Shock Wave Therapy

WHAT IS SHOCK WAVE THERAPY?

Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a safe, non-invasive procedure.

ESWT uses high pressured acoustic shockwaves that travel through the skin to break down targeted tissue and stimulate tissue repair.

This form of treatment was initially developed to treat kidney stones but is now widely used around the world for treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions.

There are numerous published scientific studies, which we can happily provide, the majority of which demonstrate positive outcomes.

Most importantly this is a safe treatment option.

HOW DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WORK?

Essentially it kick starts the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This is believed to occur due to increased blood flow and the metabolic activity around the site of discomfort to accelerate the healing process.

• Short term release substance P, resulting in less sensitivity to pain
• Increasing circulation
• Breaking down calcification deposits
• Stimulating fibroblast (soft tissue cells) production – healing ligaments, tendons, muscles…
• Stimulating osteoblast (bone cells) production – healing bone
• Stimulating the “gate-control” mechanism for pain relief
• Inhibiting Cox II Enzyme, producing an anti-inflammatory effect

WHERE IS SHOCK WAVE THERAPY USED?

Shockwave therapy is frequently effective where previous conservative management has failed to resolve notoriously stubborn chronic problems. Research proven treatment approach effective in fixing many chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles tendinopathy – mid and insertion
• Calcification of the shoulder rotator cuff
• Patella tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfers elbow( medial epicondylitis)
• Hamstring tendinopathy
• Shin splints
• Trigger points
• Hip lateral aspect – Gluteus medius and Minimus
• Piriformis syndrome
• Knee arthritis

WHAT DOES A SHOCKWAVE THERAPY SESSION INVOLVE?

After a simple examination to localise the region of discomfort, shockwaves are applied via a handpiece or applicator held against the skin.

A contact gel is applied to the area, then a hand held probe is applied to the skin. The probe delivers the acoustic waves in a controlled and focused manner for typically 2-10 minutes per injured area.

Initial phase of treatment can be uncomfortable or sometimes painful. This however indicates correct targeting of the area of concern. This is usually followed by numbness or heaviness in the area and the latter phase of the treatment feels less painful.

Most patients experience a small pain reduction and a greater range of movement immediately after the procedure. This improves over 24-48 hours.

Many patients get pain relief over the next 7-10 days. The number of treatments required depends on the area of injury, degree of injury and individual response to treatment.

HOW MANY TREATMENT SESSIONS DOES A PERSON REQUIRE?

This varies but usually patients require 3-4 treatment episodes, performed a week apart.

AFTER THE TREATMENT:

You may feel some soreness which may intensify on the night of treatment. Simple analgesia and icing may be required to control this pain. There may also be some minor bruising in the treatment area.

You should rest from aggravating activities for 2-3 days after treatment as your doctor will discuss.

Usually this treatment is performed in collaboration with your associated allied heath practitioner

(e.g. physiotherapist, podiatrist, osteopath).

SIDE EFFECTS:

• Treatment and post-treatment discomfort
• Local bruising – uncommon and minor.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Please inform your doctor if you have a one of the following contra-indications as this form of treatment may not be appropriate for you –

• Patients with blood clotting disorders / on anticoagulants Skin wound or acute Local Infection
• Local Cortisone Injection (6 weeks)
• Tumour in treatment area.
• Cardiac Pacemaker
• Pregnancy
• Children (pre-puberty)
• Pregnancy

WHAT SHOCK WAVE THERAPY MACHINE IS USED AT INDEPENDENT SPORTS IMAGING?

We are proud to use the DOLORCLAST RADIAL SHOCKWAVE MACHINE.

DolorClast was the inventor of radial shockwave therapy and since inventing the technology have continually strived to improve the quality of their machines.

The majority of research quoted and carried out on radial shockwave therapy has been conducted using DolorClast machines

COST:

There is a cost per treatment session that is non-rebateable plus there is an attendance/consultation fee from the doctor, which attracts a Medicare rebate. This will discussed prior to the treatment being performed.

RESULTS:

The human body is complex and different people respond differently to therapy.

We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of treatment.

We can only keep up-to-date with the latest quality scientific research and make this available and discuss this with you to you to make your decision.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask

Contact Our Clinic

For further information on any of our services feel free to contact Independent Sports Imaging on 03 9561 5155 or email us at info@sportsradiology.com.au

To download a Patient Information Brochure please click on the link below.:
Patient Fact Sheet on Shock Wave Therapy

For a comprehensive Review Article on Shock wave Therapy please click on the link below:

Therapeutic Uses of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy