Physiotherapy

Electrotherapy is a form of medical treatment, which uses electrical impulses to aid tissue repair, stimulate muscles and increase sensations and muscle strength.

There are several different forms of electrotherapy; these include ultrasound, interferential therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and muscle stimulation. Ultrasound uses sound waves to speed up the healing process, while interferential therapy and TENS reduce pain by manipulating the nerves which reduces the sensation of pain and produces a tingling feeling.

The benefits of electrotherapy are wide-ranging and include a more advanced healing process, a more effective circulatory system and increased muscle tone. The effects of electrotherapy include a reduction in pain, increased strength, increased range of movement, increased speed and strength of muscle contractions and an increased rate of absorption.

Manual therapy is the utilisation of skilled hands-on techniques including, but not limited to, manipulation/mobilisation, used by the physiotherapist to: diagnose and treat soft tissue and joints to reduce pain; increase range of motion; decrease myofascial restrictions to improve muscle length; decrease swelling or inflammation; assist the body in muscle or soft tissue repair; extensibility and/or stability; facilitate movement to improve function.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a form of intense mechanical pressure pulse waves which can be used to deliver a large amount of energy to tissues. It is used to disperse calcium deposits (lithotripsy) and can be used in the treatment of recalcitrant and chronic tendinous lesions (tendinopathies) which fail to heal through conservative measures.

A coupling agent (gel) is used to effectively deliver the shockwave to the tissue. Due to the large amount of energy being dispersed within the tissues you may experience a short, sharp sensation during treatment which may be accompanied by ecchymosis (bruising) afterwards. You may also experience some skin irritation and numbness or paraesthesia although these effects are normal they are usually temporary and subside quickly. It has been recognised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence for shoulder calcific tendinitis since 2003.

How many treatments will I need?
Treatment sessions last approximately 30 minutes however you should allow 20 minutes afterwards to relax in the waiting room. Generally you will require 3 to 6 treatments depending on the chronicity and severity of the condition.