Unlocking the Power of Shockwave Therapy at Ridgeline Physio in Fernie BC
Welcome to Ridgeline Physio in Fernie, BC, where cutting-edge treatments meet compassionate care. Today, we're diving into the world of Shockwave Therapy, an innovative technique reshaping the landscape of physiotherapy. Whether you're an athlete recovering from a sports injury or someone seeking relief from persistent pain, Shockwave Therapy could be the breakthrough you've been waiting for.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment that utilizes acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. Originally developed to break down kidney stones, Shockwave Therapy has evolved into a versatile tool for treating musculoskeletal conditions.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
The therapy works by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area. These waves create microtrauma within the tissue, triggering a healing response by increasing blood flow, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation. Essentially, Shockwave Therapy jumpstarts the body's natural healing processes, accelerating recovery and providing long-lasting relief.
Evidence for Shockwave Therapy
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy for various musculoskeletal conditions. For example:
Shin Splints: a systematic review published in 2022 by Current Orthopaedic Practice revealed that Shockeave reduced pain and time to recovery (Forogh et al, 2022)
Knee Osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis published in 2019 in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine confirmed that for knee OA Shockwave was effective at improving pain and range of motion compared to traditional physiotherapy alone (Tengqi et al, 2019).
Plantar Fasciitis: A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association confirmed the efficacy of Shockwave Therapy in relieving pain and improving function in patients with plantar fasciitis (Nazim et al, 2022)
Achilles Tendinopathy: a systematic review published in Cereus in 2022 showed that Shockwave therapy reduces pain and improves function in Achilles Tendinopathy. Best Evidence suggests that we combine Shockwave with traditional physiotherapy of strengthening and stretching the Achilles tendon (Feeny, 2022)
Frozen Shoulder: a systematic review published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2022 showed that Shockwave therapy is beneficial for improving pain and function in those with frozen shoulder, and can used as an adjunct to traditional physiotherapy (Zhang et al, 2022).
Carpal Tunnel: a meta-analysis published in Disability and Rehabilitation in 2022 provided evidence that Radial Shockwave made a significant difference in pain relief, symptom alleviation, and functional recovery in individuals with carpal tunnel (Xie, 2022)
These studies, among others, provide compelling evidence for the efficacy of Shockwave Therapy across various musculoskeletal conditions.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
At Ridgeline Physio, we offer Shockwave Therapy as a treatment option for a range of conditions, including but not limited to:
Achilles Tendinopathy
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
Hip Pain (Hip OA, Gluteal Tendinopathy, Hip Bursitis)
Carpal Tunnel
De Quirvain’s Tenosynovitis
Shoulder Pain (including rotator cuff issues)
Frozen Shoulder
Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
Shin Splints
Hamstring Tendinopathy
Trigger Finger
Heel Bone Spurs
Conclusion
Shockwave Therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to musculoskeletal rehabilitation, offering patients a non-invasive, drug-free solution for pain relief and tissue repair. Backed by a growing body of evidence, this innovative treatment modality continues to revolutionize the field of physiotherapy.
If you're suffering from a musculoskeletal condition and seeking effective relief, consider scheduling an assessment with us at Ridgeline Physio in Fernie BC. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness through personalized care and advanced treatments like Shockwave Therapy.
Don't let pain hold you back – let us help you get back to doing what you love.
To book an appointment you can call us, email us or book online.
References
Forogh, B., Karimzad, Y., Babaei-Ghazani, A., Janbazi, L., Cham, M. B., & Abdolghaderi, S. (2022). Effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on medial tibial stress syndrome: A systematic review. Current Orthopaedic Practice, 33(4), 384-392.
Yusof, T. N. B. T., Seow, D., & Vig, K. S. (2022). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for foot and ankle disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 112(3).
Li, T., Ma, J., Zhao, T., Gao, F., & Sun, W. (2019). Application and efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave treatment for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 18(4), 2843-2850.
Feeney, K. M. (2022). The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for midportion Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review. Cureus, 14(7).
Zhang, R., Wang, Z., Liu, R., Zhang, N., Guo, J., & Huang, Y. (2022). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy as an adjunctive therapy for frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 10(2), 23259671211062222.
Xie, Y., Zhang, C., Liang, B., Wang, J., Wang, L., Wan, T., ... & Lei, L. (2022). Effects of shock wave therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(2), 177-188.
