Is working from home making you ill and injured? Are you in pain & stiffer than ever? Are you feeling isolated and unsupported? The risks are real and you are not alone. This survival guide will help you make better choices to reduce pain & stiffness and look after your body and mind. What are you waiting for? Follow our top tips to move more, organise yourself and have a positive impact on your physical and mental health
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints, is an overuse injury which leads to persistent dull pain at the front of the shin along the tibial edge.
It is more common in those who don’t exercise regularly and then suddenly try to run or increase activity levels significantly.
Symptoms include overall pain at the shin area, pain after exercise and if severe, can be painful when walking or using stairs
Clients who do not respond to conservative treatment including reduced activity and stretching and strengthening exercises should consider shockwave therapy.
Shockwave therapy can be targeted at the painful area and can increase blood flow as well as stem cell activity promoting increased healing and reduced pain
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for Osgood Schlatter disease
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Osgood-Schlatter is inflammation inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia) at the tibial tuberosity.
It is most common during growth spurts in adolescents when bones, tendons, muscles and other structures are changing rapidly. Physical activity puts further stress on these structures so adolescents who participate in sports such as running, football, and athletics are more susceptible to this injury
Symptoms include knee pain, pain at the top of the shin and tight quads and hamstrings
Clients who do not respond to conservative treatment including activity modification and stretching and strengthening exercises should consider shockwave therapy.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response.
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for Osgood Schlatter disease
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18 (parent / guardian consent required)
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Shoulder impingement is often referred to as swimmers shoulder due to the repeated overhead motions carried out by swimmers. It may also be known as subacromial impingement.
Impingement is when the supraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff rubs against the acromion (shoulder blade) due to a narrowing of the space between these two structures. The tendon can be repeatedly pinched or impinged leading to tissue injury, inflammation and pain.
Symptoms include sudden catching pain when lifting your arm overhead or backwards. Pain can occur at night causing sleep disturbance
Impingement can occur after a fall onto an outstretched arm but is more typically a gradual process caused by wear and tear and overuse of the shoulder
Impingement is more common in sports requiring repetitive overhead shoulder movements such as tennis or swimming
Shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the shoulder using a special hand held probe.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response.
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for proximal hamstring tendinopathy
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is the breakdown of collagen at the top of the hamstrings near to where the tendon attaches to the bone. It is common among long distance runners and athletes that regularly sprint with directional changes
Symptoms include pain at the very top of the hamstrings, just at the buttock crease. Pain usually occurs after activities with increased post exercise stiffness
The condition is typically the result of cumulative micro-trauma to the tendon which fails to fully heal. This results in degeneration and partial tearing of the tendon causing pain, weakness and impaired function
Symptoms may be progressive over many months or even years
Shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the hamstring using a special hand held probe.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response.
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for proximal hamstring tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions.
Physio Effect - Tennis Elbow Pain Experts
Lateral Epicondylitis is commonly known as tennis elbow while Medial Epicondylitis is known as golfers elbow.
It is caused by overuse of the muscles of the forearm which attach to the inner (golfers) and outer (tennis) elbow
Overuse causes tissue overload and cumulative micro-trauma where damaged tissue fails to properly heal. Pain and weakness then occur at the outside (lateral) or inside (medial) of the elbow joint
Symptoms include pain when lifting or bending your arm. Weakness and pain often occur when gripping and lifting objects or when twisting your forearm such as opening a jar
Symptoms may be progressive over many months or even years
Shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the elbow, using a special hand held probe.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response.
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for calcific shoulder tendinopathy (shoulder tendinitis)
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Calcific shoulder tendinopathy occurs when hydroxyapatite crystals deposit within the rotator cuff shoulder tendons. (Hydroxyapatite is an essential ingredient for normal bones and teeth. However sometimes unwanted crystals can form in or around joints and tendons causing inflammation in the surrounding structures.)
