Content:

Musculoskeletal shockwave therapy is a relatively recent addition to physiotherapy and sport physician practice. Shockwave was initially used in the treatment of kidney stones in the 1980’s. Due to its ability to treat calcific deposits, it made the transition into orthopaedics in the 1990’s for the treatment of calcific tendinopathy, tendinopathy, and plantar fascia disorders. As technology and research have advanced, its indications have grown to include stress fractures, non-union fractures, shin splints, bursitis, trigger point myofascial pain syndrome, low back pain facet joint syndrome and osteoarthritis, etc.
Shockwaves have two main modes of action: (1) influence on local nociceptors and pain (2) tissue healing. There are two main categories of shockwave machines; focused and radial. Radial shockwave (RSW) is commonly used in physiotherapy practice. RSW emits a radial (circular) pulse that is more suited to superficial targets such as plantar fascia, achilles tendons, etc. The efficiency of shockwave is generally supported, and the side effect safety profile of RSW is good.
This course outlines the main aspects of shockwave therapy. The main focus will be on radial shockwave. The course is aimed at (1) clinicians utilising shockwave, (2) those considering the modality for clinical practice and (3) clinicians wishing to know more about its use in musculoskeletal practice, to benefit patient choice.

Aims & Learning Objectives :

After the course of the clinician will be able to describe and have knowledge of:
1.The historical context and physics of shockwave
2.The indications, contraindications and safely aspects of shockwave
3.Rationale for the use of shockwave therapy in physiotherapy and sport physician practice
4.Have an understanding of the evidence for the use of shockwave therapy
5.Practical application of shockwave to common upper and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions
6.Have an appreciation for the growing use of shockwave for various other conditions