Shock Wave Therapy
Shock Wave Therapy

Shock Wave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is an innovative modality of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions which has been developed within the 30 years. It presents as an additional treatment technique to further enhance client recovery from specific conditions (as described below). A comprehensive assessment is typically carried out before determining whether a client is eligible for the treatment.

How it works?

By placing a hand-held transmitter on the patient’s body, radial shockwaves are transmitted through the body. These radial pressure waves act as a strong stimulus to assist in:

  • Pain relief by stimulating the body’s natural endorphins
  • Promoting increased localised blood flow to enhance recovery from injury
  • Mobility through soft tissue and joint manipulation

When delivered by a qualified health professional, this is a generally safe mode of treatment besides the rare instances of temporary tingles, aches, bruising and swelling.

Shock Wave Therapy
Indications

Despite shockwave therapy being a relatively new technique, research has shown promising results in specific conditions. It presents as a safer and more conservative approach when compared to other more invasive treatments such as cortisone injections and surgery. Conditions where shockwave therapy has shown to be beneficial for pain relief, improving movement and/or increasing recovery include:

  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Muscle inactivity
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles and patellar tendinopathy
  • Golfer’s and tennis elbow
  • Rotator cuff conditions
  • Osgood-Schlatter’s Syndrome
Shock Wave Therapy
Contraindications

Although shockwave therapy is a relatively treatment, it’s important to inform your treating practitioner about the following contraindications:

  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Haemophilia
  • Diabetes
  • Recent corticosteroid injections
  • Malignancy
  • Prostheses and implants

Your physiotherapist will be able to advise you further about proceeding with the treatment.

When used within a multi-modal treatment package such as exercise, postural advice and manual therapy, this has been shown to improve outcomes by up to 80%. Although the utilisation of shockwave therapy is still limited within Australian healthcare, Physical Healthcare commonly utilises this technique with our state-of-the-art machines. For more information, please make a booking with one of our qualified physiotherapists on 9416 9955.

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