What is exercise prescription?
Shockwave therapy is a unique form of non-invasive treatment that utilises the mechanical properties of shockwaves to stimulate the healing process of tissues in the body. This allows for the effective treatment of various issues, particularly tendon issues. For example, it can effectively treat things like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and achilles tendinitis.
How can exercise help?
The majority of people will require between two and six sessions for an effective course of therapy, though some with longer-standing or severe conditions may require more. Most people will start feeling noticeable improvement after the first or second session. Sessions need to be conducted at least once per week over your course of treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Your response to shockwave therapy will depend on various factors, such as your work, lifestyle, accompanying conditions, and how much you follow your practitioners advice. Some people may require top-ups throughout the year if the issue is particularly linked to factors outside of your control, such as working conditions.
Your response to shockwave therapy will depend on various factors, such as your work, lifestyle, accompanying conditions, and how much you follow your practitioners advice. Some people may require top-ups throughout the year if the issue is particularly linked to factors outside of your control, such as working conditions.
How does it differ from exercises found on the internet?
The main characteristic of the therapy is the shockwave that it’s named after. A machine generates a wave of force which is transferred directly into the tissues, similar to a sound wave. This shockwave can be calibrated to a specific intensity, frequency, and density, depending on your condition and the sensitivity of the tissues. Think of it like a very deep, very precise deep-tissue massage.
Because of the nature of the conditions that shockwave therapy aims to treat, the therapy can feel uncomfortable. Most people describe a mild discomfort, however the level of discomfort varies from person to person. Your practitioner will discuss what level of discomfort you might expect depending on your unique presentation, and will be constantly assessing how you’re responding during the treatment to ensure that the intensity remains at an appropriate level.
Because of the nature of the conditions that shockwave therapy aims to treat, the therapy can feel uncomfortable. Most people describe a mild discomfort, however the level of discomfort varies from person to person. Your practitioner will discuss what level of discomfort you might expect depending on your unique presentation, and will be constantly assessing how you’re responding during the treatment to ensure that the intensity remains at an appropriate level.
What does a plan of care look like?
When the shockwave enters the tissues, various processes occur:
- Generation of new blood vessels, increasing blood flow and driving a renewed healing response.
- Fragmentation of scar tissue and microcalcifications which can act as obstacles to healing.
- Stimulated tissue repair and regeneration by increasing the release of insulin-like growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor.
- Pain modulation, effectively dulling the intensity of the pain signals that travel through the nerves.
