Treatment & Equipment

Latest Technology — Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

• New non-invasive treatment method for chronic pain
• Various penetration with different convergent lens
• No skin irritation, no known serious adverse effect
• Safe and effective

Shockwave therapy is well established in treatments for tendinopathy and fasciitis, (e.g. tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, shoulder impingement, plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendinitis). Trigger point shockwave therapy is very successful in releasing tight muscles and alleviating symptoms in chronic back and neck pain sufferers.

Extracorporal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) nowadays is widely used by physiotherapists in treating orthopaedics disorders, especially for soft tissues chronic diseases. ESWT special features are intense, focused and non-invasive.

ESWT is originally used as treating kidney stones, the mechanism is using electrical induced high- energy ultrasonic waves to break down the hard calcium deposits that causes kidney stones.

Chronic tendon and fascia injuries (i.e. Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis) are found caused by chronic inflammation and degenerative changes of tendon or fascia, not just by general inflammation.

The power output produced by ESWT is 1000 times more than ultrasound. This high energy wave can effectively break down pathological deposits of calcification in damaged soft tissues, stimulate the growth of blood vessels and blood circulation and accelerate tissue repair process. Moreover, the high energy produced by ESWT can stimulate nerve endings to provide immediate pain relief. Most importantly, minimal adverse outcomes related to ESWT was shown.

ESWT was recommended by varies health department in other countries: 1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA): ESWT is approved for treatment in plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. 2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) The UK advisory body have issued guidance on ESWT to UK clinicians for a number of clinical indications – Calcific Tendinitis of the shoulder, plantar fascitiis, Achilles Tendinopathy, tennis elbow and greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

The depth of ESWT can be adjusted with the use of different convergent lenses. For example, 5mm lens will be used for wrist and elbow, 30mm or 40mm lens will be used for back. The dosage of shockwave can also be adjusted according to patients’ response and progress. When receiving ESWT, strong feeling of soreness, pain or reflexed pain will be noted over the injured area. The duration of treatment is usually around 15 to 20 minutes. After 6-8 sessions of ESWT, there would be a significant treatment result.

ESWT indications:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Achilles tendon tendonitis
• Chronic back pain
• Plantar fasciitis

Manual techniques include manual mobilization, manipulation and manual stretching for enhancement of joint mobility and functions, muscle relaxation, soft tissues softening and pain reduction.

Electrical stimulation included two pairs of electricity interfere together. Cooperated with suction cups, it provides massaging effect, deep soft tissues relaxation and pain relief.

The use of ice is for swelling control and pain relieving in acute soft tissue injuries or inflammation.

Heat induces improvement in blood circulation, muscles relaxation and pain reduction for enhancement of joint mobility and function.

Spinal traction induces mechanical distraction of spine and is used for treatment of spinal problems such as sciatica, numbness and limb weakness, which are related to spinal nerve compression. It also helps to promote spinal soft tissues flexibility and blood circulation.

Ultrasound induces mechanical vibrations for enhancement in soft tissues healing and scar softening by promoting blood circulation and fibrous tissues remodeling.

Individualized exercise programme with the use of different tools or methods for stretching, strengthening, coordination and balance training for enhancement of recovery, function and recurrence minimization.

A well recognized treatment for musculoskeletal problems by WHO. It involves the use of needling in acupoints for pain alleviation, blood circulation promotion and soft tissues relaxation. Nowadays, acupuncture is commonly used by physiotherapists in Hong Kong for treating different kinds of pain such as frozen shoulder, knee pain and back pain.

A electrical stimulator for sensory or motor stimulation to reduce pain and facilitate muscle contraction.

Sports taping will be used if there are soft tissue injuries such as ligament tear or muscle sprain. Physiotherapists will apply sports taping to the injured site in order to support and reduce movement of the injured tissues as well as promote recovery.