Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy uses soundwaves to stimulate healing in tissues that are failing to heal naturally especially tendons and plantar fascia. This safe and effective treatment can:

• Increase blood flow to the area.
• Reduce pain and inflammation in the long term.
• Reactivate healing in cases where scar tissue or degeneration may be limiting recovery.

“Shockwave Therapy allows the body to kickstart healing again – you increase blood flow, increase the release of lubricin (a natural ‘tendon oil’), you get pain suppression, but the most important thing it does is to cause cells responsible for scar tissue healing, to get to work and encourage healing.” – Jonathan Cook, Chiropractor and Shockwave Therapist

Who Might Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy might be appropriate for you if:

1. You Have Specific Tendon or Overuse Injuries
   • Conditions such as plantar fasciopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, or tennis elbow are often responsive to Shockwave Therapy. These injuries are common among:
     • Recreational athletes.
     • People with physically demanding jobs or repetitive tasks.
2. You’re in the Recovery Phase of an Injury
   • If lingering inflammation or scar tissue is limiting your mobility or causing pain that persists beyond around two months.
3. You Lead an Active Lifestyle
   • Runners, cyclists, gym-goers, and other active individuals prone to overuse injuries or soft tissue strain.
   • Athletes seeking faster recovery without invasive procedures or significant downtime.
4. You’re Looking for Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain
   • If you’re exploring non-invasive options after other treatments such as graduated loading exercises or steroid injection haven’t worked.

What to Expect from a Shockwave Therapy Session

• Duration: Sessions last around 20 minutes, including a total of around 5 minutes of Shockwave Therapy and additional time for manual therapy potentially including mobilisation techniques, taping, soft tissue work and therapeutic exercise prescription.
• Course of Treatment: Typically, 4 to 6 sessions are recommended for optimal results.
• Tailored Care: The specialist will ensure you have a clear treatment plan to make sure you are confident and comfortable with your steps to recovery.