1.What is shockwave therapy?
2.Does the research support its use for Achilles tendinopathy?
3.When, in my experience, you may find benefit from using shockwave for treating your Achilles pain
What is shockwave therapy?
The clinician will usually move the point of the gun over the painful area in your tendon. Shockwave has been shown to cause a long-lasting reduction in pain in a wide variety of soft tissue injuries.
Does the research support its use for Achilles tendinopathy?
There are very few randomized controlled trials (where they test the effect of shockwave compared to other treatments or just not doing anything) and the available ones are of relatively poor quality or compare shockwave treatment to treatments that we know aren’t ideal – eccentric exercise for insertional Achilles tendinopathy for instance.
When, in my experience, you may find benefit from using shockwave for treating your Achilles pain?
One of the disadvantages of it is the costs involved. It is not cheap, and you usually require between 3 and 6 sessions. It’s a safe procedure but can cause some pain and irritation for a few days after treatment.
Let me know if you have any questions or need any advice about your tendon pain. Need more help with your Achilles injury? You are welcome to contact us for an assessment of your injury and a tailored treatment plan. Book your shockwave treatment in London now!
