Tag Archives: Shockwave therapy

Shockwave Therapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Top 5 Sports Injuries Treated with Shockwave Therapy

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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 serious conditions like tendonitis or stress fractures. One effective treatment option for certain sports injuries is shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the healing process in injured tissues. It can help alleviate pain, improve blood circulation, and promote tissue regeneration.

Here are some sports injuries that could benefit from shockwave therapy:

1. Plantar Fasciitis: This is a common overuse injury among runners and athletes that causes heel pain. Shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing at the origin of the plantar fascia at the bottom of the heel.

Shockwave therapy applied to the heel for plantar fasciitis

Shockwave therapy applied to the heel to treat plantar fasciitis

2. Tennis Elbow: Also known as lateral epicondylitis, this condition results from repetitive use of the forearm muscles. Shockwave therapy can target the affected area to relieve pain and improve mobility.

3. Achilles Tendonitis: A common injury among runners and athletes involved in jumping sports, Achilles tendonitis causes pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle. Shockwave therapy can stimulate healing in the damaged tendon.

4. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Athletes who participate in sports that involve overhead movements, such as baseball or swimming, are prone to rotator cuff injuries. Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and improve shoulder function.

Woman experiencing tennis elbow/lateral epicondylalgia

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow

5. Shin Splints: This condition is characterized by pain along the shin bone and is common among runners and athletes who engage in high-impact activities. Shockwave therapy can help accelerate the healing process and reduce pain.

Can I get shockwave therapy for my injury?

It’s important to note that while shockwave therapy can be effective for certain sports injuries, it may not be suitable for every case. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a sports medicine specialist. Then, they will help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific injury. Additionally, some pre-existing medical conditions like cancer, bleeding and blood clotting disorders are contraindications for shockwave therapy.

Try PhysioNow!

In conclusion, shockwave therapy is an effective treatment option for various sports injuries. It offers patients a non-invasive and effective way to manage pain and promote healing. By incorporating this innovative therapy into their rehabilitation programs, patients can potentially expedite their recovery and return to their active lifestyles sooner. Shockwave Therapy is offered at our Applewood location of PhysioNow by qualified physiotherapists. Contact us today to book your first treatment!

Modalities, Physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy

Stubborn Pain? Try Our New Shockwave Therapy!

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Shockwave therapy

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 response in the cells which promotes tissue regeneration. The mechanism of action is quite complex as it happens at the cellular level but overall, results in a positive healing response and pain relief effect for the body. The shockwave therapy machine includes different interchangeable heads with different penetration capacity.

What type of injuries can be treated?

Shockwave therapy applied to a patient's heel

The foot is one of the most commonly treated areas with shockwave therapy

Shockwave was initially used to disintegrate renal stones in the 1980s. From there, it was discovered to be effective at treating bone spurs and calcified tissues. The following are a list of injuries that are most commonly treated by shockwave. Even if your injury is not on this list, shockwave may still be an option for you!

  • Planter fasciitis
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Upper extremities tendinopathy
  • Lower extremities tendinopathy
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfers elbow
  • Hamstring injuries
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Sports injuries

When to avoid it:

Shockwave therapy should not be used if you have the following conditions:

  • Active cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Open wound
  • Infection
  • Pacemaker
  • Blood clotting disorders

Is it painful?

Usually, most patient do not find it painful, but they may feel some kind of discomfort during the application of it. Discomfort also tends to vary based on the area of treatment, with some being more sensitive than others. After the treatment, patient might feel some soreness and notice some redness around the treatment area. However, this is perfectly normal and will go away within a couple of days.

What does a treatment look like?

During your visit the physiotherapist will check your appropriateness for shockwave therapy. Firstly, they will conduct an assessment to rule out any contraindications and precautions for your injury and other overlapping conditions. The one session for therapy is usually between 10-15 mins, depending on the area and condition. Oftentimes, patient feels the difference in their symptoms with just a few sessions, some even immediately after treatment! Usually, your therapist will start with lower intensities and will gradually increase it with respect to your pain tolerance. Our goal is to ensure each patient is comfortable and knows what to expect with treatment. Additionally, shock wave therapy is used alongside other physiotherapy treatments like manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to get the best results.

