What is Shockwave Therapy.

History :

Shockwave was initially used in the 1970s and 80s as a non-invasive treatment for Kidney Stones and has since become the treatment of choice for such conditions.

Enquiring minds started to wonder what effects shockwaves could have on bone, cartilage and soft tissues (tendons, ligaments and fascia). This has led to a growing body of evidence of its efficiency? in aiding healing, especially in recurring? and chronic conditions.

The treatment goes by several different names, the most common being Shockwave therapy, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ECSW) or Radial Shockwave Therapy. The latter used to distinguish between the nature of the wave from the focused versions used elsewhere in medical practice.

SWT is a non-invasive, non-surgical evidence-based treatment which is quick, safe and affordable.

How Does It Work ?

The Wave :

The ‘shockwave’ is a pulse generated by compressed air which is converted into acoustic energy. The acoustic pulses are then transmitted via a dispersive wave into the tissue of the affected area.

Within therapeutic use, the wave is generated via a pneumatic system, resulting in the production of a radial (dispersive) wave. This differs from the Focussed waves which are used in Surgical Interventions and given their destructive nature are not appropriate for therapeutic use.

What does the wave do? :

Professor Tim Kratson states, that one of the strongest arguments for the use of shockwave in therapy is that it effectively takes the affected issue from a chronic state to an acute one. In doing so, this provides a stimulant or trigger to a ‘stalled’ repair sequence.

How? :

It is suggested that the shockwave accounts for the following physiological effects:

Pain Reduction
the pulses delivered to the tissue helps inhibit the transmission of the pain signal. This theory is based on Melzack and Wall’s (1965) Pain Gate Theory.
Shockwaves influence the tissue on a cellular level, promoting the release of pain inhibiting and inflammatory substances required for the healing process.
Shockwaves influence blood flow deep into the tissues, promoting tissue healing and regeneration.

If you would like more detailed information, please click here to visit our SWT Evidence/Resource page for relevant papers, website and testimonies.

BRISTOL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY.

If you have any further questions, or would like to discuss Shockwave Therapy as a treatment option please call and speak to one of our health care professionals.

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What is Shockwave Therapy.

History :

How Does It Work ?

The Wave :

What does the wave do? :

How? :

Pain Reduction

BRISTOL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY.

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