We are pleased to announce that we now offer new revolutionary Shockwave Therapy

Posted by Phil Heler, MD on May 15, 2018

Shockwave Therapy is the most advanced non-surgical and non-invasive treatment available for a wide range of stubborn conditions that are difficult to treat using a conventional treatment approach.

The Buxton Osteopathy Clinic has now invested in new revolutionary Shockwave Therapy. We have made this decision because there is a growing body of good quality clinical evidence that underpins this new exciting technology. This is consistent with our mandate to offer our patients the best possible treatment outcomes using modalities supported by best clinical evidence.

Shockwave Therapy is the most advanced non-surgical and non-invasive treatment available for a wide range of stubborn conditions that are difficult to treat using a conventional treatment approach. Shockwave Therapy will preclude the need for steroid injections and invasive surgeries and enable rapid relief from your pain. 

So What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is correctly termed Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This new revolutionary  technology passes shockwaves through the skin to the injured part of your body. These high speed shockwaves are generated by compressed air and are applied by using a hand held applicator. It works by increasing blood flow to the injured area, stimulating cell regeneration and healing and decreasing local factors which can cause pain.

So What does It Treat?

Shockwave Therapy is an effective tool for a wide range of stubborn soft tissue conditions such as chronic tendon problems (or tendinopathies) and bony conditions. These are often difficult to treat using conventional approaches. Here are some examples of conditions where shock wave has effectively treated and restored normal function:

•Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

•Shoulder pain, e.g. calcific lesions and tendon related symptoms of the rotator cuff and bony spurs

•Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

•Medial epicondylitis (golfer‘s elbow)

•Patellar tendonitis (jumper‘s knee)

•Tibial stress syndrome (shin pain)

•Achilles tendonitis

•Hip pain

•Heel pain, heel spurs

•Chronic neck dysfunction

How successful is Shock Wave Therapy?

After only 3 or 4 treatments with shock wave, over 80% of patients report a reduction of pain and regaining of normal function.

Shockwave Therapy is so effective it is now recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE is an independent body set up in 1999 in order to provide the best evidence based guidance and advice based on research and evidence about which treatments are most effective. 

There are now Nice Guidelines on Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (click on these links below to view guidelines):

Shockwave Therapy for Trochanteric Pain (Hip)

Shockwave for Achilles (Heel)

Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder

Research papers for Shock Wave Therapy (please click on a link to review research)

Shockwave Therapy for soft tissue injuries (ESWT)

EPAT for Trigger Points and Myofascial Conditions in Sport Medicine (Robert Gordon, M.D. & Chris Broadhurst, M.D.)

Heal pain treatment results using EPAT vs ESWT

Extra-corporeal Pulsed-activated Therapy (“EPAT” Sound Wave) for Achilles Tendinopathy

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Low Energy Extracorporeal Pulse Activated Therapy (EPAT) for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Posted by Phil Heler, MD