Radial Shockwave therapy is conservative, non-invasive, effective form of treatment that we use here at the clinic to treat persistent tendon pain. Shockwave works by sending a highly pressurised soundwave from the head of the treatment device into the affected tissue. This wave is formed by a creating a momentary force greater than the speed of sound which is directed into the tissue through a conductive gel. Each shockwave radiates out once it has conducted into the surrounding tissue to cause several different effects. Imagine a stone being dropped into a pond – these ripples are the waves moving through the affected tissue.
Shockwave therapy has a few different methods in which it works:
- The shockwave causes an inflammatory response by making the body thinking it is being injured, but without causing an actual injury, and this basically resets the healing process causing a brand-new response at the area. This is why it’s very effective for persistent tendon pain that isn’t going away.
- The pressure from the shockwave can help to break down calcium deposits ready for re-absorption (calcium deposits are an issue that can affect tendons).
- Alongside the inflammatory response, your body also produces chemicals to act on the nerves in the area to decrease their sensitivity and give great pain relief.
Radial Shockwave therapy is generally not painful but can be quite uncomfortable around a tender area, especially if it is near bone or a sensitive area of the involved tendon. Most people can tolerate it extremely easily though.
We usually recommend three shockwave sessions for most tendon problems that take place 5-10 days apart. We know according to the research base that following the third session an increased healing response takes place in the tissue for up to 8-10 weeks. This healing response will be supplemented by your physiotherapist providing you with a gradual strengthening programme to improve the strength of the tendon and its surround structures.
