Shockwave

Focused Shockwave is characterised by the fast and high rise of positive pressure followed by a longer period of decreasing pressure. Shockwaves can result in regeneration of tissue through this process of carrying high energy into the body.

Between 1,000 to 3,000 shockwaves are focused with the aid of ultrasound imaging at the site of tendon inflammation and calcification.  The machine we use here is delivering ‘focussed’ pulses of energy to the tissue at a defined depth. Many of the recent machines on the market at a quarter of the price are delivering radial pressure waves, which is not truly a shockwave and cannot be focused on the target and cannot supply as high an energy level to the tissue.

Multiple conditions can be treated using this technology including:

• Epicondylitis (tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow).
• Plantar fasciitis (with or without heel spurs).
• Tendonitis of the shoulder (disperses calcium deposits).
• Achilles tendonitis and insertional type, Patella tendinitis.
• Trochanteric pain syndrome.
• Ununited fractures.
• Stress fractures.
• Small and large joint osteo-arthritis

In most cases  three to four treatments are required at weekly intervals.

This equipment has been passed by the FDA as safe for patient use.

Radial Shockwave / Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

Radial pressure wave is the most common type of shockwave therapy.

Radial shockwave comprises three parts-ultrasonic pulse, audio acoustic pulse and the relatively slow shear wave.  Radial pressure waves have their greatest energy at its source and weakens the farther it travels.  The waves are generated by means of a pneumatic system which uses compressed air, a projectile that is accelerated to a high speed and then suddenly decelerated by a transmitter.

Shockwave is proven to increase the rate of healing of soft tissue tendinopathy.  It is an advanced, non invasive treatment method that enhances blood circulation, causes a micro trauma, is pro-inflammatory and accelerates the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate.  

There is no need for anaesthesia to be administered during treatment and patients can be active immediately and resume their normal routine the same day.

A day or two after treatment may feel a bit uncomfortable and bruised but this is normal and will not last.

Radial Shockwave for the treatment of Cellulite and stretch marks

Cellulite is a topographic skin change that occurs predominantly in females.  This is caused by increased fat deposits around the buttocks and thighs and the skin’s ageing process which contributes to the thinning of the collagen layers.

Changes in hormonal balance can also result in accelerated skin ageing.  With the loss of oestrogen the formation of new collagen declines, the number of elastic skin fibres declines and their structure changes.

Radial shockwave uses specifically modified Acoustic wave pulses that induce vibration in the connective tissue and makes the tissue firmer and tighter.  Microcirculation is also improved.

The therapy itself is comfortable and without pain and patients typically experience improvement in skin’s texture and elasticity as well as dermal firming and the reduction in dimpled skin appearance.

6 treatments intervals of 2-5 days and completed in 3 months

Stretch marks

These can also be greatly reduced by the use of radial shockwave by the filling of the skin surface defects and depressions and the production of new collagen and elastic fibres, leading to improvements in texture appearance and elasticity.