Symptoms include sudden or gradual pain in the shoulder and in severe cases range of movement in the shoulder may be significantly reduced. Pain can often be felt radiating down the back and front of the arm.
Symptoms can be similar or mimic those of shoulder impingement which may also be treated via shockwave therapy
Symptoms may be progressive over many months or even years
Shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the shoulder using a special hand held probe.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response. The shock waves can also help to break up the crystal deposits
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for calcific shoulder tendinopathy (shoulder tendinitis)
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (trochanteric bursitis)
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Previously known as trochanteric bursitis. It is caused by degenerative changes that affect the tendon and bursa of the gluteal muscles.
Symptoms include pain on the outside of the thigh that is heightened with long periods of sitting, walking or general exercise. It can be painful to lie on the affected side.
Weakness and muscle imbalance around the hip may contribute to symptoms
Symptoms can be progressive over many months or even years
Shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the hip, using a special hand held probe.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (trochanteric bursitis)
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper’s knee)
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Patellar tendinopathy is the breakdown of collagen within the patellar tendon. This is the tendon that connects your knee to your shin
Symptoms include pain just below the kneecap which may be tender to touch
Often referred to as jumper's knee as it frequently occurs in sports involving jumping such as basketball or netball.
It is typically an overuse condition where repetitive activity such as jumping and landing puts excessive pressure on the patellar tendon causing cumulative micro traumas which fail to heal fully
Long term degradation of the tendon can increase the risk of a rupture if not treated and corrected
Shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the knee, using a special hand held probe.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for Patellar tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for Plantar fasciitis
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. Plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to your forefoot. This acts as a shock absorber, supports the arches in your feet and helps assist with walking
Symptoms often include pain in the bottom of your heel and along the sole of your foot which is frequently worse first thing in the morning. Pain and disability can be progressive over many months or even years
It can be caused by numerous factors but is typically an overuse reaction where loads exceed the tissues ability to cope causing cumulative tissue stress and injury
By using the shockwave machine, shockwaves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the foot
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy is often advised to those who have not reacted well to frequent treatment methods including physiotherapy, RICE, steroid injection, and painkillers
Shockwave therapy for Plantar fasciitis
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Achilles tendinopathy is the breakdown of collagen within the Achilles tendon. This is the tendon that connects the calf muscle to your heel bone
Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the Achilles at the heel bone or in the tendon just above. Early morning stiffness is typical and symptoms can be progressive over many months or even years
It is typically an overuse condition where repetitive activity such as running or jumping and landing puts excessive pressure on the tendon causing cumulative micro traumas which fail to heal fully due in part to the poor blood supply to tendon areas
Long term degradation of the tendon can increase the risk of a rupture if not treated and corrected
Shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the tendon, using a special hand held probe.
The shock waves applied promote blood flow and stimulate stem cell activity in the tissue providing pain relief while increasing the healing response
For optimal treatment outcomes shockwave therapy will be combined with a bespoke rehabilitation and strengthening plan based around an assessment of your unique needs and goals by our experienced Physiotherapists
Shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Written by Daniel Wray (BSc Hons Physio/ PG Dip Sports Physio)
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive, non surgical procedure used to treat a variety of injuries and painful conditions. It is often referred to as extracorporeal (outside of the body) shockwave therapy or ESWT.
Shockwave therapy for greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Shockwaves are a type of acoustic wave which carry high energy to painful areas and tissues during various phases of injury helping to stimulate a tissue healing response.
The waves are created by compressed air which is then applied by the therapist onto the affected area via a handheld device.
Shockwave has recently been compared to ultrasound, however the two waveforms are very different. The energy produced via shockwave promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
Shockwave therapy carries minimal risk and is a fast and effective treatment for many chronic painful conditions. The picture below descibres some of the mechanisms of action for shockwave therapy.
Shockwave treatment for Achilles tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy has been shown to successfully treat a variety of different musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries.
This ranges from calcific tendinitis of the shoulder to plantar fasciitis of the foot.
