What is Shockwave Therapy?
Performance Physiotherapy • 15 March 2023

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Shockwave therapy is a multidisciplinary device used in orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, urology and veterinary medicine. Its main assets are fast pain relief and mobility restoration. Together with being a non-surgical therapy with no need for painkillers makes it an ideal therapy to speed up recovery and cure various indications causing acute or chronic pain. 


MECHANISM OF ACTION

Shockwave is an acoustic wave which carries high energy to painful spots and myoskeletal tissues with subacute, subchronic and chronic conditions. The energy promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues. 


Shockwaves are characterized by jump change in pressure, high amplitude and non-periodicity. 


The kinetic energy of the projectile, created by compressed air, is transferred to the transmitter at the end of the applicator and further into the tissue. 

MEDICAL EFFECTS

Acoustic waves with high energy peak used in Shockwave therapy interact with tissue causing overall medical effects of accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia and mobility restoration. All the processes mentioned in this section are typically employed simultaneously and are used to treat chronic, sub-acute and acute (advanced users only) conditions. 

  • New Blood Vessel Formation

    Nutrient blood flow is necessary to start and maintain the repair processes of damaged tissue. The application of acoustic waves creates capillary microruptures in tendon and bone.

  • Reversal of Chronic Inflammation

    Mast cells are one of the key components of the inflammatory process. Their activity may be increased by using pervasive acoustic waves.

  • Stimulation of Collagen Production

    The production of a sufficient amount of collagen is a necessary precondition for the repair processes of the damaged myoskeletal and ligamentous structures. Shockwave therapy accelerates procollagen synthesis. 

  • Dissolution of Calcified Fibroblasts

    Calcium build-up is most often the result of micro-tears or other trauma to a tendon. Acoustic waves break up the existing calcifications.

  • Dispersion of Pain Mediator “Substance P”

    Substance P is a neurotransmitter that mediates pain information through the C-fibers. This neuropeptide is generally associated with intense, persistent and chronic pain.

  • Release of Trigger Points

    Trigger points are the principal cause of pain in the back, neck, shoulder and limbs. Delivered acoustic energy unblocks the calcium pump and thus reverses the metabolic crisis in the myofilaments and releases the trigger points.

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Welcome Josie!

by Ben Searle • 27 January 2025
Performance Physiotherapy welcomes new Physio to the team!

2024 in Review!

by Ben Searle • 30 December 2024
As we reach the last few days of 2024 we thought it would be good to reflect on what has been another remarkable year for Performance Physiotherapy, marked by significant growth and a continued dedication to exceptional patient care... Over the last 12 months our team of specialist Physiotherapists has expanded, ensuring our patients/clients continue to receive the best possible care... https://www.performance-physiotherapy.co.uk/meet-the-team Our Occupational Health services continue to be in high demand as we help organisations of all sizes across Wales look after the musculoskeletal health of their employees. In the last year the number of organisation we provide Occupational Health Physiotherapy services to has grown again and we look forward to continuing to help companies keep their employees healthy and productive in 2025! Through our musculoskeletal clinics we have again helped thousands of patients return to pain free function, sport and work. Our GP based first contact physiotherapy (FCP) clinics provide an important service within primary care, allowing patients early access to assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain. Our clinics continue to grow and expand within the local community and are valued by both GP practices and their patients. In addition to all this Performance Physiotherapy continued to develop its existing comprehensive range of Physiotherapy services, including injury assessment and treatment, injury rehabilitation, acupuncture, sports massage, shockwave therapy, ergonomic assessments, medico-legal services, and cancer specialist physiotherapy, among others. In doing this, we continue to achieve excellent outcomes for our patients/clients, and are grateful for the great feedback we receive... https://www.performance-physiotherapy.co.uk/testimonials As we reflect on what has been another successful year, and look forward top what 2025 has in store, we would like thank all our patients/clients/partners for their continued support and wish you a happy and healthy New Year! 😀🍾

Welcome to the team!

by Ben Searle • 1 July 2024
Team Performance Physiotherapy continues to grow 😀