Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical technique developed in Europe for the treatment of localized musculoskeletal pain. It is estimated that four million North Americans each year seek treatment for chronic tendonitis. ESWT uses shockwaves to help break down resistant scar tissue from longstanding tendonitis problems. The treatment produces an inflammatory response. The body responds to this new inflammation by increasing metabolic activity around the site of pain. This stimulates and accelerates the healing process. The micro trauma of the repeated shockwave to the affected area creates neo-vascularisation (new blood flow) and promotes healing.

The best results treated with ESWT are conditions such as Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Patellar tendonitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis and calcification, and some myofascial conditions.

Ask your physiotherapist or family physician if this form of treatment might be effective for your area of pain.