Shockwave Therapy – How does it work?

Shockwave therapy is a great way to help aches and pains associated with muscles and joints.

Our shockwave machine doesn’t “shock” you! Think of it as a strong percussion device that gets into those tight areas. This is how it works.

The physiological effects on the body via shockwave therapy is continually being researched. Emerging evidence and research has proposed a number of mechanisms as to how and what changes occur. These include:

PROMOTES NEOVASCULARIZATION

Blood flow is necessary for tissue repair. The administration of sound-waves causes capillary micro ruptures in the target tendon and bone. As a result, these micro ruptures cause a significant increase in the expression of tissue growth factors; arterioles are remodelled, stimulated to grow and new ones are formed. All of these processes support improved blood supply and oxygenation which facilitate tendon and bone healing.

A REVERSAL OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

When the inflammatory response in an area of tissue continues it can cause chronic pain and ongoing damage to healthy tissue. Shockwave therapy may increase the activity of Mast cells which are key components in the inflammatory response, and once activated in the tissue, are followed by the production of chemokines and cytokines. These pro-inflammatory compounds first enhance the inflammatory process and then help restore normal healing and the continuation of the regenerative process.

STIMULATION OF COLLAGEN

Collagen is the main component of connective tissue and is thus required to enable the repair process of damaged tissue. Shockwave therapy accelerates procollagen synthesis forcing the newly created collagen fibers into longitudinal structures that form the basis of newly formed tendon fibers. With the newly formed tendon fibers being arranged in the correct longitudinal orientation, the resultant repaired tissue is denser, stiffer, and stronger.

PROLIFERATION OF TENOCYTES

The characteristic cells in tendons and ligaments are called tenocytes, which are responsible for the formation and turnover of the extracellular matrix, the supporting structure of the body’s tissues. The mechanical stimulus of the shockwave treatment causes proliferation of these tenocytes, facilitating early stage tendon tissue repair and adaptation to mechanical stress.

PAIN RELIEF

Acoustic waves generated by shockwave therapy lower the Substance P concentration and trigger pain relief. Substance P is a neurotransmitter involved in the perception of intense, persistent, and chronic pain.

A REDUCTION IN TRIGGER POINTS AND MOBILITY RESTORATION

Acoustic energy generated by shockwave therapy improves muscle metabolism and function.

Shockwave therapy is a great adjunct to Osteopathic care that can be utilised in your consultation with us.

Dan & James offer “Shockwave” appointments which are 30min and 15min appointments in which they use the shockwave to target your specific area. If you think this would be of benefit to you, please give us a buzz or book online.

Have a lovely week

😊 Bec