As a part of physiotherapy treatment, your therapist may choose to use any number of modalities in order to assist you with the healing process and through your rehab journey. At Stouffville Joint Venture Physiotherapy, we are pleased to be able to offer ShockWave therapy!
What is ShockWave therapy?
The ShockWave device utilizes pressure waves in order to aid in the treatment of a number of different musculoskeletal conditions.
The applicator head contains a metal projectile which is controlled by a compressor. When the machine is on, pressurized air is sent into the applicator head causing the projectile to move back and forth quickly. The projectile transmits energy to the applicator head to create a radial shockwave that is absorbed by the tissues that it is being applied to. A gel medium is utilized on the skin between your tissue and the applicator head.
Expect a deep dull ache or soreness over the tissue where the treatment is being applied. This is a normal response to the treatment.
Indications for ShockWave therapy?
There are a multitude of conditions that may be appropriately treated with ShockWave. These include but are not limited to:
– Jumper’s knee
– Tennis elbow
– Heel spur or plantar fasciitis
– Insertional pain
– Chronic tendinopathy
– Medial tibial stress syndrome
– Calcifications
During your sessions, an assessment by your physiotherapist is first performed to determine that you are appropriate for its use. As ShockWave is an adjunct to your treatment, your therapist will be sure to explain what other methods of treatment will be utilized along-side the ShockWave in order to see the most benefit. This may include manual work, exercise-based work and activity modification.
Benefits of ShockWave Therapy
ShockWave is a modality that has been proven to be effective in research studies performed in the field. It helps to boost collagen production to the area it is applied to. This is an important building block that is essential in the healing process. It can also assist in breaking up calcifications formed on tissues which are then re-absorbed by the body leading to pain reduction. For example, in the case of a calcific tendonitis. This method of treatment is also non-invasive and is part of conservative management for musculoskeletal conditions.
Curious if ShockWave therapy may be an appropriate treatment for you? Feel free to contact the clinic and set up a free consultation with one of our physiotherapists.
REFERENCES
https://www.shockwavetherapy.eu/subpage
https://gymna.com/en/stories/what-shockwave-therapy-and-how-does-it-help-patients
