Some injuries are polite: they arrive, make themselves known, respond to some sensible advice and treatment, then quietly leave……
Others, are not so polite: they linger, they grumble and complain, then behave for a while, then moan again the moment you try to walk further, play sport, garden, run, lift, kneel or generally live your life……
Dealing with the lingering, ‘why is this still here?’, chronic injury, is where Shockwave can help.
First Things First: it is not an electric shock!
Despite the name, Shockwave therapy is not someone plugging you into the mains!
It is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the tissues beneath the skin. These waves create a mechanical stimulus in the area being treated, which can help encourage a healing response, improve circulation and reduce pain in stubborn soft tissue and tendon problems.
In simple terms, it wakes up the injured ‘stuck in a rut’ tissue again, stimulating it into an effective healing phase again.
Shockwave therapy is most helpful for persistent tendon (tendinopathies) and soft tissue problems, especially those that have not settled with rest, exercises, medication or the usual sensible first steps.
It may be helpful for problems such as:
- Heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
- Achilles pain (Achilles Tendinopathy)
- Tennis elbow (Common extensor tendinopathy)
- Shoulder tendon pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)
- Lateral hip pain (Gluteal tendinopathy)
- Jumper’s knee (Patellar tendinopathy)
- Shoulder pain (Calcific tendinopathy)
Why I added Shockwave at JK Physio:
Shockwave is an evidence-based treatment and has been around for some time, but it used to be something you were more likely to find in Consultant-led hospital clinics. Modern machines have made it much more accessible in Physiotherapy settings, which means I can now offer it as part of a proper, physio-led treatment plan here at JK Physio.
I have had great success with adding Winback TECAR therapy into my treatments over the last few years. So, adding another high-level technology to my clinic, was an easy decision. There are definitely some cross overs with both technologies, but as my approach is always ‘ no one size fits all’ I wanted to make sure I had all options on offer to my patients.
The magic is not magic
Just because it is an evidence-based treatment and proven to help in the treatment of tendinopathies, it is not a magic wand!
Shockwave can be brilliant, but like most treatments, it works best when part of a proper personally tailored plan.
That usually means:
- a clear diagnosis
- a good understanding of what has caused the problem
- advice on what to keep doing and what to temporarily modify
- rehab exercises that are realistic, specific and not just “here are twelve things from the internet, good luck”
- a way of measuring whether things are improving
The key message is that Shockwave can help stimulate the healing process and reduce pain, but the results will always be better when combined with Physio, advice and homework!
Will I skip out like a spring lamb?
Maybe. But probably not instantly, and I certainly make no promises about skipping out like a spring lamb!
Some people feel a difference quite quickly. For others, the change is more gradual over a few sessions. The aim is to reduce pain, improve function and help you move forward with your rehab.
You may feel a little sore afterwards, which is normal for some people. I will talk you through what to expect, what to avoid and how to manage things between sessions.
And where does Winback TECAR therapy fit in?
If shockwave is the new kid on the JK Physio block, Winback TECAR therapy has already earned its place in the treatment room.
TECAR therapy is different from Shockwave. It uses a high-frequency current to create warmth within the tissues and stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms. TECAR can be helpful for pain, stiffness, soft tissue problems and improving range of movement. I use it for a wide range of issues, including shoulder pain, rotator cuff problems, osteoarthritis, muscle tears, Achilles problems, hip and knee rehab, back pain, neck pain, plantar fasciitis and ligament injuries.
So yes, shockwave and TECAR can overlap in the sorts of problems they may help with. But they are not the same thing.
Shockwave or TECAR: which one do I need?
That depends…….
Shockwave is often the one I will consider for more persistent tendon or soft tissue pain, especially when we need to stimulate a healing response in a stubborn area.
TECAR is often useful when we want to reduce pain, improve tissue mobility, support hands-on treatment and encourage better movement with a warming, comfortable therapy. TECAR therapy is particularly good for joint pain and stiffness.
Sometimes one is more appropriate than the other. Sometimes both may have a role at different stages. Sometimes neither is the first thing we need to do.
Also remember, that not every sore heel, elbow or shoulder automatically needs shockwave or TECAR therapy.
The important question is: what is causing the pain?
That is why assessment and good clinical reasoning always comes first, when deciding which route might best suit you and your injury or issue, at that moment in time.
Is it worth asking about?
Yes, if you have a stubborn injury that is refusing to settle, particularly if you are dealing with ongoing heel pain, Achilles pain, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, shoulder tendon pain, jumper’s knee or pain around the outside of the hip.
It may not be the answer for everyone, but it is another excellent option I can now offer alongside assessment, hands-on physiotherapy, TECAR therapy, exercise rehab and good old-fashioned clinical reasoning.
Ultimately, the aim is not to use fancy technology for the sake of it. The aim is to help you move better, hurt less and get back to doing the things you miss.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSESSMENT, SHOCKWAVE & WINBACK TECAR THERAPY
