Chronic pain is exhausting, it impacts every area of your life; your ability to keep physically fit, your work, your family life and your leisure time.
For those of us that suffer from chronic pain it will probably come as no surprise that clinical studies have shown that around 85% of people with chronic pain suffer from depression as well.
At Brixton Therapy Centre we provide a range of treatments that are proven to be effective for chronic pain including Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Cranial Osteopathy and Massage. We are also excited to be adding Shockwave Therapy to our range of therapeutic services in the heart of South West London. This exciting innovative technology really comes into its own when it comes to treating chronic pain and is fast, effective and non-invasive.
To learn more about this exciting innovation in healthcare and therapeutic practice read on…
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to reduce pain and promote healing. It is a clinically and medically proven therapy and is endorsed by NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence).
The use of Shockwave Therapy is approved and used by many Sporting Bodies including
Premier League Football, UK Athletics, The English Institute of Sport and Welsh Rugby Union. It is also used by the NHS and many of the best Orthopaedic hospitals to treat a range of soft tissue and musculoskeletal problems and injuries.
Studies have found that just over 90% of people experienced a reduction in pain and increased mobility as well as other improvements.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
A mechanical, rather than electrical, device sends audio waves through the skin to the affected areas whether it is bone or soft tissue.
These pulses of sound energy stimulate the tendons and ligaments as well as help break down scar tissue which is commonly a cause of pain and loss of mobility. These sound waves also stimulate the creation of collagen, increase circulation, and help to desensitise nerve endings which provides pain relief.
What Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
An intense form of shockwave therapy has been used since the 1980s to break down hard and calcified masses in the body, particularly kidney stones, helping sufferers to avoid the notorious pain associated with passing kidney stones and avoiding invasive surgery.
It is now proven at a lower level to effectively treat a range of soft tissue and musculoskeletal issues including:
Arthritis.
Plantar fasciitis.
Tendonitis.
Trigger points.
Joint pain.
Bursitis.
Sports Injuries.
Tennis elbow.
Frozen shoulder.
Golfers elbow.
Pulled hamstring.
Traumatic injuries such as car accidents.
Work-related injury.
Repetitive strain injury.
Shockwave Therapy has even been enormously successful in treating Alzheimer's, erectile dysfunction and cardiac problems in specialist centres and hospitals.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave therapy is a completely non-invasive treatment and is a pain-free therapy although it can cause feelings of slight discomfort during the treatment patients often report seeing results immediately afterwards including a marked reduction in pain.
There are also minimal side effects and risks making it one of the safest therapies out there.
There are a few groups of people that Shockwave Therapy is not suitable for. It is not recommended as a treatment for people who are or who might be pregnant, nor is it suitable for those on anti-coagulant medications or with blood clotting problems.
You should speak to your shock wave therapist about any open wounds you may have and if you have an infected wound in most cases your treatment will have to wait until that has been resolved.
What to Expect During Shockwave Treatment
As with all our treatments at the Brixton Therapy Centre, you will begin with a consultation when your therapist will ask you questions about your symptoms, suspected or previously diagnosed problems, conditions or diseases.
This will then progress to a more physical examination, your gait or other movements may be observed and your therapist may use palpation: gentle touch to pinpoint issues, and diagnose problems.
Following this careful and thorough consultation, a course of treatment will be prescribed including a single therapy or blend of therapies and probably exercises for you to do at home in between treatments too.
If Shockwave Therapy is a suitable and recommended treatment then you might have your first session then and there.
First, a gel will be applied to the area, this will help the sound waves to pass through the skin to the area requiring healing.
Then your therapist will place the Shockwave machine on the area receiving the treatment for around 15 or 20 minutes.
Generally, people report that the experience is like a small pulsing feeling on the skin.
What Happens After Receiving Shockwave Therapy
~ You will be able to continue your day as normal after the treatment although it is best to avoid strenuous exercises and to do any stretching exercises that your therapist advises.
As with any therapy, keeping well hydrated after your treatment will support your body’s natural healing processes.
Some people report that in the 24 hours following treatment, they experience some redness and swelling. This inflammation is a normal and natural result of the repair that has been stimulated by the sound waves used in Shockwave Therapy.
Depending on the way your body responds to the treatment and the advice of your therapist you will be having your next treatment a week later. The majority of people have between 3 and 6 sessions with one treatment per week.
How to Book Your Shockwave Therapy Treatment
We are anticipating a high volume of bookings for this exciting new therapy offering so be sure to get in touch as soon as possible to experience it for yourself.
If you are not already in receipt of treatment from one of our therapists you will, in the first instance, require a consultation session so that is your first step; you can book your initial consultation here.
If you are already seeing one of our therapists be sure to mention your interest in Shockwave Therapy at your next appointment or call us on 02077339944 to discuss your treatment options.