What is Shockwave therapy used to treat?

Plantar fasciopathy (PF) is a painful condition that affects the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. It is a prevalent cause of heel pain, accounting for around 11-15% of foot-related symptoms seen by healthcare professionals. In patients with persistent plantar fasciitis, radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been shown to provide substantial improvements in pain, function, and overall quality of life when compared to a placebo treatment. This treatment option offers hope for individuals struggling with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis and can greatly enhance their well-being.

Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that can bring about pain and challenges in daily life. However, there is hope for relief! Guided DolorClast® Therapy presents a treatment concept that equips practitioners with the means to achieve effective and enhanced results through the utilization of radial and focused shockwave therapy, as well as laser therapy. By adopting this non-invasive and safe approach, the management of knee osteoarthritis symptoms becomes a possibility, offering much-needed relief.

Patellar tendinopathy (PT), commonly known as jumper's knee, is a chronic overuse injury affecting the patellar tendon. This condition can be severe, causing significant disruptions to an athlete's participation in sports, with recovery periods ranging from 6 months to over 2 years.

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Shockwave treatment has proven to be a safe and effective for chronic patellar tendinopathies that have not responded to conservative measures and physical therapy. Combining shockwave therapy with eccentric exercises and standardised physical therapy protocols has yielded the best outcomes in managing this condition.

Myofascial trigger points (MFTPs) are frequently responsible for chronic neck and back pain, arising from specific areas of muscle believed to have suffered trauma due to acute injury or repetitive stress. These trigger points can develop in any skeletal muscle. Shockwave therapy presents a potential treatment option for addressing idiopathic back pain and pseudo-radicular syndromes.

The Achilles tendon, formed by the combination of tendons from the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, connects these muscles to the back of the heel. Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (MPAT) is a painful condition, either acute or chronic, affecting the Achilles tendon. Recent research demonstrates that a combination of eccentric loading and repetitive low-energy shock-wave treatment yields superior results compared to eccentric loading alone, particularly at the 4-month follow-up stage.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) encompasses various hip disorders affecting the lateral hip region. These include gluteus medius and minimus tears, trochanteric bursitis, and external coxa saltans. In randomised controlled trials, radial shock wave therapy has consistently shown superior results compared to corticosteroid injections and home training after 4 months. Patients receiving radial shock wave therapy experienced a faster return to physical activities, with up to 64% able to resume sports at the 4-month mark, thanks to the effectiveness of DolorClast® Radial Shock Waves.