Defining shockwave therapy.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), or shockwave therapy, is a novel, cost-effective, and evidence-based treatment to treat tendon pain, commonly known as tendinopathy. It can also treat other diseases all over the body. Extracorporeal relates to something that exists outside of the body.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, safe treatment with substantial research and clinical studies supporting its efficacy.
The major advantages of shockwave therapy are pain reduction and function restoration. Shockwave therapy is very effective and beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, etc.
Shockwave treatment is currently supported by several randomized, double-blind clinical trials for plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and shoulder calcific tendinitis.
It can treat the following conditions;
Usually, shockwave therapy in Calgary is a reliable and efficient treatment method for various lower and upper limb conditions.
– Golfer’s elbow.
– Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
– Patella tendinopathy.
– Tennis elbow.
– Calcific tendinopathy.
– Plantar fasciitis.
– Insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
– Greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
– Proximal hamstring tendinopathy.
What is Achilles tendinopathy?
One of the most prevalent clinical diagnoses of Achilles problems is tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy commonly occurs to athletes and physical workers whose work involves significant mechanical stress that exceeds the tendon’s capacity. In comparison to women, men have a greater prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy, which is likely due to higher physical activity levels. A clinical symptom triad of pain, edema, and restricted function confirms Achilles tendinopathy. Non-insertional and insertional Achilles tendon injuries are distinct by their anatomical location.
Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors lead to Achilles tendinopathy. Insufficient blood supply, gastrocnemius-soleus dysfunction, age, sex, body weight, metabolic diseases, ankle instability, foot and foot deformities are some of the intrinsic factors. Several sports disciplines where the foot of use is evident, changes in training schedules, improper training, previous injuries, poor footwear, and inappropriate training surfaces are extrinsic factors that may lead to Achilles tendinopathy.
Symptoms of tendinopathy.
– Tendinopathy is characterized by pain, stiffness, and weakness in the afflicted region.
– When you use tendon the most, the discomfort may grow worse.
– You may feel a crunching sound when you use the tendon.
– During the night or when you first wake up in the morning, you may have increased pain and stiffness.
– If there is inflammation, the region might feel pain, redness, heat, or swelling.
How does shockwave therapy work?
This is referred to as the ‘mechanism of action’. Shockwave therapy employs a specialized device to transmit acoustic energy to the damaged area of the body via the skin. Mechanical, not electric, shockwaves emerge. They are low-energy sound waves that are audible and stimulate blood flow to the damaged region.
There are two major mechanisms of action for shockwave treatment, both of which can help treat the tendinopathy. The shockwaves first act to desensitize nerve endings, which typically results in an instant pain reduction. Second, and perhaps most significant, shockwaves induce controlled microtrauma, which is microscopic tissue injury, prompting the body to respond by boosting blood circulation and metabolism in the afflicted area. The body’s innate healing reaction will be activated and accelerated as a result of this. Shockwaves can also ‘breakdown’ calcifications and disorganized tissue. Your physiotherapist might work in tandem with a massage therapist in Calgary to offer comprehensive treatment.
Benefits of shockwave therapy for tendinopathy.
Shockwave Therapy is a type of therapy that involves a pressure disturbance that travels through a medium. The tendon is the medium in this situation. When the wave hits the tissue, it will reflect and refract all around it. Shockwave Therapy will improve blood flow, even in areas with minimal blood flow, as shown in chronic tendon injuries.
The shockwaves also trigger inflammation. When a tendon faces an injury at a chronic stage, the shockwave creates an environment in which the tendon might become acute. This acute stage will then prepare the tendon for self-healing, resulting in reduced discomfort and improved function.
Shockwave Therapy is really helpful in tendinopathy treatment as per several scientific investigation results. When combined with abnormal tendon stress, Shockwave Therapy can help with Achilles Tendinopathy.
Less known benefits of shockwave therapy.
– Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that is both effective and safe.
– Its complication rates are low and negligible.
– It is the best possible solution to treat tendinopathy without surgical risks.
Conclusion
Your physician will ask questions about your prior health and symptoms and do a physical examination to diagnose tendinopathy. If your injury is aggravating, your physician would ask you to visit a best physiotherapy in Calgary for shockwave therapy.
