What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that involves delivery of shock waves to injured soft tissue to reduce pain and promote healing. ESWT is a viable option to consider for many patients who present with a chronic tendinopathy that hasn't responded to more conservative treatments. Often difficult to treat, chronic tendinopathy is characterised by localised pain and pathological changes to a tendon. The condition affects athletes and non-athletes alike.

EVIDENCE FOR ESWT

Multiple high-quality randomised clinical trials have provided substantial evidence that ESWT is a safe and effective non-invasive option for treating tendinopathy throughout the musculoskeletal system.

ESWT has been shown to be beneficial for treating the following areas of tendinopathy:

• Rotator cuff

• Lateral epicondyle

• Medial epicondyle

• Greater trochanter (gluteus medius and minimus)

• Proximal hamstring origin

• Rectus femoris

• Distal quadricep

• Patellar tendon

• Posterior tibial

• Peroneal tendons

• Achilles

• Plantar fascia

Are there ANY ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS?

The shock waves may be uncomfortable or painful but most patients tolerate it well. Minor bruising may develop, but that is temporary and rare.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Drop us a message or a call today to speak to any of our highly trained physiotherapists.

Available in both our CBD and River Valley branches.
There are no additional charges for ESWT, it is included in the standard session rate.