Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option that uses high-energy shockwaves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. The shockwaves are delivered through a hand-held device that applies pressure waves to the affected area.
How does it work?
The high-energy acoustic waves used in shockwave therapy (RSWT) stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. When the sound waves reach the affected area of the body, they cause the process of cavitation – a wavelike disturbance in the soft tissue. This movement of the fluids within soft tissues increases blood flow and stimulates the production of growth factors and stem cells. These growth factors and stem cells promote the growth of new tissue and new blood vessels to repair the damaged tissue.
Shockwave therapy also has the added effect of reducing inflammation markers in the affected area, resulting in less pain which makes performing rehabilitation exercise more comfortable and effective.
What conditions does Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave Therapy has attracted several clinical research trials which have supported its use in the treatment of patients with the following conditions:
- Plantar Fasciitis/heel spur (calcaneal spur)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
- Patella tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Other tendinopathy
Side Effects
- Occasionally mild post-treatment pain
- Local bruising – uncommon and minor
- Tendon rupture has not been reported following radial shockwave therapy, unlike cortisone
Contraindications
Please inform your Physiotherapist/Podiatrist if you have a one of the following contra-indications as this form of treatment may not be appropriate for you:
- Pregnancy
- Bleeding and blood coagulation disorders and associated medication consumption
- Skin wound or acute inflammation in treatment area
- Tumour in treatment area