Radial Shockwave Therapy in Osteopathy

The development of radial shockwave therapy can be traced back to the early 1900s, when scientists first began studying the effects of high-energy shockwaves on the body. In the 1950s, researchers began using focussed shockwaves to break up kidney stones, and in the 1980s the first medical devices for delivering radial shockwaves were developed. These early devices were large and cumbersome, and were primarily used in hospitals and research settings.

Over time, the technology behind radial shockwave therapy has improved, and today’s devices are much smaller and more portable. This has made it possible to use radial shockwave therapy in a wider range of settings, including osteopathy and sport medicine clinics.

Radial shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy shockwaves to the affected area, which are thought to stimulate the healing process in damaged and disordered tissue. The shockwaves are delivered in short bursts or varying frequencies and intensities by a handheld device that is applied to the skin. When the shockwaves come into contact with the skin, they create a mechanical pressure wave that can cause microscopic cavitations, helping to improve blood flow, soften tissue adhesions, reduce inflammation, and desensitise mechanical nerve receptors. This can help to reduce pain and improve the function at the affected area.

The exact mechanisms by which radial shockwave therapy accelerates tissue healing is not fully understood, but it is thought that the shockwaves may stimulate the production of substances called growth factors, which play a key role in tissue repair and healing.

Radial shockwave therapy is most effective for conditions that affect the tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue structures. Some of the conditions that radial shockwave therapy is most effective for include:
• Tendinitis: Tendinitis, now more commonly referred to as tendonopthy, is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in the tendons that connect muscles to bones. Radial shockwave therapy can help to reduce inflammation and resolve dysfunctional tissue growth in the tendons. It can be effective for treating tendinitis of the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, hamstring and Achilles.
• Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Radial shockwave therapy can help to reduce inflammation and sensitivity of the plantar fascia.
• Calcific tendinitis: Calcific tendinitis is a condition that causes calcium deposits to form in the tendons, leading to pain and stiffness. Radial shockwave therapy can help to break up the calcium deposits and reduce pain and stiffness in the affected area.
• Tennis elbow: Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow, often as a result of repetitive stress or overuse. Radial shockwave therapy can help to reduce pain and improve function in the elbow, and may be an effective treatment for tennis elbow.

In addition to these conditions, radial shockwave therapy may also be effective for other chronic pain conditions that affect the tendons, joints, and other soft tissue structures, for example, chronic back pain, tibialis anterior syndrome, and shoulder impingement syndrome. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of radial shockwave therapy with your osteopath or other healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Yes, there is a significant body of clinical research that supports the use of radial shockwave therapy for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. Many studies have shown that radial shockwave therapy can be effective in reducing pain and improving function, and can be a valuable alternative to more invasive treatments, such as surgery.

One study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research examined the effects of radial shockwave therapy on patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. The study found that the therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in the foot, and the benefits of the treatment were maintained over a period of six months.

Another study, published in the journal Pain Practice, looked at the use of radial shockwave therapy for the treatment of chronic tendinopathy. The study found that the therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in the affected area, and that the benefits of the treatment were sustained over a period of 12 months.

Overall, the clinical research evidence supports the use of radial shockwave therapy as an effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, and suggests that it may be a valuable alternative to more invasive treatments. However, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of radial shockwave therapy with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Radial shockwave therapy is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Some of the contraindications for this therapy include:
• Active infections: Radial shockwave therapy should not be used on areas of the body that have active infections, as it may spread the infection and cause further complications.
• Blood clotting disorders: People who have blood clotting disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis, may be at higher risk of developing blood clots as a result of radial shockwave therapy.
• Pregnancy: Radial shockwave therapy should be avoided during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby.
• Severe heart disease: People with severe heart disease may be at higher risk of experiencing complications from radial shockwave therapy.
• In the vicinity of medical implants or medical devices, such as joint replacements or pacemakers.

In addition to these contra-indications, there are also certain conditions or circumstances in which radial shockwave therapy may not be recommended. For example, it may not be suitable for people who have recently had surgery or other invasive procedures in the affected area. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions about radial shockwave therapy with your osteopath or other healthcare provider before starting treatment.

The number of sessions required for radial shockwave therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s response to the treatment. In general, most people will require between 6 and 10 sessions of radial shockwave therapy to achieve the desired results, although some people may need more or fewer sessions.

During the first session of radial shockwave therapy, your osteopath will assess the condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan. This may involve applying the shockwaves to the affected area for a short period of time, and then gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the treatment over subsequent sessions. The number and frequency of sessions will be tailored to the individual’s needs and goals, and the healthcare provider will monitor the response to the treatment to determine if additional sessions are needed. Shockwave therapy is commonly used in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture and manual therapy.

In general, radial shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, and most people experience a significant improvement in their symptoms after a course of treatment. However, the number of sessions required can vary, and it is important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.

During radial shockwave therapy, the healthcare provider will use a handheld device to deliver high-energy shockwaves to the affected area. These shockwaves can cause a sensation of pressure or tapping on the skin, but they are not typically painful. The healthcare provider will typically start with a low intensity setting and gradually increase the intensity of the shockwaves over the course of the treatment, to ensure that the patient remains comfortable.

Radial shockwave therapy is generally considered to be a relatively painless treatment, and most people experience only mild discomfort during the procedure that resolves quickly. The level of discomfort can vary depending on the individual’s pain tolerance and the severity of the condition being treated, but most people find that the treatment is tolerable and the intensity is easy moderated to match patient tolerance levels. Shockwave therapy has a very low risk of side effects.