Non-invasive Therapy For Soft Tissue Discomfort
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) or Shockwave for short is a non-invasive form of electrotherapy designed to assist patients suffering from chronic soft tissue conditions to reboot a stalled healing response.
Our team of allied health professionals in Rosanna, including osteopaths, physiotherapists and podiatrists, utilise shockwave therapy as part of a holistic treatment plan to care for injuries, pain, and acute and chronic conditions. We can provide a thorough assessment of your concerns, discuss how shockwave therapy may help you, and develop a suitable plan.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Radial shockwaves are high energy soundwaves utilizing a pneumatic/ ballistic design. These soundwaves are transmitted from a probe placed against the skin, penetrating through the skin, and then dispersing outwards into deeper tissues to create a response..
After a simple examination of the affected area has been performed, the SWT handpiece is held against the skin with the maximal energy being produced at the skin – which can produce a deep tender pain (this can indicate the correct target tissue is being affected). As the treatment progresses, a numbness or heaviness feeling can occur around the area, and as the latter phase of treatment occurs, it can become less painful. Treatment can last up to 5-10 minutes depending on the condition being treated.
Depending on the condition and your response to treatment, you may require a course of 3-6 treatments. A detailed exercise plan can also be prescribed in conjunction to treatment to aid recovery and help achieve the patients goals.
Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy
Reduced Pain
One of the main benefits of shockwave therapy is the improvement of discomfort due to a variety of causes.
Increased Blood Flow
The soundwaves enter the deep tissues in the targeted area, stimulating movement and blood flow.
Increased Blood Vessel Growth
By encouraging natural healing, shockwave therapy may increase various growth and repair processes.
Better Metabolic Activity
By improving the metabolic activity around the problematic area, the natural healing process can be encouraged and accelerated.
Reduced Inflammation
Swelling and inflammation may be reduced, which can provide substantial relief. This inflammation may be acute or even chronic.
Stimulation Of Collagen
After shockwave therapy, newly developed collagen fibres can help to create a stronger structure at the area of concern. This can be particularly useful during times of breakdown such as after an injury.
Dissolution Of Calcium Build-up
In recent years, shockwave therapy has been extended to treat issues such as calcific shoulder tendonitis by decreasing the accumulation of calcium in the area
Non-invasive
Though the soundwaves pass through your skin, there is no physical penetration. Medication, anaesthesia, or surgical procedures are not required. Alternative treatments, such as medications and surgery, may also be avoided.
Simple Treatments
Although it differs from patient to patient, shockwave therapy sessions usually last about 10-20 minutes. Typically, only a few sessions over a few weeks are required.
Side Effects of RSWT
- Post treatment soreness which may intensify and increase on the night of treatment
- Local bruising – uncommon and minor
Contraindication of RSWT include
Pregnancy
Bleeding and blood coagulation disorders + associated medication consumption
Skin wound or acute inflammation in the treatment area
Tumour in the treatment area
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
The name may make you think the treatment could be painful, however, this is not the case. The procedure itself does not hurt, largely due to the non-invasive nature of the therapy. As it works to promote the healing process, you may experience mild tenderness or heaviness in the area while the shockwave is being applied. This generally eases by the end of the therapy. The sensation of the therapy is often described as a deep, rhythmic vibration.
The number and frequency of your sessions will depend on the issue that is causing you discomfort. We will provide a thorough assessment and discuss this with you in your first consultation and provide regular progress updates to give you an idea of how many you may need. Sessions are often scheduled with one week between them.
This non-invasive form of therapy is FDA and TGA-approved, meaning it is considered safe for most people. There are some circumstances in which shockwave therapy is not recommended, such as patients who are under the age of 18, have a pacemaker, are undertaking anticoagulant therapy, have had a recent cortisone injection, or are pregnant. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for some people with medical conditions such as nerve disorders, active infections, open wounds at the affected site, and malignant tumours.
Some patients can experience tingling, numbness, or aching after a session. Minor bruising is less common but may occur in some cases.
What Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave therapy is an ever-expanding and developing form of treatment that is primarily used for musculoskeletal concerns. There is currently a wide range of conditions and issues that can be improved with this form of therapy. These can include the following:
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and shin splints
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Upper and lower tendinopathies
This can include forms such as:
- Gluteal tendinopathy.
- Patella tendinopathy.
- Hamstring tendinopathy.
- Shoulder tendinopathy (especially supraspinatus).
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Bursitis
This can include forms such as:
- Gluteal Bursitis.
- Shoulder bursitis.
- Bone conditions
This can include issues such as:
- Nonunion of long bone fractures.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Avascular necrosis.
Experience The Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy can be an advantageous choice of therapy for many people and can be a great alternative to more invasive forms of treatment or options that have not provided improvement. After a comprehensive assessment of your issue, a discussion of your health background and the history of the issue, and the development of a personalised care plan, we will begin shockwave therapy if it is suitable for you.
If you are suffering from pain, inflammation, or reduced mobility and functionality, please contact us to find out how our team can help you.
