Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis
Roughly 1 in 4 active individuals deal with Achilles tendonitis symptoms at some point. Typically speaking, it occurs with a rapid increase in activity in a short amount of time. For example, if someone who is sedentary decides to train and run a marathon and starts running 12 miles each day, this sudden increase in activity can lead to Achilles tendonitis. Men 30 to 50 years old are more prone to these types of injuries based on statistics in our society. Wearing improper footwear for an activity can also lead to potential injury in the future. Learn the benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Achilles tendonitis.
As physical therapists, we look at an individual’s foot structure to see if their feet may impact their pain levels. Someone who has flat feet may be more prone to injury. Based on studies and research, if an individual has flat feet on both sides, that tends to be their normal position. If an individual has one flat foot and the other foot has a normal arch, the flat foot may develop Achilles pain.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Achilles injuries can be treated in a variety of different ways. Following the literature regarding best practices and combining this with my experience treating tendon injuries we treat Achilles injuries effectively and efficiently. Eccentric strengthening shows good outcomes. Heat can also be used on the tendon. It is essential to add hip stability to improve overall leg stability when treating these injuries. Recent studies have shown positive results when using the radial shockwave device. We utilize one of these units at Freedom Physical Therapy – Fox Point. Having used this unit on myself, as well as, with patients, we have seen very positive results for patients.
This is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to treat injuries. The sound head transmits these waves through the skin into the tissue which creates a stimulus to the body to help re-ignite the healing process. Typically with tendon injuries, there is what I call a “lull” stage where healing slows down and sometimes we hit a roadblock or plateau in recovery. The shockwave reignites the healing process based on the stimulus that it provides to continue helping heal the injury site. Some of the other added benefits from shockwave therapy include:
- Increased blood flow
- Increased metabolic activity
- Reduced inflammation over time
- Increased collagen production
- Decreased calcification
- Pain relief
Frequency of Shockwave Treatment
Treatments with Shockwave should be given once every 5-7 days for 4-6 sessions. Typically treatments with Shockwave only take 5 minutes. The treatment is not painful or invasive. It is recommended to refrain from taking any anti-inflammatory medications during the duration of the shockwave treatments. Anti-inflammatories counteract the ability of the treatment.
Shockwave does not only work for Achilles injuries. Below is a list of potential injuries shockwave treatment may be beneficial for:
- Shin splints
- Shoulder tendonitis
- Hip tendonitis
- Jumper’s Knee
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Bunions
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
If anyone is considering shockwave treatment or thinks they may be a good candidate to try shockwave please schedule an appointment with us at Freedom Physical Therapy in Fox Point. We would love to help you Enjoy More Freedom.
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