As part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, we are able to resume offering our full range of services, effective May 4, 2020.
At this time, social distancing measures are still in effect and as such, we cannot accept walk-in patients, or walk-in inquiries.
Additionally, we require all patients arriving at the clinic to wear face masks. Please note, we are unable to provide face masks, so we kindly ask that patients arrive prepared.
If you have any questions about our infection prevention and control protocols, or would like to book an appointment, please call for 403-289-8491.
Shockwave Therapy for Tendon Disorders in Calgary
There have been significant advances in medical science and technology. Now, we can use sophisticated techniques and machines to treat almost every disorder, including bone-related disorders. Shockwave therapy is one such development that is used to treat a number of bone, joint and tendon disorders. This is a non-invasive treatment, which means that throughout the course of the treatment, there is no requirement of incision into the body or removal of any tissue. In this treatment, shockwaves are generated pneumatically and spread through tissues in a radial fashion. At North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Crosby offers this therapy for tendon disorders in Calgary. Shockwave therapy is thought to work by creating a micro trauma to the area of treatment. A number of simple and complex problems such as Achilles tendonitis, Shin splints etc. can be cured with the help of shockwave therapy.
Effects Of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy works by releasing waves in order to impact the affected area and cause micro trauma. This micro trauma helps in curing the ailment by reducing inflammation. In the process of curing the problem, shockwave therapy does the following:
- Stimulates blood vessel formation and blood vessel dilation
- Causes release of pain mediators that decrease pain
- Causes release of growth factors that aid in tissue regeneration
- Causes anti- inflammatory effects
Treatments Using Shortwave Therapy
Shortwave therapy is extremely effective for treating tendons affected by conditions that do not allow them to respond to traditional forms of treatment. It is becoming extremely popular as a treatment method for people who are suffering from musculoskeletal conditions, especially those conditions that involve connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons. It is usually applied to people who have been suffering for over 6 weeks and have not responded to other forms of treatment. Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of bone, tendon, and joint disorders, some of which include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Patellar tendonitis
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Non-union of fractures
Timelines for Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy will require multiple visits:
- First Visit: We will assess you and determine whether you can be administered shockwave therapy or not. You will also be made well-aware of your condition, any associated risks, the possibility of improvement etc. It is in this meeting that you will be prescribed alternate methods of treatment such as exercise. If you still wish to proceed with the shockwave therapy, you will be given your next appointment.
- Second Visit Onwards: Your shockwave treatment will begin. It will be done once a week for 3-6 weeks, depending on how bad your condition is, how your body is responding to the treatment etc. During the treatment, you might feel some discomfort. However, it is not a cause of concern as long as it goes away in 4-5 minutes.
Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is considered to be extremely beneficial because:
- It is cost-effective
- It is non-invasive
- It does not mandate the use of drugs/anesthesia
- It has very few side effects
Eligibility
You are not eligible to undergo shockwave therapy if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Circulation or nerve disorder
- Bone tumour
- Metabolic bone condition
- Pregnancy
- Using blood-thinning medications
Before proceeding with shockwave therapy, please speak to our experts in order to find out whether you are fit for the treatment or not.
