.
- Flare ups can occur within the first 48 hrs post treatment, these are part of the initial inflammatory response as healing is stimulated, but can be uncomfortable.
- Cannot be used in pregnancy or if you have a clotting disorder or if you are taking anticoagulant / blood thinning medication.
Shockwave Therapy is offered as a package of three treatments one week apart. If needed we would then like to invite you to make a review appointment to assess your progress and decide with you whether further or different forms of treatment might be beneficial.
Shockwave Therapy is a specialism provided by Podiatrists Mark Brooksbank and Geoff Hyne.