Need help or more information?

If you are interested in receiving shockwave therapy or want to learn more about it, please contact us at PhysioNow. Fortunately, we have many experienced physiotherapists across Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Etobicoke who would love to answer your questions. Currently, shockwave therapy is available at our Applewood location located just off the QEW at the Cawthra exit!

General Category

Plantar Fasciitis: Physio 101

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Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

As the name suggests, plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia — a tough, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It commonly causes stabbing pain, especially with your first few steps in the morning or after being off your feet for a while. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases. Eventually, it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting. It is more common in runners and in people who are overweight.

What are the symptoms?

  • Stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel
  • The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after a long sleep, long periods of standing or getting up from sitting

What are the causes?

Inflammation and pain in the fascia can be caused by:

  • An increase in activity level (like starting a walking or running program)
  • Structure or shape of the foot
  • Surfaces on which you stand, walk or run
  • Type of footwear
  • The weight you carry

What are the risk factors?

Even though plantar fasciitis can develop without an obvious cause, some factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. These include:

  • Age – Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60
  • Certain types of exercise – Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissues. For example, long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance can contribute to the onset of this condition
  • Foot mechanics – Flat feet, a high arch or even an atypical pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you are in standing. Subsequently, this can put added stress on the plantar fascia
  • Obesity – Excess weight can put extra stress on your plantar fascia
  • Occupations that keep you on your feet – Commonly, factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces are at increased risk.

Plantar Fascitis and Physiotherapy:

1. Stretching and Physical Therapy

Stretching is one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. A physical therapist can show you stretching exercises that you can repeat at home several times a day. Along with stretching, the exercises can also strengthen your lower leg muscles, helping to stabilize your ankle.

2. Icing and Medication

Icing the sore spot on your foot several times a day may help with pain and inflammation. Additionally, your doctor may also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

3. Rest, Activity Modification and Orthotics

It helps to keep the weight and stress off your foot, at least partially, while your plantar fascia is healing. Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments.

4. Shock Wave Therapy

Shockwave therapy applied to a patient's heel

Image by pvproductions on Freepik

This therapy is based on delivering low-energy or high-energy shock waves to a specific area. Then, the shock waves create microscopic trauma, which triggers a healing response from the body. This process is thought to help promote healing in the plantar fascia.

Our team of expert physiotherapists at PhysioNow are prepared to help you with your foot pain. They will help diagnose and guide you through a treatment to reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Book your first appointment with PhysioNow today!

Applewood Physionow, Modalities, Physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy

Could Shockwave Therapy Solve Your Chronic Pain?

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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:

Shockwave therapy applied to a patient's heel

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 a small device similar to an ultrasound applicator. The treatment may cause mild discomfort during the application, but the duration is kept shorter. It may last around 5-15 minutes depending on the size of the area treated and the number of areas being treated.  You may also experience some redness, soreness, and tenderness around the area afterwards. These are normal side effects and should fade quickly within a couple of days.

What are the benefits of it?

Shockwave Therapy is an FDA approved, non-surgical treatment that is non-invasive and does not require lengthy recovery periods. It provides an alternative for chronic conditions that aren’t resolved with traditional therapy, such as Plantar Fasciitis or Tennis Elbow. It can be combined with physiotherapy to help return athletes or workers back to their sport or activity faster.

On rare occasions, side effects may cause slight discomfort and may include mild bruising or swelling as the injury heals. Typical treatment is 3-6 weeks and is recommended once a week.

Physiotherapy in conjunction with SWT could include activity modifications, specific exercises and assessing contributing issues such as tightness and weakness in muscle groups.

Where can I get shockwave therapy?

If you are suffering from chronic heel or elbow pain or are curious about SWT, then consult a physiotherapist to see if the treatment is right for you. Shockwave Therapy is presently available at our Applewood location. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment.