SHOCK WAVE THERAPY
Shock waves are audible high-energy sound waves. They occur in the atmosphere, for example when lightning strikes, or when aeroplanes break through the sound barrier. In the medical world, shock waves have been employed since around 1980 to disintegrate kidney stones. For pain and soft tissue therapy, shock wave energy is conducted from the place of generation to the painful body regions where it accelerates the healing process by activating the body’s self healing powers (inflammation). The process stimulates metabolism and enhances blood circulation, damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.
What disorders can be treated?
- Shoulder pain, e.g. shoulder calcifications, rotator cuff tendonitis/bursitis/impingement syndrome
- Tennis or Golfers elbow
- Patellar tendonitis (jumpers knee)
- Shin pain/shin splints
- Achilles tendon pain
- Heel pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Chronic neck, shoulder and back pain
- Muscle tension caused by painful muscular nodules/trigger points
- Knee osteoarthritis
Therapy Details
How successful is the therapy?
After only 3 sessions, over 80% of patients report painlessness or significant pain reduction
How is the therapy performed?
Therapist localizes pain region by palpation and orthopaedic testing. Skin gel is applied to the treatment area to allow shock waves to transmit into the body. Shock wave generator is then put on the painful spot.
Duration and frequency of therapy
The therapy session takes between 5 – 10 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. In general an average of 2 to 3 therapy sessions are necessary at weekly intervals.
Shock wave therapy has virtually no risks or side effects.
All of our Therapists are fully insured, certified and registered with our respective associations. Want to learn more? Canadian Athletic Therapists Association