Extra corporeal shockwave (focussed)

Oving Clinic is one of the very first centres to use ESWT for tendon problems Stemming from the well established lithotripter machine that disintegrates kidney stones without surgery this lower power shock wave unit, the Piezowave, uses the high dynamic input of piezo – electric shockwaves to stimulate healing and regeneration. Between 1,000 to 2,500 shockwaves are focused with the aid of ultrasound imaging at the site of tendon inflammation and calcification ‘at the rate of 240 shockwaves per minute to minimise treatment time.The machine we use here is delivering ‘focussed’ pulses of energy to the tissue at a defined depth. Many of the recent machines on the market at a quarter of the price are delivering radial pressure waves which cannot be focused on the target and cannot supply as high an energy level to the tissue.The conditions which can be treated include:

• Epicondylitis (tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow).
• Plantar fasciitis (with or without heel spurs.)
• Tendonitis of the shoulder (disperses calcium deposits).
• Achilles tendonitis and insertional type.
• Trochanteric pain syndrome.
• Ununited scaphoid fracture.
• Anterior tibial stress fractures (delayed healing).
• Patellar Tendonitis

In most cases only three treatments are required at weekly intervals.

If the condition is very tender or sensitive local anaesthesia can be used for patient comfort. Occasionally light bruising lasting only 2-3 days may result but otherwise there are no side effects. Recovery takes place gradually over 6-12 weeks.

This equipment has been passed by the FDA as safe for patient use.