What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of drug-free, non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. This approach supports the body's natural ability to heal itself, making it an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions.
Osteopathy is founded on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue functioning smoothly together. Osteopaths use physical manipulation, stretching, and massage with the aim of alleviating pain, increasing mobility, and enhancing the blood circulation and healing process.
The Rise of Osteopathy in Auckland
Auckland has witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of osteopathy. This can be attributed to the city's holistic health culture and the increasing number of skilled practitioners setting up clinics in the area. Movement Mechanics Osteopathy is the first Osteopathic clinic in New Zealand to adopt EMS DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy and is the country's leading osteopathic provider of the therapy.
Understanding Shockwave Therapy
Swiss DolorClast® Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a groundbreaking treatment method that has transformed the approach to managing pain and facilitating recovery in various musculoskeletal conditions. This therapy leverages the power of shock waves to target and heal injured tissues, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatment methods. It is particularly effective for chronic pain conditions.
Note: not all shock wave therapy devices are equal, with some other brands outputting significantly lower power across the different frequencies, so if you are considering Shockwave Therapy, we suggest you look for a provider using an EMS Swiss DolorClast® unit.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Developed in Switzerland, the Swiss DolorClast® ESWT is a form of extracorporeal shock wave therapy that uses high-energy sound waves to treat chronic pain and promote healing in the musculoskeletal system. The term "extracorporeal" means "outside the body," indicating that the treatment is performed externally, without the need for incisions or invasive procedures. Shockwave therapy involves delivering a series of high-energy impulses to the affected area. These impulses stimulate the body's natural healing processes, promoting cell regeneration and healing.
How does Shockwave Therapy Work?
The therapy involves a device that generates shock waves, which are then directed to the affected area using a handheld applicator. These shock waves penetrate the skin and tissue to reach the targeted area, where they induce a series of biological responses. The energy from the shock waves stimulates the body's natural healing processes, including:
Enhancing Blood Circulation: ESWT improves blood flow to the treated area, which is crucial for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.
Stimulating Cell Regeneration: The therapy promotes the production of new cells, including collagen, which is essential for tissue repair.
Reducing Pain: ESWT can interrupt the pain signals sent to the brain, thereby reducing the perception of pain.
Breaking Down Calcifications: The therapy is effective in dissolving calcified fibroblasts in tendons and other soft tissues, thus restoring mobility and function.
What Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Swiss DolorClast® ESWT is used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders, including:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinopathy
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Shoulder tendinitis, including calcific tendinitis
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
Shin splints
Stress fractures
Chronic pain conditions not responding to conventional therapies
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
The therapy is known for its ability to reduce pain, improve mobility, and stimulate the healing of soft tissues. It's particularly beneficial for conditions like tendinitis, heel spurs, and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Non-invasive: ESWT offers a non-surgical alternative to treating chronic pain, reducing the risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia.
Quick and Effective: Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after just a few sessions.
Minimal Side Effects: The therapy has minimal side effects, with most patients reporting only temporary discomfort during and immediately after the treatment.
No Downtime: Patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately after each session.
How Shockwave Therapy Complements Osteopathy
Integrating shockwave therapy into osteopathic treatments enhances the healing process by targeting both the structural and tissue-related aspects of musculoskeletal issues, offering a comprehensive approach to pain management and recovery. Combining Swiss DolorClast® ESWT with osteopathic techniques can lead to enhanced patient outcomes through several mechanisms:
Improved Healing Response: ESWT's ability to promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis complements the osteopathic focus on enhancing circulation and tissue repair. Together, they can accelerate the body's natural healing processes.
Comprehensive Pain Management: While ESWT directly targets the affected area to alleviate pain and inflammation, osteopathic treatments address other contributing factors to pain, such as restricted joint mobility and muscle imbalances. This integrated approach ensures a more thorough management of pain.
