Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis: A Revolutionary Approach
When it comes to dealing with Achilles tendonitis, you’re likely familiar with the frustration and discomfort it brings. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who loves a good morning jog, this condition can be downright debilitating. But don’t worry, there’s a treatment out there that might just be your saving grace—Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). Our doctor at Shockwave Therapy BC in Vancouver can more certainly help you with your treatment options and questions.
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis
Before delving deeper into ESWT, it’s crucial to understand what Achilles tendonitis is and how it impacts your daily life. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive stress, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Common symptoms include a burning sensation along the length of the tendon, pain that worsens after activity, and morning stiffness that improves with movement. For athletes, this can mean time away from the sport they love. For others, it might mean giving up favorite activities like hiking, dancing or even just walking to the store. The impact on quality of life can be significant, making effective treatment essential.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
In simple terms, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes shockwaves to promote healing in damaged tissues. The concept is straightforward: targeted shockwaves are sent to the affected area, stimulating healing and reducing pain. It’s like giving your Achilles a wake-up call, encouraging it to heal itself better and faster.
Now, you might be wondering, how does this differ from other treatments? Well, ESWT is unique because it doesn’t involve any surgery or medication. It’s like getting a personal trainer for your tendons, pushing them to repair without the need for invasive methods. It’s a pretty neat option, especially if you’re looking to avoid the long and expensive physiotherapy visits or even surgery.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
So, how exactly does this work? The process is actually quite fascinating. During the procedure, a specialized device is used to deliver shockwaves directly to your Achilles tendon. These waves are not just random pulses; they’re carefully calculated to target damaged areas of the tendon.
Once these shockwaves penetrate the tissue, they create micro-traumas. Now, that might sound scary, but it’s actually a good thing. These tiny injuries stimulate your body’s natural healing process, increasing blood flow and encouraging cell regeneration. It’s like hitting the reset button on your tendon, allowing it to heal more efficiently.
The Science Behind the Healing
A biochemical reaction occurs during ESWT treatments on a micro level. When the shockwaves hit the injured area of tendon, they increase the production of a substance called collagen. Collagen is vital for the strength and elasticity of your tendons. By boosting collagen production, ESWT helps restore your Achilles to is former strength and resiliency.
Moreover, these shockwaves have an analgesic effect, which means they help alleviate pain. It’s a double whammy: not only do you get the healing benefits, but you also experience pain relief. Talk about a win-win situation!
Benefits of Using ESWT for Achilles Tendonitis
The first and most obvious benefit of ESWT is its non-invasive nature. No surgery, no medications, just a straightforward, outpatient procedure that typically lasts about 15-20 minutes. You can literally walk in and out of the clinic the same day. No anaesthetic is required.
Next, there’s minimal downtime. While rest is crucial, many patients find they can return to their normal activities faster than with traditional treatments. This means less disruption to your daily life, whether that involves hitting the gym, simply walking around the office or playing a round of golf.
Long-term Results and Effectiveness
But what about the long haul? Does ESWT provide lasting relief? Absolutely! Studies have shown that patients often report significant improvements in pain and function within weeks of treatment. It’s not just a quick fix; it’s a long-term solution.
Another fantastic aspect is the reduced risk of complications. With surgery, there’s always the chance of infection or other issues. With ESWT, those risks are practically non-existent. It’s a safer alternative for those who might be wary of going under the knife. There might be a short period of soreness around the treatment area on the same day or the next but this usually resolves by itself shortly after.
Additionally, ESWT has been shown to help those with chronic conditions where other treatments have failed. In some cases, patients who had resigned themselves to living with pain found new hope through shockwave therapy, experiencing improvements they hadn’t thought possible. Chronic injuries that have lasted months to years have been successfully treated with ESWT.
Real-Life Success Stories
During the 2023/24 season, a professional volleyball player began experiencing sudden pain in her Achilles tendon area, which worsened during training and subsequent matches. Medical consultation revealed persistent pain and swelling at the insertion point of the right Achilles tendon, along with moderate edema 2 cm above the tendon insertion.
The player also faced functional limitations in daily activities, such as pain while walking. Jumping and abrupt movements increased the pain to a VAS level of 7–8. Despite these symptoms, the Thompson test, used to identify Achilles tendon ruptures, returned negative, and ultrasound revealed no discontinuity. There were no signs of calcification, but moderate tendon thickening with surrounding fluid was present. The diagnosis was “right Achilles tendinitis due to chronic overload.”
Initially, the player received physiotherapy, followed by therapeutic exercises but this did not resolve her Achilles pain. In February 2024, focused and radial shock wave therapies began. The treatment regimen included:
Focused ESWT with 2000 pulses at 0.03–0.07 mJ/mm2 on the Achilles tendon insertion and proximally, reaching up to 0.2 mJ/mm2.
