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Shockwave Treatment

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Radial shockwaves are also referred to as Radial Pressure Waves. They are pulses generated by compressed air which converts into acoustic energy.The acoustic pulses are then transmitted into the tissue of the affected area. Each treatment works to increase the metabolic activity and the injury or site of pain, stimulating the body’s natural healing process, thus reducing pain.

It is a scientifically proven treatment alternative for people with chronic pain who have exhausted all other treatments available.

Physical Effects of Shockwave (RPW)

  • Pain reduction
  • Increased metabolism
  • Revascularisation
  • Reduced muscle tone

Physiological Effects of RPW

  • Increases cell membrane permeability.
  • Cavitation(formation of vapor bubbles when pressure of liquid falls below vapor pressure) which causes an eroding effect in the adhesive scar tissue.
  • Accelerates the demise of old & weak cells.
  • Activates release of self defense Cytokines and free radicals.
  • Increases blood flow transporting oxygen in & removing carbon dioxide which stimulates tissue healing.
  • Breaks “vicious circle” of increased muscle tone & pain by counter-irritation modulating GABAergicinterneuron’s at the dorsal horn.
  • Activates A-βfibers that inhibit transmission of pain signals. Closes pain gate!

Contraindications

  • Coagulation disorders
  • Use of anticoagulants (esp. Marcumar)
  • Thrombosis
  • Tumor diseases, carcinoma patients
  • Pregnancy
  • Polyneuropathy (in the case of DM)
  • Acute inflammations
  • Children in growth
  • Cortisone therapy up to six weeks before first treatment in the target area
  • Pacemakers
  • Over metal implants

Success Rates

  • 91% improved for Calcific Tendinitis
  • 90% improved for Plantar Fasciitis
  • 77% improved for chronic tennis elbow

Minor Side Effects

  • Swelling, redness, haematomas
  • Petechiae
  • Pain
  • Skin lesions after previous cortisone therapy
  • Side effects generally subside after 5-10 days.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achillodynia (achilles tendinitis)
  • Shin splints
  • Muscle sprain
  • Jumper’s knee
  • Runner’s knee
  • Femoral patella syndrome
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Bursitis
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Massage, Vibration therapy
  • Soft/connective tissue/muscles with trigger points and/or increased tension are also targets for treatment
  • Low back/thoracic pain
  • Calcified shoulder tendinitis
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Cervical brachial neuralgia
  • Trapezius tension
  • Tennis elbow
  • Finger tendinitis
  • Muscular cramps/spams
  • Non healing ulcers
  • non union fractures
  • In many cases shockwave treatment gives excellent results in order to dissolve calcifications.

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How many treatments are needed? How much does it cost?

Shockwave (RPW) therapy typically requires three to six treatments, 5-10 days apart for optimal results. Additional improvement can be noted with 2 weeks and up to 3 months after treatment.

The treatments are provided by a Registered Physiotherapist and is covered under “physiotherapy” with most extended health plans.The cost of this service is 60$ per treatment.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANTIINFLAMMATORIES OR ADMINISTER TOPICAL ANITINFLAMMATORIES (PENSAID ECT. ) PRIOR TO TREATMENT. please WAIT 6 WEEKS POST CORTISONE INJECTION PRIOR TO SHOCKWAVE TREATMENT.

Other clinics in the area have shockwave machines, why should I have this treatment at Accelerated Physio?

  • Your treatment is delivered by a Registered Physiotherapist and covered under most extended health plans. If your treatment is delivered by another type of health care practitioner ( AT), you may or may not be re-reimbursed for this treatment, depending on your plan.
  • The Physiotherapist will follow the treatment with therapeutic or preventive exercises specific to your condition.
  • The RPW machine at Accelerated Physio has new technology with a unique “ramping feature”. Ramping the intensity serves to acclimate the patient to the pressure of the machine.