Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Physiotherapists and orthopaedic medical professionals whom have kept on the cutting edge of research advances will have largely moved away from many of the electrotherapeutic modalities of the 90’s such as ultrasound (sound waves) and shortwave. However, a relatively new therapy, inspired by lithotripsy (the process of breaking down kidney stones) has shot to fame.

Shockwave therapy, first focused, now radial has been showing incredibly promising results for pain conditions and tendon dysfunction. Much of the research has been focused around tendon issues such as:

1. Lateral Epicondilitis (Tennis Elbow)
2. Achilles Tendinopathy (Joggers Heel / Heel Pain)
3. Plantar Fasciitis/Fasciopathy
4. Insertional Hamstring Tendinopathies

Moreover, many of the leading proponents of shockwave therapy such as Dr Ulrich Dreiskliker have been advocating radial shockwave for trigger points therapy.

No other non-surgical orthopaedic treatment has had so many independently validated studies published as ESWT.