Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a modality used as treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions – typically chronic (more than 6 weeks), such as:

Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendinopathy
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Calcific Tendonitis
Morton’s Neuroma

Shockwave Therapy can facilitate the body’s ability to regenerate new tissue and can decrease your pan by stimulating your nerves at the site of the injury. It facilitates 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. It also breaks down calcified deposits such as in the case of Calcific Tendonitis and can reduce pain by overstimulating the nerve endings in the affected area

How does Shockwave Therapy work?

Shockwave Therapy transforms electricity into shockwaves that are transmitted into the tissue with a small device similar to an ultrasound applicator. This can quickly break down scar tissue and bring blood to the area to speed up healing.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

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 and 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 5-6 weeks and is recommended once a week.

Physiotherapy in conjunction with Shockwave Therapy could include activity modifications, specific exercises and assessing contributing issues such as tightness and weakness in muscle groups. Additional modalities may also be used to speed healing such as ultrasound, interferential therapy or heat.

If you are suffering from chronic heel, elbow pain or tendonitis , or you are curious about Shockwave Therapy, then please consult a Physiotherapist to see if this treatment is right for you. Shockwave Therapy is presently available at our Applewood PhysioNow location.

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