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Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT) is a non-invasive and highly effective treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions. It involves the use of high-energy acoustic waves that are delivered to the affected area of the body. These shockwaves stimulate the body's natural healing processes, promoting tissue regeneration, pain reduction and improved mobility. 

It is a very safe and well tolerated procedure, often preferred by individuals who are seeking a non-surgical/ non-invasive alternative for pain management. If you're looking for a drug free, non invasive, highly effective treatment option for your musculoskeletal pain, Shockwave Therapy might be an excellent choice for you. 

What conditions do we use shockwave therapy for?

Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective for: 

  • Achilles Tendinopathy

  • Golfers Elbow / Medial Epicondylalgia

  • Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome / Hip Bursitis

  • Heel Spur pain

  • Myofascial Trigger Point pain

  • Patellar Tendinopathy 

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Shoulder Tendinopathy

  • Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylalgia

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This list is not exhaustive, please contact the clinic if you have a condition that isn't listed and you are interested in Shockwave Therapy. 

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How many sessions will I need?

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The number of shockwave sessions you may need can vary depending on several factors including, the specific condition being treated, it's severity, your individual response to treatment. Typically, a course of shockwave therapy consists of multiple sessions spaced out at one week intervals. 

In general, patients undergo a series of 3 to 6 shockwave therapy sessions, with each session lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Please be aware that this is a generalisation, some individuals require fewer sessions, while others with more complex or chronic conditions may benefit from additional treatment sessions. 

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What to Expect 

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During a shockwave consultation appointment, patients can expect a thorough assessment of their condition to determine the suitability of shockwave therapy as a treatment option. The appointment will typically involve a comprehensive discussion with a member of our team.

 

We will begin by gathering detailed information about the patient's medical history, including any previous treatments, surgeries, or medications relevant to their condition. We will also inquire about the specific symptoms and duration of the problem to gain a comprehensive understanding.

 

Next, a physical examination will be conducted to assess the affected area. This will involve palpation, range of motion tests, and other specific assessments based on the patient's condition. We will evaluate the extent of the injury or condition and look for any signs that may impact the suitability of shockwave therapy.

 

Additionally, diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or ultrasound, may be requested to gather more information about the underlying condition and to aid in the decision-making process. These tests can provide valuable insights into the tissue structure and help determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate.

 

Throughout the consultation, we will engage in open communication with the patient, answering any questions or concerns they may have. We will explain the potential benefits and risks of shockwave therapy and discuss alternative treatment options if deemed more appropriate.

 

By the end of the consultation, you will have a better understanding of their condition and whether shockwave therapy is a viable treatment option. If shockwave therapy is suitable, a separate appointment will be scheduled for the actual treatment session. Alternatively, we may recommend alternative treatment approaches based on the assessment.

 

It's important to note that the consultation appointment does not involve the actual administration of shockwave therapy. Instead, it focuses on assessing the patient's condition and determining the best course of action for their specific needs.

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What is the evidence behind Shockwave Therapy?

At Cardiff Chiropractic Clinic we understand the importance of providing evidence-based treatments to our valued patients. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment modality that we offer for various musculoskeletal conditions.

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The evidence behind shockwave therapy is still evolving, there is growing research supporting its effectiveness in certain conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and calcific tendonitis. Studies have demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of pain reduction, functional improvement, and tissue healing.

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However, it is important to note that the quality and design of studies, as well as variations in treatment protocols, can contribute to variable results. Our experienced healthcare professionals will assess your condition, discuss the available evidence, and provide personalized guidance on whether shockwave therapy is a suitable treatment option for you.

 

We remain committed to staying abreast of the latest research developments and incorporating evidence-based practices into our patient care.

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Please see this list of studies below showing the efficacy of Shockwave Therapy in various conditions:

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1. Rompe, J.D., et al. (2008). Repetitive low-energy shock wave treatment for chronic lateral epicondylitis in tennis players. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(11), 2100-2109.

2. Gerdesmeyer, L., et al. (2008). Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: Results of a confirmatory randomized placebo-controlled multicenter study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(11), 2100-2109.

3. Haake, M., et al. (2002). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A randomized multicenter trial. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 84(11), 1982-1991.

4. Speed, C. (2004). A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: Focusing on the evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(6), 382-387.

5. Wang, C.J., et al. (2002). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy shows time-dependent chondroprotective effects in osteoarthritis of the knee in rats. Journal of Surgical Research, 104(2), 303-308.

6. Furia, J.P. (2008). High-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy as a treatment for chronic noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(3), 502-508.

 

7. Al-Abbad, H., & Simon, J. V. (2017). The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in common lower limb conditions: A systematic review including quantification of patient-rated pain reduction. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(6), 414-421.

8. Melegati, G., et al. (2018). High-energy radial shockwaves for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. Foot & Ankle International, 39(7), 806-813.

9. Ibrahim, M. I., et al. (2019). The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of lower limb chronic musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 55(3), 412-433.

10. Filardo, G., et al. (2020). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy improves knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 56(5), 596-606.

11. Huang, Y. L., et al. (2020). The effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 15(1), 1-12.

12. Huang, Z., et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(7), 1989-1998
 

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