SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN MISSISSAUGA, ETOBICOKE, OAKVILLE & BURLINGTON

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy Treatment 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
Patellar Tendinopathy
Heel Spurs

It might surprise you that Shockwave Therapy was first used as a method of breaking up kidney stones. Afterwards, clinicians and researchers were interested in its further therapeutic use in musculoskeletal tissue. Now, research verifies its ability to facilitate blood flow and metabolism, promoting the healing and growth of the body as well as a pain reduction effect. The mechanical shockwaves generated by the machine increase circulation around injured soft tissues while also stimulating the cells that generate new bone and connective tissue. In other words, it triggers and accelerates the body’s natural healing response. It also breaks down calcified deposits, such as in the case of Calcific Tendonitis.

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. Inside the machine, there is a projectile inside a tube. This projectile is accelerated using compressed air to strike the head of the applicator, creating acoustic pressure waves. Then, since the applicator head is in contact with the skin via gel, the waves spread into the tissue. This can quickly break down scar and calcific tissues and bring blood to the treated area to speed up healing.

What does a session of Shockwave Therapy look like?

We highly recommend using shockwave in conjunction with normal Physiotherapy treatment to get the best results. While shockwave can help the condition heal and reduce pain, it will still need to be mobilized and strengthened to achieve its full potential.

Each patient will undergo an assessment by their physiotherapist to determine the area(s) to be treated by shockwave and the appropriateness of the condition. Your physiotherapist will also screen you and ensure there are no contraindications for using Shockwave Therapy. Some examples that make you ineligible for shockwave are:

Anywhere near the abdomen during pregnancy
Active infections, cancers, and bleeds
Clotting disorders or taking blood thinners
Altered sensation at the target site
Having a pacemaker

Physical therapist applying shockwave treatment Shockwave therapy should also not be used over any air-filled tissues or near the spine.

Once this is complete, the shockwave session can continue. Your physiotherapist will ensure that you are comfortable as each shockwave session takes around 10 minutes, depending on the number of pulses being delivered. It is important to note that Shockwave Therapy can be painful during the treatment, but it can be modified to each patient’s pain tolerance. Each person has their own pain tolerance, and different areas are often more sensitive than others. Your physiotherapist will apply a gel to the areas to be treated that helps conduct the acoustic waves. Then, they will start with a lower intensity to get you used to the feeling before slowly increasing to the therapeutic dosage.

Afterwards, your practitioner will go over the side effects with you, which include bruising, redness, tenderness and soreness at the treatment area. You are allowed to go about your normal activities after the treatment. Finally, they will help you book your next session. Most people need ~5 sessions at 1 session a week.

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 is effectively combined with physiotherapy to help return athletes or workers back to their sport or activity faster.

As we discussed, typical shockwave treatment is fairly infrequent, only once a week and for about 5 weeks. The good news is that some patients may experience benefits like a reduction in pain immediately after the first session. Usually, Shockwave Therapy works pretty quickly, and we can identify whether it will be beneficial to your condition early on.

Consequently, Shockwave Therapy, due to its ease of use, mild side effects and short time before it shows results, offers a better alternative to steroid injections or surgeries, especially with Physiotherapy. 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 shockwave treatment is right for you. Shockwave Therapy is presently available at our Applewood PhysioNow location.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

How long should you rest after shockwave therapy?

There are few limitations after shockwave therapy treatment, you are free to return to your normal activities. However, it is advised to avoid strenuous exercise immediately after receiving shockwave therapy. The duration will depend on your symptoms but is usually no longer than a day or two, depending on your condition and response to the treatment.

Can shock wave therapy cause damage?

Shockwave therapy is considered safe and non-invasive as a treatment for certain musculoskeletal conditions. However, it carries some risks and side effects such as temporary soreness, pain, swelling, redness, and bruising in the treatment area. These side effects should only last for a couple days post treatment. Additionally, shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone such as women that are pregnant, certain medical conditions like blood clotting disorders, and with certain medications. Make sure you consult with your healthcare provider thoroughly first before undergoing shockwave therapy.

What is the success rate of shockwave therapy?

The success of shockwave therapy will be very variable depending on the specific condition it is being used for, the severity and chronicity of the condition, and also characteristics of the individual themselves. For the most common conditions, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and patellar tendinopathy, the success rate has ranged from 65 to 91% in some studies with minimal complications.

Are shockwave therapy results permanent?

The duration of the results from shockwave are variable and depend on the specific condition and the severity, the patient's overall health and their adherence to post-treatment advice. Some patients will receive a long-lasting or permanent benefit, while others may have recurrences and benefit from periodic maintenance or additional treatments.

Can shockwave therapy damage nerves?

In very rare cases, shockwave therapy can create nerve damage but the risk is generally quite low. This is usually a result of a failure to follow proper safety guidelines if the shockwave is not properly targeted. As a result, this can be avoided when performed by trained and experienced healthcare professionals, and with a thorough screening to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for shockwave therapy.

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