EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY ( ESWT )

Shock Wave Therapy is a new technique used for treatment of conditions for multiple tendonopathies.

Indications :

• Calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder
• Tennis and golfer's elbow
• Heel spur (Plantar fasciitis)
• Patellar tip syndrome / Jumper's knee (Patello tendonitis)
• Achilles tendon pain (Achillodynia)
• Shin splints
• Peyronies

Contraindications:

• history of rupture of the plantar fascial ligament
• neurological and vascular disease of the foot
• open bone growth plates 
• pregnancy
• implanted metal in the area (bone screws and pins)
• people on medication that interferes with blood clotting such as coumadin and   prophylactic aspirin.

A course of treatment usually requires three sessions, each taking about 45 - 60 minutes, which in addition to the treatment, includes advice on retraining of weak muscles related to the injury. Pain relief can be experienced in the period immediately following the treatment and permanent results can be expected 8 - 12 
weeks following the last session.

There are a couple of theories as to how ESWT helps promote better healing. The most accepted one is that the microtrauma of the repeated shock wave to the affected area creates neo-vascularization (new blood flow) into the area. It is this new blood flow that promotes tissue healing. The second theory is that in chronic pain, the brain has "forgotten" about the pain and is doing nothing to heal the area. By having shockwave therapy a new inflammatory process is created and the brain can react to it by sending the necessary body nutrients to the area to promote healing.

Treatment for calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder

Benefits

Shock wave has the obvious benefit that it is non-invasive. There is no usage of knife as with traditional orthopaedic treatment of these conditions and as the latests technology, no anaesthesia is necessary.