Shockwave Therapy for Tendinitis | ESWT | Tendinopathies of Achilles, Rotator Cuff, Patellar & More

Adam Fields DC covers how shockwave therapy helps tendinopathies and some of the research behind it.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has emerged as the number one modality for helping tendinopathy, offering targeted relief for various tendon conditions by leveraging the power of shockwaves to stimulate healing processes. One of the key tendons benefiting from ESWT is the Achilles tendon, a crucial structure connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. In cases of Achilles tendinopathy, characterized by pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle, ESWT has shown effectiveness in promoting tissue regeneration and reducing pain. By delivering focused shockwaves to the affected area, ESWT triggers an inflammatory response, prompting the body to initiate the repair process and accelerate healing of the damaged tendon.

Similarly, ESWT has demonstrated efficacy in treating patellar tendinopathy, commonly known as jumper's knee, which affects the tendon connecting the patella (kneecap) to the shinbone. Athletes and individuals engaged in repetitive jumping or running activities often experience this condition, characterized by anterior knee pain and tenderness. Through the application of shockwaves to the patellar tendon, ESWT induces microtrauma, stimulating the release of growth factors and promoting the regeneration of tendon tissue. This leads to improved tendon structure and function, ultimately alleviating pain and restoring mobility in affected individuals.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy, involving the tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, is another condition that can benefit from ESWT intervention. Tendons such as the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis are commonly affected in rotator cuff tendinopathy, resulting in shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. ESWT targets the affected tendons with high-energy shockwaves, promoting neovascularization and the formation of new tendon tissue. This enhanced blood flow and tissue regeneration contribute to pain reduction and improved function in individuals suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy.

ESWT offers a non-invasive and effective treatment option for tennis elbow by delivering shockwaves to the affected tendon, promoting tissue healing and reducing pain. Through its regenerative effects on tendon tissue, ESWT helps alleviate symptoms and improve functional outcomes in individuals with lateral epicondylitis.

In conclusion, ESWT holds promise as a valuable intervention for various tendinopathies affecting tendons such as the Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, and extensor carpi radialis brevis. By stimulating tissue regeneration, promoting neovascularization, and reducing pain, ESWT offers a non-invasive approach to managing tendon conditions and restoring function in affected individuals.

Dr Adam Fields is a practicing chiropractor in the Bay Area in Northern California and helps people daily in his office with many challenges that can be helped by shockwave therapy from tendinopathies, arthritis, cartilage regeneration, post surgical scar tissue, pelvic pain, altered biomechanics and more. He uses Endonasal Cranial Adjusting, the Muncie Technique, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), Class IV Laser Therapy, posture correction, lifestyle modification, muscle work, and other techniques to help his patients.

You can reach him for in-person (California) or telehealth appointments at https://fieldsfamilychiro.com/ and click "book online"

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RESEARCH
*Outcomes of the treatment of trigger digits by extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32135...

RESEARCH:
*Shock wave therapy induces neovascularization at the tendon-bone junction. A study in rabbits https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14554...
*Extracorporeal shockwave for chronic patellar tendinopathy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17307...
*Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in the Management of Sports Medicine Injuries https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fu...
*The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy: a systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24817...

Chapters
00:00 Understanding Tendinitis
0:24 Piezowave Shockwave Therapy for Tendinopathy, Tendonitis of Achilles, Rotator Cuff, Patellar Tendon & More
2:07 Tendonitis versus Tendinopathy: What's the Difference?
2:36 Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Explained: Regenerate Your Tendons
4:17 Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Tendinopathy
4:51 Research Backed Results: Studies on Neovascularization and Regeneration for Achilles Tendon
5:24 Research on Shockwave Therapy and its Benefit for Tendinopathy