Tendon injuries can be very stubborn and slow to heal, due to the limited blood supply they receive and the stresses they generally have to endure in day-to-day life (not to mention the added stresses of sporting activities!). If you’ve struggled with a tendon injury for a while, Shockwave Therapy could be the answer.
What it IS
Used by leading hospitals and Harley Street clinics for over 25 years, Shockwave Therapy is a clinically proven, non-surgical approach to treating chronic soft tissue injuries. It is used for those injuries that have persisted for over a year, or which have failed to improve after 3 months of regular treatment/rehab. It has been shown to be more effective than ultrasound treatment for tendon injuries, in both the short- and long-term. It is recommended to try for some conditions before resorting to steroid injections or surgery.
What it ISN'T
Shockwave is NOT a quick fix, and does not work on its own. While a small reduction in symptoms may be experienced from the Shockwave itself, best results are heavily dependent on incorporating rehab exercises during the treatment period and for several months afterwards. This combination approach has proved successful in 80% of cases that have not responded to other treatment. Progress is reviewed 3 months after the final Shockwave treatment, and a further course may be indicated.
What happens during Shockwave treatment?
During Shockwave therapy, a high-intensity sound wave interacts with the tissues of the body. This leads to a cascade of beneficial effects such as neovascularisation ingrowth, reversal of chronic inflammation, stimulation of collagen and dissolution of calcium build-up.
How does a Shockwave machine work?
Our Shockwave machine works by creating unique shockwave pulses using a projectile 5 times heavier than standard air-pressure systems. Through the force of the accelerator and the mass of the projectile, the pulses carry the same amount of mechanical energy but are more comfortable for the patient that other machines.
A heavy, electromagnatically accelerated, ballistic projectile transfers its kinetic energy to a transmitter head in the handpiece. The kinetic energy is transformed into impact energy in the applicator head. Shockwaves result and spread out radially from the contact area into the desired treatment region of the body.
What are the benefits of Shockwave treatment?
Will Shockwave treatment help me?
Most patients with chronic pain problems have been through various unsuccessful types of treatments. Up to 80% of the same patients worldwide report that Shockwave therapy has helped them eliminate their problem.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on the indication and tissue response. The effect of the treatment is cumulative, so you will typically need more than one (3–5) treatment.
The treatment process
Location of the area to be treated
Gel application
