Shockwave therapy has been gaining popularity in the field of physiotherapy as an effective treatment modality for various sports injuries. Athletes and sports enthusiasts alike are turning to shockwave therapy to help alleviate pain and promote healing. Why choose shockwave therapy for athletes? One of the key benefits of shockwave therapy is its ability to target specific areas of injury with high-energy acoustic waves, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. This non-invasive treatment option can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and other soft tissue injuries commonly seen in sports. By incorporating shockwave therapy into their treatment plans, athletes can accelerate their recovery time and return to play quickly. Physiotherapists and sports therapists are increasingly recognizing the value of shockwave in managing sports injuries effectively. Shockwave therapy and sports injuries Sports injuries are a common occurrence among athletes and can range from minor sprains to more…

What is shockwave therapy? Shockwave therapy is also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy. It is a treatment which uses low energy acoustic wave pulsations. The modalities can be directly applied to the area of injury using a gel as a medium. Lately, it is becoming one of the common treatment modalities seen in physiotherapy clinics. Why is shockwave therapy used? Importantly, shockwave can be beneficial in treating many musculoskeletal conditions, especially chronic ones. Firstly, it is used to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, it can help you to decrease your pain levels by stimulating the nerves around an injured area. Also, the therapy increases blood circulation to the area and can also accelerate protein synthesis, cell growth, and break down stubborn calcium deposits in tissues. How does shockwave therapy work? The machine generates shockwaves, which is mechanical energy, throughout the tissue. Consequently, this stimulates a chain reaction or…

What is the Achilles tendon? The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest tendons in the human body. Anatomically, it connects our calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. Its main action is to point the toes and ankle downwards when our foot is off the ground or raise the heel off the ground when our foot is on the ground. Functionally, it is used whenever we are engaged in walking, running, or hopping-like activities and helps us with force production and shock absorption. The tendon is extremely strong and can withstand high amounts of stress Unfortunately, this can also predispose it to injury and cause ankle pain. Stages of Achilles tendon injuries Diagram showing the different stages of Achilles tendon problems 1) Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation has developed or is developing in the tendon. 2) Achilles tendinosis: There is now degeneration along with or…

What is shockwave therapy? Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a modality used as treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions – typically chronic (more than 3 months), such as but not limited to: Patient receiving shockwave therapy on their heel. Image by pvproductions on Freepik Plantar Fasciitis Achilles Tendinopathy Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Calcific Tendonitis Morton’s Neuroma Importantly, SWT can facilitate the body’s ability to regenerate new tissue and can decrease your pain by stimulating your nerves at the site of the injury.  Not only that, it encourages tissue healing by increasing circulation around injured soft tissues and stimulating cells that generate new bone and connective tissue – triggering and accelerating the body’s natural healing response. Additionally, it breaks down calcified deposits such as in the case of Calcific Tendonitis. How does it work? Shockwave Therapy transforms electricity into shockwaves that are transmitted into the tissue with…