Shockwave Therapy and Chiropractic Treatment

The three main effects of shockwave therapy are:

• Resolution of scar tissue in tendons and muscles.
• Increased healing in bone, tendons and muscles.
• Reduction of Pain

If you have a really chronic and long-standing problem, this is the treatment for you.

What Conditions Does Shockwave Treat?

Shockwave therapy can be effective on a wide range of soft tissue and bony conditions.

Here are some examples of conditions where shockwave therapy can be used to treat and restore normal function:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Heel pain, heel spurs
• Plantar fasciitis
• Shoulder pain, e.g. calcific lesions of the rotator cuff and bony spurs
• Frozen Shoulder
• Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (Golfer‘s Elbow)
• Patellar tendinitis (Jumper‘s Knee)
• Recurring muscle pulls and tears (for example, tight calves from running)
• Muscle soreness after training (DOM’s, delayed onset muscle soreness)
• Hip pain (Trochanteric bursitis)
• Shin splints (Medial Tibial Periostitis)
• Tibialis Posterior Syndrome

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Before shockwave therapy is considered you will have a full chiropractic clinical assessment to diagnose your problem. Once the chiropractor has established what your individual needs are to resolve your injury, the treatment can begin. This may include other forms of chiropractic treatment to complement the shockwave therapy.

Shockwave therapy has three main effects, depending on the setting of the machine, resolution of scar tissue, increased healing and reduction of pain.

It works by generating a high energy sound wave which is applied via a hand-held probe. A shockwave is a purely mechanical wave and not an electric one.

The shock waves produce a rapid increase in circulation to the target area and will break down fibrous scar tissue.

The shockwaves are felt as pulses which are a little uncomfortable but not painful. We will always start your treatment with a low level of intensity and increase this to a point which is right for you, so you feel comfortable.

The breakdown of scar tissue is the key to why shock wave therapy is so effective. Unlike normal elasticated tissue, scar tissue is non-elastic and will prevent normal movement and function thereby weakening the normal structure surrounding it, often causing recurring damage and pain.

By increasing circulation and breaking down scar tissue, shockwave therapy will stimulate cell regeneration and promote normal healing and reduction of pain.

How Many Shockwave Treatments Will I Need?

As with most forms of treatment, we all respond differently. But there are some common themes with shockwave treatment.

Shockwave therapy treatments are usually performed at weekly intervals (every 5-10 days). Each treatment session takes about 15 minutes and you may need between 4 to 6 treatment sessions.

You may experience an improvement in symptoms almost immediately or it may take several weeks for you to respond. You may notice a temporary reddening or swelling of the area and you may experience a brief increase in pain.

It may take several weeks to see an overall benefit but that depends on your body’s own healing ability. It is therefore advised not to use anti-inflammatory medication during the treatment cycle. We also recommend that you consider improving your lifestyle choices, improving dietary and nutritional support to optimise healing.