In the 21st century, technology in physiotherapy is moving along at a fast pace. Long gone are the days when the physiotherapist pulled out the ultrasound and the TENS machine to fix everything. Two of the best technologies’ physiotherapy uses today are Shockwave and LASER. They work via vastly different principles yet both have fantastic benefits and can be used often on the same issues. So where do these 2 treatment modalities intersect and when do they stand alone as the best in practice use?
High Powered LASER
An intense beam of coherent light, LASER works on 3 systems to produce its effects:
- Photoacoustic – works on nerve endings to dampen pain immediately.
- Biostimulation – faster exchange of ATP and oxygen to surrounding tissue to give the area more energy and facilitate faster repair.
- Thermic – the warmth penetrates deep to cause vasodilation to allow more nutrients to the area.
At Back In Motion Como, we love our high powered LASER and use it for a variety of conditions such as:
- Tendonitis-Sciatica
- Osteoarthritis of the hip, knee and ankle
- Disc herniation
- Hip or shoulder bursitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Shoulder impingement
We treat A LOT of tendonitis conditions and find that we mainly use the LASER therapy on the acute/sub-acute stages of an injured tendon (within the first 6-8 weeks).
Shockwave
A pneumatic force transmitted into the tissue, Shockwave therapy works via 3 ways
- Dilutes neuropeptide substance P for pain relief.
- Neovascularistion – stimulates growth of healthy new blood vessels.
- Mechanotransduction – shockwaves result in a cascade of biochemical reactions to stimulate tissue repair.
We mainly use our Shockwave devices to treat conditions such as:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis/heel spur pain
- Tennis/golfers’ elbow
- Jumper’s knee
- Shin splints
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Shoulder tendinopathy (with calcification),
- Frozen shoulder
We are currently conducting research with Curtin university on the benefits of shockwave in knee arthritis, but for now we mainly use it in the treatment of chronic tendon conditions. (after 6-8 weeks of prolonged tendon issues).
These power modalities, both LASER and Shockwave intersect mainly around tendon issues. So if someone has a new tendon complaint, LASER is a great machine to use to settle down the issue. If the tendon issue has been around for 6-8weeks (or longer) shockwave is the gold standard device in treatment of this condition.
If you would like to learn more about LASER or Shockwave therapy, the Physiotherapists at Back In Motion Como would love to help!
Website: https://www.backinmotion.com.au/como
Phone Number: 9313 3414