Increased Functionality: Osteopathic techniques can improve the range of motion and overall body mechanics, which are essential for recovery. When used in conjunction with ESWT, which directly treats the pain source, patients can experience faster improvements in functionality and a quicker return to daily activities.
Prevention of Recurrence: Osteopathy emphasises the importance of addressing the underlying causes of conditions. By integrating ESWT, which provides targeted healing to the affected tissues, with osteopathic care, practitioners can not only treat existing conditions but also prevent their recurrence.
Our Approach to Osteopathy in Auckland
Innovation and patient-centric care are at the heart of Movement Mechanics Osteopathy, one of Auckland's leading osteopath clinics. By incorporating shockwave therapy, Movement Mechanics Osteopathy can offer an avant-garde approach to traditional osteopathic treatments.
Our clinic is at the forefront of adopting new technologies and treatments to provide the best care possible. Shockwave therapy represents one of the most significant innovations in recent years, offering a non-invasive solution to sub-acute and chronic pain.
The success of our clinic lies in our commitment to providing personalised care. Understanding each patient's unique needs and health goals is paramount in crafting effective treatment plans that incorporate both osteopathy and shockwave therapy.
Beyond shockwave therapy, our clinic provides a comprehensive range of osteopathic services, from manual therapy to Western Medical Acupuncture, VALD HumanTrak video movement analysis and exercise prescriptions, all tailored to enhance patient health and well-being.
Patient Experiences with Shockwave Therapy in Auckland
The introduction of shockwave therapy has been met with positive feedback from patients, many of whom have experienced significant improvements in their conditions.
Patients report reduced pain, increased mobility, and faster recovery times, highlighting the effectiveness of combining shockwave therapy with osteopathic treatments.
"Jonathan has been fantastic with helping me on the journey of recovery from chronic tendinopathy. After a course of shock wave therapy, I am back to being capable of undertaking 1000m+ day ascents and descents with a day pack, no hobbling around in the mornings, and significantly reduced pain and swelling. Jonathan is extremely professional while being kind, friendly, and empathetic. I highly recommend Jonathan for anybody needing help with chronic injuries."
- Sarah Reed
"Jonathan is an amazing osteopath, and I am delighted with his expertise in using Radial Shockwave Therapy on my chronic hip and leg pain. It feels like a miracle to be pain-free and walking easily, and my mobility and strength restored."
- Mary Ashby-Green
Testimonials from patients underscore the transformative impact of these innovative treatments, often noting the professionalism and expertise of the osteopaths in Auckland.
How Shockwave Therapy is Revolutionising Pain Management
Shockwave therapy represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of chronic pain, offering a non-invasive, effective alternative to traditional methods. Compared to surgery or medication, shockwave therapy offers a lower risk and a higher success rate for many musculoskeletal indications, making it an attractive option for both patients and practitioners. We have seen great results using shockwave therapy as a non-invasive alternative to steroid injections and a tool to conservatively manage pain in those wanting to avoid or delay surgical intervention. Ongoing research into shockwave therapy continues to validate its effectiveness, with studies highlighting its benefits in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
The Integration of Technology in Osteopathy
The incorporation of shockwave therapy into osteopathic practice is just one example of how technology is being used to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. The future of osteopathic medicine is poised at an exciting juncture, marked by significant advancements in research, technology, and integrative healthcare practices. As the profession evolves, it continues to hold true to its holistic roots while embracing innovations that enhance patient care and outcomes.
Jonathan Hall M.Ost, BAppSci (Human Biology), PGCertHSc (Acupuncture), GradDipHeal
Jonathan Hall is the founder and principal Osteopath at Movement Mechanics Osteopathy. Jonathan specialises in Shockwave Therapy and Western medical acupuncture. A fully qualified Osteopath registered with OCNZ, PNZ, PAANZ and ACC, Jonathan also founded Auckland Shockwave Therapy to help bring evidence-based Shockwave treatment to New Zealand using the industry-leading EMS Radial Shock Wave device.
Contact Us: hello@movementmechanics.nz
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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