To any and everybody who’s experienced it, neck and shoulder pain is a nuisance!

You’ve tried hot towels, massage and stretching but it still won’t shift, what’s next?

Shockwave therapy…

Don’t be alarmed, shockwave therapy is by no means new technology. It was first introduced to the clinical setting in 1982 for the treatment of urologic conditions.

I know, you’re not here for urinary tract problems!

But since its introduction, it has become one of the best physiotherapy innovations and a popular treatment due to its effectiveness in treating acute injuries, chronic injuries, and post-operative pain.

I can hear you asking is there shockwave therapy near me?

The answer is yes, at CK Physio we provide shockwave therapy treatment for the above and more. But we want you to know, not all shockwave therapy is created equal!

Why?

Read on to learn more as this article explores:

• Physiotherapy innovations in shockwave therapies

• Types of shockwave therapy

• The uses of shockwave therapy in physiotherapy 

• Is shockwave therapy the best solution for me

• Can I get shockwave therapy near me?

Innovations in shockwave therapy 

Shockwave therapy is a form of non-invasive treatment that has been in use for a long time.

It is a form of physiotherapy that uses sound waves to stimulate healing by breaking down scar tissue and reducing pain.

Innovations in shockwave therapies have been made to the machine so that they can be more accessible and portable.

This means physiotherapists can bring them with them on the go, which will increase their reach.

The most recent innovation in shockwave therapies is using it with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound-guided shockwave combines ultrasound imaging and focused shockwaves with appropriate penetration into the tissues

This makes for groundbreaking physiotherapy treatment that has greater accuracy, recovery and development for deeper parts of the body; like shoulders and neck joints which can be difficult to get to without cutting open the skin or doing surgery.

Types of shockwave therapy used 

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a widely used modality in physiotherapy.

What is it?

Extracorporeal means outside of the body.  A shock wave is an intense but short energy wave travelling faster than the speed of sound which is passed through the skin at the injured area.

Source: (uhcw.nhs.uk)

Abbreviation ESWT, this treatment is a non-invasive technique to treat pain and accelerate the healing process.  

Remember when we said not all shockwave therapy is created equal?

That’s because there are different types for specific applications.

TYPES OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY: 

ESWT can be delivered by Radial or Focused Shockwave therapy.

• Radial shockwave - For larger treatment area of shallow injury depth. Slow pulse, low density that spreads to treat larger areas. Radial shockwave pressure is greatest at its source and weakens as the wave travels.

• Focused shockwave - For accurate treatment areas with greater injury depth. Fast pulse, high density able to penetrate deeper.  This allows focused shockwave to deliver the required pressure directly to its target depth.

Source: Radial vs Focus Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave is the most commonly used in clinics. Yet, to further physiotherapy innovation, focused shockwave therapy is growing in popularity.

At CK Physio we offer Focused shockwave rather than Radial.

This is due to its greater treatment options, precision, depth, and comfort of recipients.

There are many benefits of shockwave therapy as a physiotherapy treatment. Our next section will show how we use Focused Shockwave Therapy to ease your neck and shoulder pain, along with other treatable conditions.

The uses of shockwave therapy in physiotherapy 

Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment method and should only be used by licenced physiotherapists such as CK Physio.

How will it help me though?

We see, diagnose, and treat many patients like yourself who are dealing with pain or affliction caused by injury or long-term illness.

Though we will list the treatable conditions shockwave therapy can be used for, right now all you’re probably interested in is how you can get rid of that pain in your neck or shoulder!

There’s nothing like hearing it from the source, so watch this!

Shockwave Therapy Treatment for a Patient with Shoulder and Neck Pain

COMMON CAUSES OF NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN:

(but not limited to)

• Injury

• Muscle strain

• Bad posture

• Sleeping position

• Arthritis

• Soft tissue damage

• Rotator cuff tear

Source: 7 Common Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain, Neck pain - NHS, Shoulder pain - NHS 

Many times, we put off ‘small’ pains, stiffness and discomfort which can later develop into greater unknown injuries.

There are a few ways in which you can try to ease the pain yourself. Try gentle stretches, mild painkillers, and heat/ice packs. If in severe pain, please seek medical advice immediately so as to not injure yourself further.

So, what else can shockwave therapy treat?

FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IS USED FOR:

(but not limited to)

• Neck and back pain (Myofascial pain syndromes, idiopathic lower back pain and pseudoradicular syndromes)

• Frozen shoulder (Periarticular shoulder pain)

• Swelling of Achilles tendon (Achilles’ tendinopathy)

• Pain in arch of foot/under the heel (Plantar fasciitis)

• Jumper’s Knee (Patellar tendinopathy)

• Tennis/Golfers elbow (Lateral/Medial epicondylitis or lateral epicondylalgia)

• Calcium deposits within the tendons (Calcific tendinopathy)

• Pain inside of hip/buttock (Gluteus Medius tendinopathy or trochanteric bursitis)

• Hamstring pain in buttock area (Hamstring tendinopathy)

Here is another video of a patient who received shockwave therapy for Plantar fasciitis at our CK Physio clinic. 

Click on the link for more information on Plantar Fasciitis and FAQs for shockwave therapy treatment.

Is shockwave therapy the best solution for me 

It can always be a little daunting when considering something new. 

Yet, if conservative treatments such as stretches, painkillers and heat/ice packs as are unsuccessful, you may want to consider shockwave therapy.

Shockwave therapy is able to destroy damaged tissue, reduce pain, restore function and range of motion, plus encourage blood flow and healthy tissue repair.

But like all treatments, there are some restrictions. 

YOU MUST NOT RECEIVE SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IF YOU: 

(Unless in extreme cases and suggested by your physiotherapist of GP)

• Are under the age of 18

• Are pregnant

• Are taking antiplatelet medication or anticoagulants

• Have a blood clotting disorder

• Have been diagnosed with bone cancer

• Have a cardiac pacemaker or other cardiac devices

• Have an infection or open wound

• Have a history of previous tendon or ligament rupture

• Have had steroid injections in the previous 12 weeks 

Source: When Shockwave Therapy Is Not Suitable Treatment 

Every patient circumstance is unique, and these relative contraindications will be discussed in your initial consultation.

Is there shockwave therapy near me? 

There most definitely is!

At CK Physio we’re here to get you the help you need to eliminate your pain, discomfort, and frustrations.

If you feel you would benefit from shockwave therapy as a treatment for your neck and shoulder pain, or any other ailment mentioned. Please do not hesitate to use our online booking form to secure your video or phone consultation.

We’ll be able to discuss all your specific needs and any queries to see if you’re able to receive shockwave therapy treatment.