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Shockwave Treatment

Shockwave is a newer treatment technique used to target long term musculoskeletal pain when previous methods have been unsuccessful. Shockwave therapy has the advantage over other alternative treatments as it is a minimally invasive treatment option offering fast pain relief and mobility restoration without many contra-indications for it’s use.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

An acoustic wave is sent through the hand-piece, transmitting high energy impulses directly into the painful area. This energy encourages regeneration and repair of damaged tissue, whilst also having a pain-relieving effect! We can target particular structures depending on the various attachment pieces we use and particularly useful in chronic injuries.

Compressed air forms kinetic energy, transferred directly through the hand-piece into the sore, damaged tissue. Although not completely understood it is hypothesised to:

  • Increase blood vessel formation (increased blood flow and oxygen to the area, increases toxin removal and speeding up tissue repair)
  • Release trigger points
  • Stimulate collagen production (collagen is an essential part of the healing process for damaged muscles and ligamentous structures. Shockwave forces new fibres into a longitudinal structure making the newly formed tissue stronger)

TREATMENT EXPECTATION:

We rarely use shockwave treatment in isolation and will often use it along with treatments such as a tailored strength and conditioning program, biomechanical assessment, orthotic therapy, shoe wear assessment and training load review. If we deem shockwave to be an appropriate treatment for you, your myPod Podiatrist will determine the correct dosage and target areas to get the best result. We have found shockwave therapy to have success with lower limb conditions such as:

  • Plantar Fasciitis (Plantar Heel Pain)
  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Tightened Calves
  • Shin Splints