Shockwave Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Musculoskeletal Pain

Do you suffer from chronic pain in your muscles, tendons, or joints? Have you tried various treatments, such as medication, physiotherapy, or injections, but found no lasting relief? If so, you might want to consider shockwave therapy, a non-invasive and evidence-based treatment that can help you recover from your condition and improve your quality of life.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy (SWT) is a treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the healing process of injured tissues. The sound waves are delivered through a handheld device that is applied to the affected area. The sound waves create microtrauma in the tissue, which triggers an inflammatory response and increases blood flow and oxygen delivery. This enhances the natural repair mechanisms of the body and reduces pain and inflammation.

There are two main types of SWT: focused and radial. Focused SWT uses a single beam of sound waves that can penetrate deeper into the tissue and target specific points. Radial SWT uses a broader beam of sound waves that spread over a larger area and affect the superficial layers of the tissue. Both types of SWT have different advantages and applications, depending on the condition and the patient’s preference.

What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?

SWT has been shown to be effective in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

• Plantar fasciitis: a common cause of heel pain, due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
• Achilles tendinopathy: a degenerative condition of the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy: a condition that affects the tendons of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable shoulder movements.
• Lateral epicondylitis: also known as tennis elbow, a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, due to overuse or injury of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow bone.
• Patellar tendinopathy: also known as jumper’s knee, a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the front of the knee, due to overuse or injury of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone.
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, due to inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the bone, or the gluteal tendons, which attach the hip muscles to the thigh bone.

SWT can help these conditions by:

• Reducing pain: SWT can reduce pain by overstimulating the nerve endings in the affected area, which can block the pain signals from reaching the brain. SWT can also reduce pain by releasing endorphins, the natural painkillers of the body.
• Improving function: SWT can improve function by increasing the range of motion, strength, and stability of the affected joint or muscle. SWT can also improve function by breaking down scar tissue, calcifications, or adhesions that may limit the movement or flexibility of the tissue.
• Promoting healing: SWT can promote healing by stimulating the production of new collagen, the main structural protein of the connective tissue. SWT can also promote healing by activating the stem cells, the undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of cells and regenerate the damaged tissue.

What is the evidence for shockwave therapy?

SWT is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates its safety and effectiveness. A systematic review of 23 studies found that SWT is beneficial and safe for a number of soft tissue musculoskeletal conditions, and that the benefit is dose-dependent, with greater success seen with higher dose regimes¹. Another systematic review of 63 studies found that SWT altered the morphology of musculoskeletal conditions, potentially reflecting changes in underlying pathophysiological processes². A meta-analysis of 18 studies found that SWT was superior to placebo or other treatments in reducing pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis³. A meta-analysis of 28 studies found that SWT was effective in resolving calcific deposits and improving pain and function in patients with rotator cuff calcific tendinitis⁴.

What can you expect from shockwave therapy at Skelian Chiropractic Clinic?

At Skelian Chiropractic Clinic, we are proud to be using the latest technology and equipment. We are one of the few clinics in Cheltenham that can provide this service, and we have a team of experienced and qualified practitioners who can deliver the best possible care for your condition.

When you visit us for SWT, you can expect:

• A thorough assessment: We will take a detailed history of your condition, perform a physical examination, and use diagnostic tools, such as ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis and identify the optimal treatment plan for you.
• A personalised treatment: We will explain the benefits and risks of SWT, and discuss your expectations and goals. We will tailor the treatment to your specific needs, and adjust the intensity, frequency, and duration of the sound waves according to your tolerance and response. We will also provide you with advice on self-care, exercises, and lifestyle modifications to enhance the outcome of the treatment.
• A course of treatment: We will usually recommend a course of 3 to 6 sessions of SWT, depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition. Each session will last about 15 to 30 minutes, and will be spaced at least a week apart. We will monitor your progress and evaluate your results at each session, and at a follow-up appointment 4 to 6 weeks after the last session.
• A high success rate: Generally speaking, Shockwave has around a 60-70% high success rate of SWT, With many of our patients reporting significant improvement or resolution of their symptoms, and increased satisfaction and quality of life.

If you are interested in trying SWT, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us today to book an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Please call the clinic on 01242 25400 to find out more and speak to one of our practitioners. 

We look forward to helping you at Skelian in Cheltenham.