What is Shockwave Therapy?

What is Shockwave Therapy? 

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive technology. It delivers sound waves to specific areas of the body. 

As the sound waves pass through an affected area, they are thought to initiate healing in the tissue being treated. The body responds to the shockwaves by increasing blood flow and metabolism, accelerating the body's healing process. The shockwaves also overstimulate the nerves, reducing sensitivity and pain. 

The technology was pioneered in the field of Urology in 1980, where it was developed to break up kidney stones¹. In the 1990s and 2000s, healthcare providers recognised its benefits for tissue, bone, and muscle regeneration and repair. 

From improving range of motion and mobility to easing pain, Shockwave Therapy helps ice hockey players get back in the game – and sooner.   

Shockwave Therapy for Ice Hockey Players 

Ice hockey is physically demanding. We know there's nothing more frustrating than an injury keeping you off the court. 

As physio partners to Sheffield Steelers, we understand the common injuries players face and know how to help them return to play pain-free again. 

Whether it's a shoulder check holding you back or an MCL injury from overuse, Shockwave Therapy can help stimulate the healing process by promoting blood flow and tissue regeneration². 

Hips

'Hockey hips' are a problem for ice hockey players due to the repetitive motion of skating and goalie positions. A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for greater trochanteric pain syndrome (also known as lateral hip pain). The NHS found that 13% of patients reported feeling better after a month of Shockwave Therapy treatment, and 68% reported feeling better at 4 months. This is based on patients having three treatments, one week apart. 

Knees

MCL injuries are a result of the knee pushing inwards during skating. This stress can cause pain in the knee. One study found that Shockwave Therapy was successful in helping reduce pain caused by MCL injuries. Patients experienced reduced pain after four weeks of starting treatment, with newly formed tissue and a reduction in MCL thickness at the one-month follow-up, and were pain-free four months post-treatment³. 

Shoulders

ACJ injuries cause pain and limit range of motion⁴. Shockwave Therapy stimulates tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation, boosting the range of motion. In a study, 70% of patients who received Shockwave Therapy for a shoulder injury reported reduced pain at the three-month follow-up. 

Back 

Twists and turns in ice hockey can lead to lower back injury. Studies found shockwave therapy provides pain relief and improved lumbar dysfunction with no serious adverse effects⁵. 

While the technology has a huge role in helping Ice Hockey injuries, that's not to say Shockwave Therapy is reserved for the sporting elite. The powerful device plays a crucial role in the healing process of many injuries, both on and off the court. 

From plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis to tennis elbow and shin splints, this machine delivers intense sound waves to affected areas, giving you a healing boost. 

Does it Hurt? 

Shockwave sounds much more menacing than it is. There are no shocks involved. With the probe pulsing up to 2000 times per treatment area, you'll feel a tapping or pulsing sensation. However, if it's too intense, the physician can adjust the setting to ensure your comfort. 

Is it for Everyone?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has deemed this procedure to be safe and effective. However, it is not appropriate for everyone. The NHS shares a few absolute contraindications, which mean you cannot have the therapy. These include:

• Beng pregnant or trying to conceive
• Being under 18
• Have had a steroid injection in the area in the last 12 weeks
• Haemophilia / Clotting disorder / Risk of haemorrhage
• Cardiac pacemaker / cardiac device 
• Unstable heart condition
• Cancer 
• Epilepsy 
• Certain medications 
• Infection or tumour at the treatment site 

The clinician will assess whether it is the right treatment for you.

Conclusion

Shockwave Therapy is a powerful tool that helps reduce pain and promote healing. As physio partners to the Sheffield Steelers, we deploy this treatment for a wide range of hockey-related injuries to help players return to performance. However, it's not just for sports people. Shockwave Therapy has a place in helping reduce pain from a range of injuries. At the White House Clinic, our physiotherapists can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment from our 14 locations across South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire. 

References

NHS

Guys and Thomas Hospital

Pubmed

‍

¹https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967434/  

²https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6136340/

³https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/1/234 

⁴https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8478428/ 

⁵https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10290808/