Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy in Buckshaw Village, Chorley

Understanding Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a chronic condition characterised by pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel. It is common in both athletes and non-athletes, often caused by overuse, improper footwear or biomechanical issues. Achilles tendinopathy can be classified into two types:
 

• Insertional: Occurs where the tendon meets the heel bone, typically in active individuals.

• Non-insertional: Mid-portion tendinopathy, often seen in older or less active individuals.

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy at Back In Motion?

If traditional treatments like rest, ice, and exercises haven’t relieved your Achilles pain, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) could be an effective option. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted energy waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in the Achilles tendon.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:

Non-invasive: No surgery or drugs needed.
Fast Recovery: Most patients can resume daily activities right after treatment.
Proven Results: Clinical studies show significant improvement in pain and function.

Our clinic in Buckshaw Village, Chorley, serves patients from across Lancashire, including Leyland, Euxton, and Preston.

How Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) Works

Shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates tissue repair and reduces pain. The therapy works by enhancing blood flow to the Achilles tendon, delivering essential nutrients that promote healing. It also helps break down scar tissue and calcifications that can impair tendon flexibility and function. As a result, patients often experience improved tendon function and a quicker recovery.

Typically, the treatment involves a series of 3 to 6 sessions, each lasting about 15-20 minutes. Significant pain relief and functional improvements are often reported after the initial few sessions, with most patients seeing substantial benefits within 6 to 8 weeks. This therapy is particularly effective when combined with other rehabilitation efforts like calf-strengthening exercises and physical therapy, which can further support the healing process and prevent recurrence of the injury.

Shockwave therapy has shown long-term benefits by reducing the likelihood of re-injury, making it a durable solution for patients suffering from Achilles tendinopathy. The process is generally well tolerated, though some patients may experience mild discomfort during the treatment

Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

You may experience some discomfort during treatment, but it should be tolerable. Energy levels can be adjusted to suit your comfort. Due to the analgesic effect of shockwave therapy, many patients report immediate pain relief following treatment.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?

Shockwave therapy is very safe when performed by qualified therapists. It is recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for many indications and is widely used across various healthcare settings. The treatment is largely risk-free with minimal side effects.

Treatment Success in Chorley and Beyond

Clinical studies support the effectiveness of ESWT for Achilles Tendinopathy:

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlighted the following studies, noting significant pain reduction observed with ESWT, further supporting the use of shockwave therapy as an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis.

Study 1: Non-insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (Rompe, 2007)
Participants: 75 patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.
Results: Patients who received shockwave therapy showed significant improvements in pain reduction and functional outcomes compared to those receiving eccentric loading exercises alone. At 4-month follow-up, the pain scores were significantly lower in the ESWT group, with better functional scores on the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A).

Key Takeaway: Shockwave therapy is a more effective treatment for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy than exercise therapy alone, especially for patients unresponsive to traditional methods​.

Study 2: Comparative Study with Conservative Treatment (Furia, 2008)
Participants: 68 patients comparing Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) with rest, footwear modifications, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Results: At the 3-month follow-up, 80% of patients treated with shockwave therapy reported significantly lower pain levels compared to 43% of patients receiving conservative treatment. Functional improvements were also higher in the ESWT group, and these benefits were sustained after 12 months.

Key Takeaway: Shockwave therapy provides superior pain relief and functional improvement for Achilles tendinopathy compared to standard conservative treatments​.

Study 3: Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (Rompe, 2008)
Participants: 50 patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
Results: Shockwave therapy led to a statistically significant reduction in pain and improved functionality at 4-month follow-up when compared to eccentric exercises. The VISA-A scores were significantly higher in the ESWT group, and patients reported greater overall satisfaction with their recovery.

Key Takeaway: ESWT is highly effective for treating insertional Achilles tendinopathy, particularly when conservative therapies have not provided relief​.

Study 4: Long-term Relief for Achilles Tendon Pain (Gerdesmeyer, 2012)
Participants: 144 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Results: After receiving ESWT, 72% of patients experienced long-term pain relief at a 12-month follow-up. Many patients reported returning to normal activities without further complications.

Key Takeaway: Shockwave therapy offers sustained pain relief and long-term recovery for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.