Shockwave therapy in Hitchin

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy or radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment used in the management of persistent tendon injury, also known as tendinopathy. It is an evidence-based treatment supported by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for a range of tendon injuries. 
Our specialised shockwave therapy in Hitchin aims to reduce existing levels of pain, accelerate the regeneration of injured tissue and help patients return to their daily activities more quickly than by using conservative management alone.

How does it work?

Shockwave therapy uses a special machine to deliver audible soundwaves through a probe and towards the injured tissue through the skin. The probe is placed on the skin with some aqueous gel to help with the transmission of the sound waves.
Shockwaves cause microtrauma in the tissues. This helps to increase blood circulation and facilitate the regeneration of injured tissue. It can also help to reduce the sensitivity of the nerve tissue and facilitate to breakdown of calcific deposits.
 

What is shockwave therapy used for?

• Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
• Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Patella tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow (common extensor tendinopathy)
• Golfer’s elbow (common flexor tendinopathy)
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome/trochanteric bursitis
• Hamstring Tendinopathy (also called hamstring origin tendinopathy)
• gluteus medius tendinopathy
• Bone injuries – Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome), stress fractures
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Biceps tendinopathy 

How effective is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment advocated for use by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). It has been shown to significantly reduce the pain that accompanies tendinopathy and improve functionality. Studies have shown that 70% of individuals report a positive outcome for the treatment of tendon pain (Moya et al, 2018, Dedes et al 2018).

Click Here for a FullList of Treated Conditions