Shock Wave Therapy In Dublin, Ireland
Shock wave therapy is a very effective treatment option in the hands of a professional for treating chronic, long-term conditions, such as chronic low-back, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis. Shock wave therapy reverses chronic conditions by kicking starting the healing process,, that has stagnated.
Shock wave therapy works by rebuilding stronger, healthier, more organised collagen fibres, and regenerating new blood vessels. This allows for long-term resolution of symptoms and improvement in function.
Many clients, feel an immediate decrease in pain and reduction in tension in the targeted area. And over time this period of pain relief increases. There is no down time after shock wave therapy, however, we would recommend avoiding an intense training session for a day or two after shock wave therapy.
If you like this page, but want more information on shock wave therapy, the indications and contraindications, and what to expect, check out our blog here.
What Are The Benefits Shockwave Treatment?
There are many benefits of shock wave therapy for example:
- Shock wave therapy is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment option.
- Shock wave therapy is non-invasive.
- Shock wave therapy does not involve any injections.
- Shock wave increases the tolerance of the targeted area to combat stress from exercise or demands of daily living.
- Shock wave therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
- Shock wave therapy specifically targets the area in need of healing.
- Shock wave therapy stimulates an inflammatory response which leads to increased blood flow and accelerated cell regeneration.
- Shock wave therapy is effective at treating many conditions.
- Shock wave therapy stimulates tissue regeneration and a positive biological adaptation, i.e new blood vessels and healthier tissues.
The History Of Extracorporeal Shock Wave
Shock wave therapy has a very interesting history. Shock wave therapy sounds like a paradox, you may be wondering how can ‘shock waves’ but remedial or beneficial?
After War World II the bodies are those who had died due to shock waves that had been badly damaged by the compression forces of nearby explosions from bombs that had been dropped. Then in the 1960s, in Germany, scientists started hypothesising the idea that this energy, energy in the form of shock waves could be used for good or for therapeutic use.
In 1980, focused shock wave therapy was used to break down kidney stones, and it was successful. They also found that lower levels of focused shock wave therapy resulted in the promotion of tissue healing, so that led to the idea that shock wave therapy also treats muscle or tendon or ligament injuries.
Shock waves also occur from lightening and air crafts.
How Does It All Work?
Shock wave therapy works by creating high-powered pressure waves that delivers energy (mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy) into the targeted tissue and cells. This targeted energy stimulates a change in the tissue. This energy increases blow flow and causes a release of chemicals that reduce pain. As time goes on, for example 72 hours after your shock wave therapy session, an inflammatory response sets in (as a result of the mechanical, thermal, and electrical input) which is simply part of the body’s healing process. This process causes tissue regeneration and remodelling, forming stronger, healthier tissue.
In short, shock wave therapy creates micro-injuries in soft tissues which stimulate repair and cause an inflammatory response within cells; this leads to increased blood flow as well as accelerated cell regeneration, resulting in improved function for those areas being treated.
- Shock wave therapy improves circulation and blood flow to the affected area.
- Shock wave therapy reverses chronic inflammation.
- Shock wave therapy forms new blood vessels.
- Shock wave therapy breaks down plaque or scar tissue.
- Shock wave therapy reduces pain and improves function.
What Does The Mayo Clinic Say About It?
According to the Mayo Clinic shockwave therapy is safe, effective and FDA approved. Not only is it FDA approved but there is also substantial amounts of high-quality research on the its use for treating issues like tendon sprains and tears, rotator cuff injuries, and Achilles ruptures. This source also mentions that shockwave therapy is a good option for sports people whose injuries did not recover with “first-line treatments”. [1]
Is Shockwave Therapy Cause Pain?
Shock wave therapy can be a little painful or uncomfortable, however is generally well tolerated. If the pain is too much just let your physical therapist know, and they can reduce the pressure the shock wave therapy machine is producing. 24 to 72 hours after your session, you can expect some pain because shock wave therapy does induce an inflammatory response in the body to promote the healing process of the tissue.
Is It Safe?
Shock wave therapy is a very safe form of treatment. The shock waves are targeted specifically to the area in need of healing and do not affect any other part of the body.
Shock wave therapy has been used for many years and is a very effective form of treatment with a high success rate.
If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Dublin Physical & Chiropractic. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on the road to recovery.
What Conditions Can It Treat?
Shock wave therapy can help treat many chronic conditions, such as:
- Low-back pain.
- Neck pain.
- Nerve pain (i.e sciatica, carpel tunnel)
- Nerve palsy.
- Shoulder pain.
- Knee pain.
- Hip pain.
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Tennis elbow.
- Non-union or non-healing fractures.
What Long Is Each Session?
At Dublin Physical & Chiropractic for many of our clients, we offer six to eight sessions, two sessions per week for three or four weeks, however, some clients may need more sessions but that is rare.
We generally offer shock wave therapy in combination with other therapies to get our clients feeling other best, to help them achieve the outcomes they are looking for.
We offer treatment packages for our clients that are individually tailored to our clients. For example, at Dublin Physical & Chiropractic if you arrive at the clinic with an up-flare of low-back pain, in a lot of pain, we may prescribe 12 sessions of therapy,
The first six sessions will involve shock wave therapy and spinal decompression, to promote healing. The final six sessions will involve intrinsic core strengthening and physical therapy to rebuild strength and resistance in the body to promote long-term health and wellness. Each session of shock wave usually lasts from 20-30 minutes.
Visit us in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physical therapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside of the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you are experiencing pain or have a condition that shock wave therapy may help treat, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help get you started on the road to recovery.
Call at 01-254-4800 or book online to start your recovery journey with us.
