Shockwave Therapy -Exclusively at our Galway City Location
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy or simply “shockwave Therapy” for short, is a treatment modality used by clinicians with the aim of fast reduction of pain and restoration of function.
It is primarily used for resistant soft tissues injuries, such as tendon injuries, which have been slow to respond to other conservative treatments such as soft tissue massage, dry needling, stretching and strengthening exercises.
Shockwave delivers low and high energy acoustic shockwaves to the injured tissue via a handheld probe.
These mechanical shockwaves help to activate the body’s own natural healing process and reduce pain by:
- Increasing metabolic activity through improved blood circulation and formation of new blood vessels
- Accelerating the healing process through cell regeneration
- Stimulating nerves to help decrease sensitivity in the area of pain
- Breaking up calcification within tendons which can then be reabsorbed by the body
- Inducing an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect
Persistent Plantar Fasciitis (Heel pain) and chronic Achilles Tendonitis are the most well-researched and most commonly treated conditions; however shockwave therapy can be used with all chronic tendon injuries, muscular trigger points and even stress fractures.
Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment option, and has been shown to be highly effective with evidence suggesting a success rate of 77% for the treatment of chronic soft tissue conditions which have not benefited from other treatment options. It is relatively pain free and you can return to work and normal daily activities straight after your treatment.
5-6 treatment sessions placed 1 week apart will be required to successfully treat the majority of patients. A reduction in symptoms is often experienced after just 1 session; however it is important to understand that the healing process continues for up to 6 weeks following the final treatment. To enhance the results of the treatment and ensure long term relief combining shockwave with an individualized exercise program will be advised in most cases.
So if you are suffering with a grumbling tendon issues or soft tissue injury which is stopping you for doing the things you enjoy, shockwave therapy may be the option for you.
Shockwave therapy is available exclusively at our Galway City clinic; please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like more information about this treatment or to discuss the treatment packages available.