What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a treatment modality that promotes healing in damaged tissues, helping to relieve pain and improve function. During a treatment high-energy sound waves are passed through the skin to the injured area, using a specialised device. It works by increasing blood flow to the area, breaking down calcifications, and reducing pain-causing biochemical factors, offering faster recovery with minimal side effects.
In short, shockwave therapy treats where our hands can’t.
What can shockwave therapy help with?
- Patella (knee) tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis (policeman’s heel)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Calcific tendinopathy
- Rotator cuff (shoulder) tendinopathy
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Great Trochanter (hip) pain syndrome
- Insertional hamstring tendinopathy
How many treatments are needed?
A course of treatment is required and typically involves 5-6 sessions, with each session lasting between 5 to 15 minutes. Treatments are usually scheduled one week apart for optimal results.
I’m interested, what next?
If you are new to the clinic, you’ll start with an initial consultation where the chiropractor will take your history, examine you and explain your diagnosis. In some cases, onward referral for an ultrasound, MRI or other clinical investigations may be required.
If shockwave therapy is suitable for your condition, it will be recommended as part of a treatment plan, which may also include chiropractic care, massage, and exercise or nutritional guidance.
Shockwave therapy is like a workout for your body—just as you wouldn’t expect to get fit after one gym session, multiple treatments are needed to fully stimulate healing and recovery. For this reason, we prebook your care package after your initial consultation. If shockwave therapy isn’t appropriate, an alternative treatment plan will be discussed
What can I expect during a shockwave therapy treatment visit?
Your therapist will:
• Discuss your symptoms and locate the source of pain.
• Mark the treatment area.
• Apply gel to ensure optimal skin contact with the device.
• Deliver treatment by applying the device for a few minutes, during which you’ll feel pulsations and hear clicking sounds as the energy waves stimulate healing.
• Clean off excess gel and confirm your next appointment.
