From the 1st May ESP Physio are now providing SWT at our Grangemouth and Edinburgh clinics. Despite this treatment being used in physiotherapy since the 1980’s, it is still not common knowledge amongst the public as to what it is and how it can help.
What is Shockwave?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (SWT) is a treatment option for patients struggling with soft tissue injuries including painful tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
It works by delivering sound wave energy through the skin to the injured body part via a hand held probe.
The sound waves help healing and repair of tissue.
More specifically SWT can “Promote neovascularization at the tendon-bone junction, stimulate proliferation of tenocytes and osteoprogenitor differentiation, increase leukocyte infiltration, and amplify growth factor and protein synthesis to stimulate collagen synthesis and tissue remodelling.” Source
What Injuries Does SWT Help With?
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Jumpers Knee
• Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
• Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
• Tennis/Golfers Elbow
• Calcific Tendonitis in the Shoulder
What does a SWT session involve?
The patient will book in for an Initial Assessment with the physiotherapist and if SWT is advised, the clinician will deliver this, and then book you in for either a block of three or five treatment sessions*.
*Evidence suggests that for best results 3-5 sessions of SWT are delivered
* Treatment should be delivered every 5-7 days
If you are an athlete then you will need to stop the aggravating activity during the treatment period as continuing to train or play will be detrimental to your recovery. This can be discussed in more detail with your physiotherapist.
At ESP Physio SWT will never been used in isolation. Your clinician will provide you with a rehab plan that includes a combination of advice, activity modification, mobility, strengthening and other hands-on treatment.
Contra-indications
There are some reasons why you cannot receive SWT;
If you have any of the following then unfortunatley we cannot proceed with treatment.
If you are interested in shockwave therapy please call us on 01324 227 370 to learn more or to book your initial assessment click HERE
