Read our latest interview with our in-house physiotherapist, Anil, on the evolution of shockwave therapy and why he considers shockwave therapy a key tool in his physiotherapy practice at Living Room Health.
Can you start by telling us, what is shockwave therapy (SWT) and how is it used?
Shockwave therapy (SWT), also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment technique that uses acoustic waves to promote healing and alleviate pain in various musculoskeletal conditions. These acoustic waves are generated by a device and delivered to the targeted area through a handheld applicator.
SWT can be used to treat a range of orthopedic, sports medicine, urological, and physiotherapy conditions. It has been found effective in addressing chronic tendinitis (calcific and non-calcific), muscle and joint pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, lateral hip pain (greater trochanteric pain syndrome), calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, and Peyronie’s disease, among others.
How has shockwave therapy evolved over time?
Shockwave therapy was initially developed in the 1980s as a non-invasive method for breaking up kidney stones using high-energy sound waves. The success of this approach led to further exploration of shockwaves in the medical field, particularly for musculoskeletal injuries.
Over time, shockwave therapy has evolved and become established as a viable treatment option. Extensive research studies and clinical trials have been conducted, demonstrating its effectiveness and safety in various conditions. It has gained recognition and approval from organizations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for specific indications. According to the research it shows about 70-80 percent success rate treating with the shockwave therapy, with low negligible complications.
I have incorporated shockwave therapy into my practice since 2010. I have been using this novel method to treat chronic calcific and non-calcific tendinitis, muscle and joint pain with great success.
"In my experience, I have observed that shockwave therapy has helped patients recover faster and return to their sports or activities more quickly. It has been associated with reduced pain intensity, improved functional abilities, increased tissue healing and regeneration, enhanced range of motion, and faster recovery times."
Why is shockwave therapy a key tool in your physiotherapy practice?
Shockwave therapy is a valuable tool in my physiotherapy practice for several reasons. Firstly, it is a non-invasive procedure, which means it does not require surgical incisions or medications to treat the injured area. This aspect makes it appealing to patients who prefer conservative treatment options.
Additionally, shockwave therapy can provide pain relief and accelerate the healing process, allowing patients to start their rehabilitation program in a graded manner. When combined with exercises and manual therapy, it serves as an effective adjunct for promoting recovery and restoring functional abilities.
In my experience, I have observed that shockwave therapy has helped patients recover faster and return to their sports or activities more quickly. It has been associated with reduced pain intensity, improved functional abilities, increased tissue healing and regeneration, enhanced range of motion, and faster recovery times.
Is shockwave therapy available through the National Health Service (NHS)?
Yes, shockwave therapy is available in select NHS Trusts. It has gained recognition and approval from NICE for certain indications such as chronic plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, lateral hip pain (greater trochanteric pain syndrome), calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, and Peyronie’s disease. However, availability may vary depending on the specific NHS Trust and the condition being treated. At Living Room Health we offer private consultations and shockwave therapy sessions.
If you are seeking professional consultation or treatment using shockwave therapy, we recommend Anil Prasad, an experienced practitioner in the field. With a deep understanding of shockwave therapy and its applications, Anil has successfully treated numerous patients, helping them find relief from musculoskeletal conditions and accelerate their recovery. To book a consultation or treatment with Anil you can complete our contact form.