The main aims are fast pain relief and optimal restoration of any dysfunction (stiffness / weakness etc) caused by your injury.
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in treating tendinopathies and when combined with expert Physiotherapy advice and rehabilitation the outcomes are excellent.
Shockwave therapy can treat chronic tendon pathologies including:
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis
Shockwave therapy for Osgood Schlatter disease
Shockwave therapy can also help treat some bone pathologies including:
Shockwave therapy for tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylalgia)
Shockwave therapy requires no injections or surgery.
It is usually indicated when Physiotherapy alone does not improve specific symptoms which have persisted for at least 12 weeks.
The treatment is administered via a handheld device which is placed on the skin above the injured area. The shockwaves pass into the tissue in the form of low energy sound waves which pass into the injured area enhancing blood flow and stimulating a tissue healing response.
For optimal results shockwave treatment requires a course of 3-4 treatments delivered once every 7-10 days. The shockwave treatment itself takes only a few minutes. When you book Shockwave therapy at Physio Effect we will always assess you fully on an individual basis, listening carefully to your history and needs, so that we can formulate the best possible treatment plan.
Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20 shockwave System
Not all shockwave treatments are equal so please be careful and research before committing to any treatment. Some companies may charge significant amounts for shockwave therapy yet deliver their treatment on cheap, untested and sub-standard machines. Cheap machines will be unable to produce the kind of pressures required to create a therapeutic treatment effect. At Physio Effect we do not compromise on quality and have therefore purchased the top of the range Swiss Dolorclast system to deliver our shockwave treatments.
Evo Blue Handheld Probe
The Swiss Dolorclast systems have been tried, tested and proven as effective systems for pain relief and injury recovery. On the Physiotherapy evidence Database 34 out of 62 randomised controlled trials listed used the Dolorclast shockwave systems, providing substantial high quality evidence of their efficacy.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
In simple terms shockwave treatment is at the least uncomfortable and in some cases can be painful. The nature of this technology requires the delivered shockwaves to create a focal tissue response to stimulate blood flow and cell reaction and to achieve this a level of discomfort is required. If you have received pain free shockwave treatment or been offered it as pain free it may be worth questioning if the intensity and quality of treatment provided is within the range required for therapeutic benefit.
Shockwave treatment generally takes only 3-5 minutes to deliver so most people are quite able to cope with the short duration of discomfort. Your therapist will work with you to adjust the treatment intensity so that optimal results can be achieved while managing any discomfort.
In general terms shockwave therapy is very safe and causes minimal side effects. There are relatively few contraindications to the radial shockwave which we use here at Physio Effect.
ESWT is contraindicated if;
You are pregnant
You are being treated for cancer
You have an infection or wound at the treatment site
You have had a steroid injection in the previous 6 weeks
Shockwave therapy for subacromial impingement syndrome
ESWT may not be appropriate, or used with caution if;
You have metal pins, plates or prosthesis in the area requiring treatment
You have a blood clotting disorder
You are under 18
You are taking anticoagulant medication
You have had a serious tissue rupture at the injury site previously
Loss of sensation at the site of injury
If you are in any doubt about whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you then please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
Our experienced team at Physio Effect are specialists in the field and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about Shockwave Therapy. Click below to contact us.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we sincerely hope that you find it useful. We appreciate all feedback so please take a moment and let us know what you think.
Back pain is very common. It’s frustrating at best and debilitating at worst. This guide will help you develop strategies for long term change to get rid of back pain and stay pain free long term. No magic bullet or ‘Guru’ advice here, just sensible and actionable tips allowing you to take control and start your journey to a pain free back.
I started a 16-week marathon training program in January, only to get a recurring calf injury in the second week, but thanks to treatment and advice from Jonny, I was able to get back to training in a couple of weeks and back to running properly is a couple more, but it was a less than ideal start.
Fiona Callan is a CrossFitter and Ultra-marathoner who injured her back in 2017. She had an MRI which confirmed an L5/S1 disc bulge with nerve root irritation. In this interview we discussed how she avoided surgery and returned to the things she loved doing best.
