Shockwave therapy or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) is a machine that delivers acoustic waves of high energy to the painful spots and myofascial tissue. The energy is delivered by a transmitter at the end of the hand applicator, which sends the waves into specific tissue and area of pain. The great thing about it is its non-invasive, minimally painful and you can walk out of the clinic feeling better straight away.
How does it work?
Shockwave therapy works to speed up healing, increase cell growth and reduce pain fast. There are multiple modalities that assist with these, but the main ways are:
1. It promotes neovascularisation- This means it promotes new blood vessel formation in tissues. This is important as you need nutrients and new cells to kick off the healing process.
2. Increased cell growth- We need a balance of new growth cells at the site of injury or pain to help to repair tissue these include collagen to repair tendons and bone.
3. Reducing pain – Reduces a neurotransmitter called Substance P. This neuropeptide is associated with persistent and chronic pain.
Who can use it?
Almost anyone! At Footmed we use in tendon and other painful conditions below the knee. The most common conditions it’s used for are plantar heel pain, achilles tendon pain and trigger point release. However, there is a range of other tendon and foot conditions which it can help with.
At Footmed, we use shockwave therapy as part of our holistic management plans and together with other therapies to get you back to the activities you love doing.
Lets not let the pain keep you down, call the clinic on 8532 5744 to make a booking to assess if shockwave therapy can be the right tool to get you moving pain free again.