Shockwave therapy

For somebody who is not familiar with the different types of (physio-)therapy, it is difficult to decide what kind of treatment you need. Particularly in situations when there seems to be ‘hypes’ of treatments that come and go.
Also in physiotherapy there is a ‘revolution’ in the way we treat certain injuries. In the old days we had tools like infrared, electrotherapy, laser, ultrasound etc. and we used to ‘know exactly’ what we were dealing with. Terms as tendinitis and bursitis are even known for the general public, as if everyone had the same idea about the problem they faced.

But times are drastically changing!

The spectrum of tools we used are not as effective as we thought. Even our diagnostics are subjected to big changes. As some of you have experienced chronic problems with rotator cuff (shoulder),(tennis-) elbow, knee tendons, Achilles tendon or foot, results of various treatments can be very disappointing. Even drastic follow-ups like cortisone injections or surgery are not always the answer.
So, it seems we are running out of options…

The change of diagnostics are mainly caused by the use of echography or ultrasound scanning. The way we deal with chronic tendon problems are nowadays based on these scans.
Therefore we understand better what the problem is.
The latest tools in treating chronic tendon injuries are based on the following pillars: getting rid of the cause (calcifications!), better movement of the joint and improve strength of the tendon.

One device that made an impressive entry in today’s physiotherapy is shockwave therapy. This machine has the ability to improve circulation, dissolve calcifications and enhance metabolism in the tissue. This is done by intense impulses (mechanical ‘shock’), coming out of a probe.
When somebody suffers from a chronic tendinopathy or calcification, 6-8 treatments are required to tackle this problem.

Does it mean that every problem is suitable for this treatment with equal good results?
Unfortunately not. Ruptures in tendons, certain ‘soft’ calcifications and bony changes will not respond.

Unfortunately not. Ruptures in tendons, certain ‘soft’ calcifications and bony changes will not respond.

Does it mean that no further treatment is necessary?
Also unfortunately not. The myth that the body will solve the problem without your input has to be denied. To stimulate your body to create ‘healthy’ collagen means long term training (‘eccentric loading’).
But the good news is: there are new ways to lose the constant nagging tendon pains that effects your daily life.
Shockwave therapy is state-of-the-art physiotherapy of the 21th century!