The Healing Power of Shockwave Therapy

What are RPW shockwaves and how do they work?

It is probably easiest to think about this modality as a "tissue reboot", not unlike rebooting a computer system. The tissue involving collagen in our bodies has a tendency to become disorganised and confused in the healing cascade, much like an overloaded computer. If we reboot the tissue, this then allows for the restart of the cascade, and a better organisation of the tissue.

Radial shockwaves are introduced into the body by means of a freely moved applicator over the entire pain region. Radial shockwaves are often referred to as radial pressure waves (RPW), which is the correct definition in physical terms. The energy from these acoustic waves is being transferred into the tissue. This is what provides the mechanical stimulation and gives the effect.

The pathological association between pain and muscle tone and vascular tone is broken as a result of shock wave therapy and the strong stimuli it produces, thus enabling natural movement patterns to be remembered and recalled.

What are the side effects of shockwave therapy?

Side effects are rare, as we are working with the body to stimulate the body's own natural healing mechanisms without introducing any external artificial substances, such as chemicals or needles. Some side effects may occur and include:

  • Reddening
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Haematoma (bruising)
  • Petechia (red spots)
Consult with your Podiatrist before taking any pain relief. Side effects, if present, will abate fairly quickly.

What to expect from treatment

RPW Shockwave - helping improve healing and reduce pain in chronic musculoskeletal conditions. A course of treatment usually involves three to six treatments spread a week apart. This is to allow for a cumulative effect in the tissue, but also to allow time for reset and calming of the reactivated tissue before redosing.

It is also worthy to note that the healing effect will continue once shockwaves have ceased. Full collagen maturation can take up to three months.

 

  • Pain decrease, analgesic effect – Nitric Oxide
    release and descending inhibition/pain gate
    theory.
  • Reduction of muscle tension.
  • Reduction of calcifications and fibrotic changes
    (seen in the longer term).
  • Improved range of motion.
  • Strengthening of connective tissue.
  • Increased cell regeneration process
    (fibroblasts).
  • Improvement of blood and lymphatic
    circulation (angiogenesis/ revascularization).

Will it work for me?

Radial pressure wave therapy is indicated for the following applications:

  • Heel pain - this is one of the best researched treatments for this condition. In a recent article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine 2021 this modality was ranked as one of the top three in the treatment of plantar heal pain.
  • Myofascial trigger points - localised tender or painful area.
  • Tendinopathies, eg/ plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy.

There is a growing body of medical evidence and literature on the efficacy of RPW therapy. We're happy to provide you more information about this at your request.

shock wave therapy

Contraindications

If you have/are any of the following, your Podiatrist will be able to advise you further:

  • Pregnancy
  • Heamophilia or other coagulation disorders
  • Acute inflammation
  • Disturbed sensory and nervous function, eg/
    diabetes
  • Corticosteroid injections - wait minimum of 6 weeks after local injections
  • Malignancy
  • Prostheses and implants

Post-treatment recommendations

It is not uncommon for patients to feel immediate pain relief post treatment, but this is not the norm, especially early on in treatment.

Patient should be advised on ‘active rest’ for 24-48 hours post treatment.

Patient may continue with strengthening exercises, but do not increase load for the first 48 hours post treatment (due to pain inhibition effect), and the risk of potential overload of the tendon.

Ice is not recommended. If there is pain post treatment, use for 2-4 min maximum.

If patient is not undertaking a loading program (isometric, concentric, eccentric), recommend commencing gradual loading from session 2-3.

The patient may experience post treatment flare; treat again once flare has settled. This is very uncommon in our experience.

Sound wave shape with different amplitude. Continuous one line drawing. Vector illustration.

Still in pain?

Are you feeling like you have tried everything but are still in pain?

Do you feel like you have seen every health practitioner you can about your tendon pain?

We have a track record of diagnosing and successfully treating cases that have previously proven difficult to resolve and we'd love to help you get back on your feet doing what you love.

Providing the people of Waikato with a centre of podiatry excellence

NewLOGO#2 March 2019

Contact Waikato Podiatry Clinic now to make an appointment!

07 838 0003

www.waikatopodiatry.co.nz

10 Pembroke Street, Hamilton             93a Thomas Road, Rototuna

1 Comment

  1. Cherie Rhind on October 30, 2022 at 9:02 am

    Hi

    I had a right total knee replacement on the 7th October. I am wondering if this treatment will help with my recovery. I am not yet reaching full flexion/extension and am unable to do a full circle on the cycle. I am attending physio.

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