Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Resistent Tennis Elbow

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Tennis elbow is used to describe the pain that develops on the exterior of the lateral part of the elbow. It is known by other names like lateral epicondylitis, rowing elbow and the tendonitis of the common extensor origin. Its origin remains unknown, though researchers associate it with the exertion of excessive pressure on the tendons located on the elbow, especially among athletes.

 

Pain can last for 6-24 months based on the extent of damage on the ligaments. The condition affects 1-3% of people aged 40-50 years. Conservative treatments like ultrasound, steroid injection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and manipulative techniques have been used to treat tennis elbow, but none of them has produced consistent results. Surgical procedures have also been used on patients with persistent symptoms, but the outcomes are unpredictable.

 

Shockwave therapy was developed as a result and focused on applying single-pressure pulses for short periods on the elbow. The therapy was first administered for medical purposes to treat renal calculi and was later used in Germany to treat musculoskeletal disorders like plantar fasciitis, humeral epicondylitis and the rotator cuff. In 1995, the German Society of SWT declared that the therapy could be used to treat a range of orthopaedic conditions, including lateral elbow pain.

 

How Shockwave Therapy is Performed

 

The physiotherapist assesses the patient during the first visit. This examination is to ascertain that the patient is an appropriate candidate for the treatment. Shock waves are sonic waves that release mechanical energy at the interface of two substances that have different acoustic impedance. During administration, a focusing device and an electroacoustic conversion mechanism are used. The focusing device helps release shock waves that pass through the skin to treat the affected area.

 

Techniques for using ESWT to treat musculoskeletal problems are yet to be standardised, but previous clinical trials show high-energy shock waves of 0.2-0.4Mj/mm was used to treat calcific tendinitis and low-energy shock waves for heel pain and lateral elbow pain. The therapy can be administered more than once (usually once every 3-6 weeks) based on the results. General anaesthesia is given when high-energy shock waves are used.

 

Benefits of the Therapy

 

Studies show that grip strength, pain and function improved after the procedure. Here are some of the additional benefits of the therapy:

  • Non-invasive treatment for chronic tennis elbow pain
  • Cost-effective means of treating the condition
  • Reduced side effects

 

Effectiveness of the Therapy

 

Studies show the therapy has a 77 % success rate when combined with chiropractic care to treat tennis elbow. The procedure has a 91% success rate on patients who have calcific tendinitis and a 90% success rate on patients with plantar fasciitis.

 

Side Effects

 

After the treatment, the patient may experience tenderness, temporary soreness and swelling for some days as the procedure leads to an inflammatory response. Patients may also experience pain, reddening of the skin and nausea. Physiotherapists prohibit the use of this procedure on patients with nerve disorders, metabolic bone infection and bone tumours. Also, expectant women, people with open wounds and patients using blood-thinning medications are not eligible for this treatment.

What is a Rotator Cuff?

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shockwave-rotator-cuffA rotator cuff can be understood as a group of four muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint that assists in movement and stabilization. They work in keeping the upper bone of the arm within the socket of the shoulder. They are also connected and also originate from the scapula. In case of an injury around the rotator cuff, it starts aching and becomes worse when you lie on the side that is affected. A shoulder ache is just one among the many muscle skeletal issues that arise from overusing the shoulder although there are other major causes.

 

Causes of a Rotator Cuff Injury

To begin with, it is important to note that the injury cannot take place in the event of a single injury. It happens after a series of injuries. A rotator cuff injury can also be called the Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder where leads to the building up of calcium when the tendons become irritated. Events that lead to making the condition worse include painting, swimming, lifting heavy weights and racquetball. Lastly, the rotator cuff may also become weaker with a person’s age as the blood supply to the tendons is low

 

 Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff injury

  • Swelling and a lot of pain on the front side of the shoulder.
  • Feeling a lot of pain when you lie on the side which is affected.
  • Pain as a result of raising or lowering the hand
  • Pain that wakes you up at night when sleeping.
  • Pain when trying to reach your back.
  • The decrease in the ability to move the arm to the side.
  • Pain that comes in a gradual manner and worsens especially when trying to turn the arm inwardly.
  • Stiffness

What is Shockwave Technology?

Shockwave technology is a type of sports injury treatment that is done using water done in sports and spinal physio clinics. However, it has also been found to be effective in the treatment of internal organs and kidney stones. Shockwave technology in treating sports injuries began being in used in the 1980s. With the advancement of technology; a shockwave machine became more popular. It has been improved in terms of design over the years to become more efficient.

 

The effectiveness of treating a rotator cuff with Shockwave technology

Notably, it does not encourage using painkillers which are not effective because they only treat as per the time you have taken. It ensures the rotator cuff is fully functional after only four months of shockwave treatment in a sports and spinal physio clinic. The pain decreases after three weeks of beginning the treatment. It is also noninvasive therefore patients can undergo it and go home the same day. This also means you experience less bleeding; therefore, the body heals faster. For the last two decades, patients who have treated shoulder calcific of the rotator cuff have proved to have an increase in muscle strength, an increase in the range of movement and also quick pain relief. After the use of shockwave technology on a patient, the patient can also undergo physiotherapy. This is because it allows the shoulder to heal better by increasing blood circulation.