Shockwave Therapy

Radial Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, and works by delivering impulses of energy. Targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon. Firstly introduced in the 1950s for use in the medical field, by the 1970s it was being used to break down kidney stones. In the 1980s it started to be used for the management of orthopaedic conditions such as non-healing bones and tendinopathies. Through the 1990s, as shockwave technology improved, it demonstrated good results in the treatment of heel spurs and elbow pain. The Therapy has now advanced even further and is now widely used in the management of many orthopaedic and soft tissue conditions.

If you have ever suffered from chronic tendon pain? Such as in the rotator cuff, elbow, knee or ankle/foot then you will appreciate how debilitating these conditions can be. And how negatively they can impact your life.

Shockwave Therapy can accelerate the healing of injured tissues and so the results are a quicker, less painful recovery. With several physiological effects on tissue; it stimulates cell growth and growth of new blood vessels. Aswell as breaks down calcific and scar tissue build-up and reduces inflammation and pain. The treatment puts the cells into repair mode and allows your body to restart its own accelerated healing process. All of these factors allow the return to normal function.

For shockwave therapy, contact award-winning Durham Chiropractors here

Most commonly used to treat:

• Hip Pain & Tendinopathies – Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, Deep Gluteal Syndrome, Hamstring Tendinopathy
• Foot & Ankle Pain – Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Achilles Tendinopathy
• Elbow Pain – Tennis & Golfers Elbow
• Shoulder Pain – Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Impingement Syndrome, Calcific Tendinitis & Frozen Shoulder
• Wrist Pain – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tenosynovitis
• Knee Pain – Patella Tendinopathy, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)

There may be some discomfort. However the treatment is delivered with a low amount of energy at first, which is increased slowly as you get used to it. Shockwave Therapy produces an analgesic effect and many patients report immediate relief following treatment.

As Shockwave Therapy promotes a pro-inflammatory response so there may be swelling, redness, heat and soreness. Both in or around the area being treated. Bruising is not likely but can occur in rare instances.

Treatment sessions usually last 10-15 mins (per area). Most conditions require an average of six sessions with treatment once per week. A minimum of twelve weeks are required for full healing to have taken effect.

Depending on the area of complaint, some soft tissue conditions will require an ultrasound scan prior to shockwave therapy. As this will provide more accurate targeting of the underlying tissue. By knowing exactly where to place the shockwave probe and at what depth the tissue is located; this allows a better chance of recovery. This will incur an extra cost but will improve your chances of recovery. This extra cost will only apply to your first appointment as the exact location and depth of the tissue injury will be recorded for future treatments.

 Start your pain free journey here, contact Durham award-winning family chiropractor clinic 

Durham Family Chiropractic has invested heavily in market-leading Shockwave Therapy equipment and so we are sure of obtaining the best results possible.

Although Shockwave Therapy is extremely safe when used by a trained healthcare professional there are several reasons why you may be unable to receive this treatment which include:

• Pregnancy or trying to conceive
• Application over open growth plates – not suitable for under 18 years
• Metal pins or plates at injury site
• Malignant tumours
• Nerve or circulation disorders
• Infection
• If you are taking anticoagulants or have a blood disorder
• Pacemaker
• Epilepsy
• Allergy to coupling gel

If you have questions relating to contraindications for Shockwave Therapy then please contact us.

Your practitioner will explain in detail what you should do following your appointment; however, this will include advice to NOT use ice on the areas that shockwave was applied to or take anti-inflammatory medication. This is because inflammation is needed for the healing of the tissues to occur. Your practitioner may also advise specific rehabilitation exercises to be applied to the muscles and tendons that are being treated with shockwave therapy to aid recovery.

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