Radial ESWT involved using a “Beam” transmitter with 1.0–2.0 bareff intensity, 12–15 Hz frequency, and a total of 6000 pulses per session, ensuring no more than 2000 pulses were administered at once.
The shock waves targeted the point of maximum hardening above the insertion, with the patient prone. Up to six trigger points in the calf, hamstring, and plantar fascia were also treated per session. The lower intensity of 1.0 to 2.0 bar was chosen to minimize pain during application.
Over 15 days, the player underwent five treatments at three-day intervals, without requiring analgesics or anaesthetics. She was advised to perform Achilles tendon stretches, eccentric exercises, and fascia therapy.
Her training regimen was adjusted to reduce jumping and impact activities, allowing her to continue playing without interruption. After just one treatment, the player reported a reduction in pain, and by the end of the five treatments over 15 days, she was completely pain-free.
She experienced a consistent decrease in pain during daily activities, like stair climbing, and noted functional improvements in training and matches.
At the conclusion of the treatment, her VAS was 0, and she experienced no limitations. Follow-up appointments at three and eight weeks post-treatment confirmed no symptoms and excellent functional scores. During this period, she continued with preventive exercises. The patient experienced no side effects following the application of the shock waves.
What to Expect During Treatment
If you’re considering ESWT, you’re probably curious about what the treatment involves. Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward. During your session, you’ll lie comfortably while the doctor at Shockwave Therapy BC applies a gel to your Achilles area. This gel helps conduct the shockwaves more effectively.
The device is then placed against your skin, and you’ll feel a series of pulses. It’s not painful, though you might experience some sensitivity in the area of application initially but this soon passes after a minute. Honestly, it’s over before you know it, and you can get back to your day with minimal fuss.
Post-Treatment Care
After the treatment, your doctor will likely give you some guidelines to follow. Rest is key, but you won’t need to be bedridden. Light activities are encouraged, and you’ll gradually ease back into your regular routine. Initially a series of light stretches is given followed by light exercises and strengthening as you are making progress over the next few weeks. There is eventually a loading phase at the end to strengthen the tendon and allow it to heal well so it can handle the usually activities of your life and sport again.
FAQ Section
- How many ESWT sessions are typically needed for Achilles tendonitis?
Most patients require between 5 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart, to achieve optimal results. However, the exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and how your body responds to the treatment. It could be more or less depending on how chronic it was been as well.
- Is ESWT painful?
Not really! While you may feel a slight tingling or discomfort during the procedure, it’s generally well-tolerated and not considered painful. Most patients describe the sensation as unusual but not uncomfortable. Usually after a minute of sensitivity, your body will get used to the sensation. Depending the body part being treated, some areas might be more sensitive than others. Usually muscle tends to have the least sensitivity.
- Can I return to sports after ESWT?
Yes! Many patients find they can return to their sports or activities within a few weeks of treatment, with improved performance and reduced pain. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice on gradually stretching and strengthening your Achilles tendon before resuming activities to ensure the tendon heals properly. You do not want to return to sports too early or aggressively initially as re-injury to the Achilles Tendon will set back all progress you have made to date.
- Are there any side effects of ESWT?
Side effects are rare but can include mild swelling or bruising. These typically resolve quickly and don’t require additional treatment. Most patients experience minimal side effects, making ESWT a safe option for many. A slight soreness in the area of treatment on the same day or the next is normal and that will self-resolve with no side effects.
- Is ESWT covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by provider, so it’s best to check with your insurance company. Some plans do cover it, especially if other treatments have failed. It’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand your options.
Considerations and Final Thoughts
While ESWT is an exciting development in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or your doctor at Shockwave Therapy BC to determine if it’s the right option for you. Factors such as the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your treatment history will play a role in deciding the best course of action.
It’s also worth noting that while ESWT has shown great promise, it’s not a cure-all. A comprehensive treatment plan that includes chiropractic, physical therapy, proper footwear, and lifestyle modifications may be necessary to achieve the best results.
In conclusion, ESWT is a revolutionary approach to treating Achilles tendonitis, offering pain relief and promoting healing without the need for surgery. If you’re struggling with this condition, it might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. Why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself?
With ongoing advancements in medical technology, treatments like ESWT provide hope for those suffering from chronic pain. As research continues, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge, transforming the way we approach musculoskeletal conditions.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to get back in the game or someone eager to enjoy life’s simple pleasures without pain, ESWT offers a path to recovery that is both effective and minimally invasive. It’s time to take that step towards a pain-free life and explore the possibilities that Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy has to offer.