I work in the NHS, primarily an office based job. Preceding my injury I was also studying for an MSc so basically spent all day and night sitting at a desk.
I started running in 2008, mainly 5k and 10k distance on roads but I wasn’t very good and didn’t enjoy it so moved to trail and hill running instead when I started gradually to increase my distance. I met some really cool people to run with as well. In 2012, I was talked into a trip to Nepal by a friend but it wasn’t until around 4 weeks to go that I found out he had signed me up to an ultra marathon. I didn’t even know what that was! It was sheer determination that got me through that and I really caught the ultra marathon bug.
In 2014 I started CrossFit as I thought some strength and conditioning type training would help with my running and I had no idea what I was doing in a conventional gym. The coaching and set workout approach has really worked for me and made me use muscles I didn’t know I had.
To be honest I’ve always had a bit of a lower back niggle, probably postural, but thought it would just go away. It was definitely something I started to feel more when I started CrossFit as I really had to use my back and core more than I had been doing running. Slowly I noticed it had started to affect my running, I had pain in my right buttock that shot down my leg now and again and my leg generally felt heavy. If I left it a few days it would go away but it meant I couldn’t really run or CrossFit as much as I wanted to.
It started affecting my job as I couldn’t sit comfortably for any period of time. I was travelling by train to Edinburgh at least twice a week which became difficult. On one journey I had to get off the train and go back to Glasgow as I couldn’t face sitting for an hour.
Then during a workout involving a barbell I cried so much I had to admit that something wasn’t right.
My initial symptoms were primarily in my lower back, there was a build up of pressure around my stomach and back even when I bent over the sink to wash my face. I tried to keep active but really scaled back on what I was doing. I kept up my hill walking as this is an activity I love doing with my nephew – I used poles and made Ewan carry my bag as he’s the young one! I tried running but could only manage 1k before I felt my back stiffen.
One Saturday I went walking with Dad and Ewan in the Lake District. It was an amazing day. The hill wasn’t too hard; we took our time and enjoyed it. It was the shooting pain in my right leg that woke me up early on the Sunday morning. I tried to stand up but my leg just wouldn’t work. I limped to the bathroom hanging onto the wall and at that point I knew there was something seriously wrong. It sounds dramatic but I genuinely felt paralysed down that whole side of my lower body, first thoughts were ‘I’ll never run again!’ and panicked. My boyfriend called NHS24 and a nurse managed to calm me down and suggested I took paracetamol with ibuprofen and try find a comfortable position until a doctor could get to me. A few hours and one injection later the pain had dulled. He said it was my sciatic nerve; I should try to relax and spend less time sitting down!
I got an appointment with Jonny who did some needling on my lower back/ glutes and gave me some exercises to do. I am the most impatient person and after a week of exercises I didn’t feel any different so I saw another physio (sorry!) who basically told me the same thing and gave me the same exercises. I really was in denial about how serious it was. I spoke to coaches in the gym, chatted to other runners and did a lot of Googling but all the answers were the same.
It was the mental part I actually found the toughest to deal with. I have made so many friends through running and CrossFit and my social media is full of it too so I was always seeing and hearing about all these amazing runs and PBs. I just felt stuck and disconnected. I saw my GP as I really felt like I was struggling to cope. People were always asking how I am and telling me I should ‘do this and do that’ and eventually I just got fed up talking about it. My GP didn’t really help me; she referred me to her physio friend but I didn’t go.
At the same time, Jonny had passed me onto Mariam for Clinical Pilates and it was during my consultation that she suggested some short term medication for my nerve problem in my right leg. I went to another GP for this and as well as giving me the medication, he was really keen to get me back running and to the gym so he referred me for an MRI.
