Indications for Shockwave Therapy
Chronic tendinitis, whether calcifying or not, involving the tendon body or insertion, is a common condition. Rotator cuff tendinitis, epicondylitis, epitrochleitis, patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee), Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis are the most frequent indications. Shockwave therapy is also used by physiotherapists to treat bone pathologies, such as stress fractures, for instance.
Contraindications for shockwave therapy
Contraindications for shockwave therapy include coagulation disorders and pregnancy. Locally, treatment should never be applied near an area with infection, cancer, or a prosthesis. Additionally, growth cartilage in children, as well as vascular and nerve trunks, must be strictly avoided. Side effects are rare and typically limited to local redness or superficial skin abrasion.
Combined with physiotherapy
Completely stopping sports activities is absolutely not necessary during treatment. On the contrary, engaging in sports below the pain threshold will increase the chances of biomechanical healing of the tendon. It is essential to regularly follow physiotherapy exercises in combination with shockwave therapy to optimize the results.
