Understanding Radial Shockwave Therapy
17 Jul 2017 11:57 AM – Specialist Sportscare WA
Radial shockwave therapy is used as a treatment method in physiotherapy, sports medicine and orthopaedics. It involves the application of short, intense bursts of a high-energy acoustic wave to areas of chronic or acute pain. These energy waves interact with tissue to accelerate cell growth; thereby working to promote the regeneration and repair of bones and tendons as well as helping to break down scar tissue.
There has been much research into the use and development of radial shockwave therapy and as such, it is a very safe and effective treatment for many conditions. Continue reading for more information on the benefits and processes of the therapy and to find out whether it could be suitable for you.
What Are Its Benefits?
This therapy has the key benefits of fast relief from pain and the restoration of mobility in damaged joints and muscles. It can reduce reliance on painkillers to manage chronic pain and in some cases, it prevents the need for invasive surgery.
The application of acoustic waves has been shown to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in damaged tissue, improving blood supply to the injured area. The increased oxygenation and nutrient flow help your tissue to heal faster. Radial shockwaves are also known to release trigger points that cause pain in the back, neck, shoulders and limbs. They affect the contracted muscle fibres and unblock the build-up of waste products that intensify this painful contraction.
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
Shockwave therapy can be used in the treatment of a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It has shown to be most effective in problems involving major connective tissue such as tendons and cartilage. Some common ailments it can help are tendonitis of the foot, knee or elbow, calcification of the shoulder or hips, muscle strains, and bone stress fractures. The therapy has been very successful in patients suffering from chronic pain who have failed to respond to other treatments.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Your therapist will begin with a careful examination of the affected area in order to identify the best site for application. A gel is then applied to facilitate the transfer of the shockwaves into the body, and the applicator is held against the skin. The application process usually lasts between 5 and 10 minutes depending on the treatment necessary, and often results in some immediate pain relief. The duration and number of sessions you’ll need depends on your condition as the effect of the therapy is cumulative.
What Is the Success Rate?
In numerous trials and studies of radial shockwave therapy, it has been proven to have a very high success rate for certain conditions, including tennis elbow, calcific tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. The chances of success for you will depend on your precise problem, the success of previous treatment methods, and your treatment goals. Your physical therapist can help you to determine whether shockwave therapy is the right choice for you.
If you’re interested in shockwave therapy, call Specialist Sportscare today on (08) 9272 8222 to book an appointment or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.
