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Mike McLeod Osteopathy

Radial Pressure Wave Therapy

BENEFITS OF RADIAL PRESSURE WAVE THERAPY

 

Radial pressure wave (RPW) therapy uses ultrasound technology to treat bone and soft tissue injuries. Also known as shockwave therapy, RPW therapy sends high-energy acoustic (sound) waves into the treatment area to help reduce muscle pain and aches and promote healing without surgery or medication.

 

Shockwave therapy dates back to the 1980s, when it was first used to treat kidney stones with a procedure called lithotripsy. By targeting the wave energy at the kidney stones from outside the body, doctors broke the stones into fragments, which were then passed from the body through the urinary system. Lithotripsy has become a leading treatment for kidney stones, replacing invasive surgery in many cases.

 

In the last two decades, shockwave therapy has increasingly been used for treating musculoskeletal disorders. The wave is applied to the body at the skin surface and travels to a depth of up to 6cm, where it creates oscillations – repetitive back-and-forth movements – in the tissue. This stimulates blood supply and cell growth in the damaged area, leading to the regeneration of healthy tissue and bone.

Mike McLeod Osteopathy

Pain reduction

The patient experiences a reduction of pain, explained by the Gate Control Theory. Intensive pulses from the transmitter into the tissue, create a strong anaesthetic effect on the nerve fibres, which inhibits the transmission of pain signals.
 

Increased metabolism

Shockwaves influence the tissue on a cellular level. The chemical environment of the cells is affected by free radicals promoting the release of pain and inflammatory inhibiting substances.
 

Revascularisation

Repeated shockwaves to the affected area create a revascularisation effect, with the new blood flow in the area promoting tissue healing and regeneration.
 

Reduced muscle tone

The ‘vicious circle’ as well as the strong pathological association between pain and muscle tone, will be broken and lead to restoring a normalised muscular tone.
 

In some cases RPW therapy has been shown to be more effective than three months of traditional rehabilitation.

Mike McLeod Osteopathy

​RPW therapy has been shown to safely and significantly reduce tendon pain and improve functionality and quality of life without surgery or medication. It is non-invasive and has no known adverse side effects. RPW treatments take place in our clinic using the Chattanooga Intelect® RPW 2.

 

During RPW treatment, the clinician applies a gel to the treatment area that allows the RPW applicator to glide smoothly over the skin. Then gently applies pressure to the area with the RPW applicator.

 

Treatment takes just a few minutes; naturally, larger areas will take longer to treat. Patients typically have 3 - 6 treatments over a 4 - 6 week period. Additional hands-on treatment and exercise prescription/management advice and education will also be provided in your treatment session.

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​“RPW offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods, fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity”. FDA

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CONDITIONS WHERE RADIAL PRESSURE WAVE THERAPY CAN BE EFFECTIVE

 

RPW therapy has been shown to help improve pain in various musculoskeletal conditions.

 

  • Hip pain (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, Gluteal tendinopathy)

  • Knee pain (Patella tendinpathy

  • Shoulder pain (Calcific tendinopathy, Rotator cuff tendinopathy)

  • Elbow pain (Tennis and Golders elbow)

  • Foot and ankle pain (Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy)

  • Myofascial trigger points

 

If you have musculoskeletal pain that has not been helped by other treatments, RPW may be appropriate and effective in the reduction of your pain, improve your mobility and function.

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