Yeah I was really lucky in that I got an MRI pretty quickly. I think the 2nd GP had something to do with that. A few weeks after the scan. I received a letter with a hospital appointment but with no other information. Frustrating and worrying. I thought well there must be something not quite right and because of my problem with patience, I called the GP and asked him to give me a brief overview of the scan. He said he could see a disc bulge and I should continue doing my physio exercises until my appointment. I had just started with the Clinical Pilates class so I let Mariam know the issue and she tailored exercises for me until I found out more about the problem.
I remember getting a phone call from a surgeon in the spinal unit and it made me feel sick. I actually don’t remember what he said to me as the idea of back surgery just terrified me. I wasn’t exactly in crippling pain so the idea of surgery just felt a bit extreme to me. This was something I definitely wanted to avoid. I just really trusted my physios and they really believed I could get better without it. I didn’t feel that my pain was bad enough for surgery – for me this was the last resort, I’ve never heard positive stories about it.
At the appointment, the doctor went through my scan which I found fascinating. I actually felt a bit of weight come off my shoulders when I could physically see the issue. It had been hard to accept when I didn’t know for sure what the problem was but there it was clear in front of me. She then told me that they would do surgical intervention if I was getting sharp pains down the top of my leg. I told her I had that a few weeks before but it had been getting much better. We left it at that and I was told to get in touch if anything changed.
I had so many conversations with my boyfriend, my parents (and myself) and decided that it wasn’t the end of the world if I couldn’t run 50 miles or couldn’t deadlift 100kg as long as I could stay active. I would just scale back what I was doing.
I had done a bit of Pilates before as I’d read and heard it was good for runners. It was one of those things I struggled to stick to because I never left the class feeling like I’d worked hard and my issue with patience didn’t help. When I told my boyfriend about it he signed me up for 6 weeks because he knew I’d have to go if he paid for it! I noticed a huge difference after these 6 weeks.
It is basically pilates but physio led so your exercises are all tailored to whatever issue you may have so we’re all doing something different generally. It’s a small class but everyone is in the same boat and really friendly. Mariam checks in with you regularly during the class and pushes you when you’re ready but also changing exercises if something isn’t quite feeling good.
I expected my exercises to all be lower back focused as that’s where my injury was but actually they’ve been full body movements. As well as having a stronger back, I have a stronger core and much improved posture. Mariam also spent some time working on my legs, particularly my right leg as the nerve had been affected and I had limited movement and very little strength.
I was always doing a scaled back version of CrossFit and a bit of trail running while I was injured but I was mindful of undoing my hard work. It was important to me mentally that I kept in touch with coaches/ friends in the gym and my runner friends.
I accepted my injury in May 2017 and started Clinical Pilates in the October. In May 2018 I was a more confident runner so decided to train for a race following a plan, building up in distance and I finished the Mad Hatters Half Marathon and the Glentress Half Marathon with a PB and no back or leg pain. Not quite back at ultra marathon distance but I’m actually enjoying the shorter runs at the moment. In June 2018 I started back at CrossFit and noticed that I’m better at a lot of the movements as I actually use my back and core as I should. I’m always conscious of loading too much weight on bars and I know certain movements still aggravate my back but I know when to stop and I just need to gradually build my strength back up. I was asked if I’d like to be part of a team from the gym for a CrossFit competition, I said yes why not I can try and we finished in 3rd place with no back injury!
Your back is such a major part of your body so decisions on surgery should never be made lightly. Unless a professional is telling you there is no other option I would encourage people to commit to the exercises, spend less time sitting down and stay active by doing anything you find fun (that’s obviously not going to hurt you)
Working through this injury has taught me so much about my body and my lifestyle as well as making me a better runner and CrossFitter. This is all coming from the most impatient person!
Single leg exercises should be incorporated in strength and conditioning sessions as it is the best way to mimic the single leg work required in running with landing and push-off. It is also a good way to identify any imbalances from one side to the other. In the final part of this series, Jonny’s pain had largely settled and his rehab focused on single leg control. He also practiced a more efficient running technique to minimise loads placed on the knee.
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