When excessive strain is exerted on tissue, it can cause inflammation and significant pain. Extra-corporeal Shockwave Therapy improves blood flow and healing of the tissue. In this article, find out more about Shockwave Therapy and what it involves.
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About Shockwave Therapy
Extra-corporeal Shockwave Therapy involves high energy soundwaves being transmitted across the skin and into the deeper tissue. When excessive strain is exerted on tissue, it can cause inflammation of this structure and significant pain. The shockwaves improve blood flow and healing of the tissue, hence reducing symptoms.
Improving blood flow and healing can reduce any inflammation of the tissue, and the shockwaves can also over-stimulate nerves, which helps with symptoms of pain.
Each session will last about 10 minutes. Some gel will be applied to the area which requires shockwave therapy, and a handheld probe will then be held against the area.
During the session, you will hear a clicking sound, and you may also experience some minor discomfort, but this treatment has been proven to be safe.
Some people experience improvement after just one session, but it normally takes 2-3 sessions to see significant improvement.
If you would like to speak to an Orthopaedics specialist about Shockwave Therapy, book a consultation.
Preparing for Shockwave Therapy
You should continue with any regular stretching or physiotherapy that you were already doing.
It is also recommended to try to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly, to minimise recurrence of symptoms.
Having a bath or shower on the day of the session to clean the area thoroughly is advised.
Where possible, get someone else to drop you off/collect you from your session, as the discomfort in the area may make it more difficult to drive temporarily.
What are the side effects of Shockwave Therapy?
Side effects of this therapy are rare and the doctor will do everything that they can to minimise these. Some side effects that can occur include:
- Pain for 24-48 hours following the therapy
- Reddening of skin
- Swelling around the treatment site
- Bruising around the treatment site
- Minor bleeding from some of the blood vessels around the treatment site
- Aching or numbness
- There is a very rare risk of rupture of the Achilles tendon (only few cases ever reported), when used over that area
Most side effects should improve after a few days, but sometimes it can take up to a week.
After Shockwave Therapy
You will go home the same day that the surgery takes place, but if you have any concerns, please contact the surgery.
You can continue with your regular activities, however, avoid anything strenuous or high impact for 48 hours.
You should continue to stretch and do any exercise that the physiotherapy team has advised.
If you require more information or wish to discuss the options available, please contact your doctor.
Alternatives to Shockwave Therapy
If you don’t have Shockwave Therapy, you can continue to try alternative treatments. Some patients benefit from occupational adjustments, stretching and physiotherapy.
Certain individuals should avoid Shockwave Therapy. This includes those who:
- Are pregnant or lactating
- Have a cardiac pacemaker
- Have/had heart conditions e.g. heart failure, heart attack, heart rhythm problems
- Have a history of aneurysms
- Have broken/fractured bones
- Have blood clotting disorders
If you are considering Shockwave Therapy, consult with one of our orthopaedics specialists to understand the options available to you.
