Tendonitis is a condition that many of us experience at some point in our lives, affecting both athletes and office workers. It brings a sharp pain that can be debilitating, and makes simple, everyday activities an excruciating task. Thankfully, there is a revolutionary new non-invasive treatment that has been proven highly effective in treating tendonitis, called Shockwave Therapy.
Here at Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness, we are excited to offer this technology to help our patients heal more quickly and return to living pain-free.
What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon — the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. It is most often caused by repeated motion, overuse, or an acute injury. Typical forms of tendonitis include:
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (Shoulder)
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Achilles Tendonitis
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Commonly, patients affected complain of an aching sensation, pain, tenderness, edema, and stiffness localized to the involved joint.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy: A non-surgical therapy that uses high¬-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in specific soft tissue injury areas.
These sound waves:
- Promote new blood vessel formation
- Encourage the body’s inherent healing process
- Break down calcified deposits
- Reduce chronic inflammation
Why Shockwave Therapy is a Game-Changer for Tendonitis
Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physiotherapy are traditional treatments for tendonitis, but they work for some people, but not all. If the tendonitis is chronic or not responsive to other treatments, Shockwave Therapy is showing great promise.
Here’s why:
Stimulates Tissue Regeneration: Shockwave therapy stimulates the body to regenerate tendon tissue, by improving blood flow and inducing collagen production — the building block of healthy tendons.
Breaks the Pain Cycle: Tendonitis often leads to a cycle of inflammation and pain that is difficult to break. Shockwave treatment helps to decrease nerve sensitivity, reducing pain and disability while increasing mobility.
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: Shockwave Therapy is non-invasive, unlike injections or surgery. There is no cutting, no general anesthesia, and minimal downtime.
Targets the Root Cause: Going a step further than pain medication alone, the treatment also addresses the root cause of tendon dysfunction, allowing your tendon the opportunity to heal and strengthen.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy at Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness
Your initial session will begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your tendonitis, performed by our professional therapists, to determine the exact location and severity of your condition.
During the treatment:
A hand-held shockwave apparatus is used on the region.
You might experience slight discomfort or tingling when the sound waves reach the tissue.
Each session lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Patients typically need 3–6 treatments for best effect.
Patients typically feel the relief right after treatment. The full benefits will continue to develop (over weeks) as the tendon has time to heal.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Yes! It is scientifically proven and FDA-approved for the treatment of injuries and musculoskeletal pain, such as tendonitis. Side effects are minimal, potentially causing some light bruising or mild soreness in the treatment area.
Who Can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?
- If you have chronic tendinitis that hasn’t responded to other therapy
- Athletic injuries
- Overuse injuries from repetitive motions
- Calcific tendinopathy
If you’ve attempted rest, medication, and physiotherapy as well and haven’t seen lasting improvement, Shockwave Therapy could be just the answer you’ve been searching for.
Ready to Get Back to Pain-Free Living?
At Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness, we care about our clients and understand the impact that living with pain has on their daily lives, as well as on their physical, mental, and social well-being.
For people who suffer from the condition known as tendonitis, do not let pain take over your life and reduce the quality of life. Call to book your consultation now and see if Shockwave Therapy is right for you.