Achilles tendinitis is a common and often debilitating condition that affects athletes, active individuals, and even those with a sedentary lifestyle. While rest, ice, and physical therapy are traditional approaches, shockwave therapy is emerging as a powerful, non-invasive treatment option. From an osteopathic perspective, shockwave therapy not only addresses the symptoms but also promotes deeper healing of the Achilles tendon. In this guide, we will explore how osteopaths use shockwave therapy to treat Achilles tendinitis, understand the condition’s challenges, and highlight real-life success stories.
Understanding Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury characterized by pain and inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition is particularly prevalent among runners, dancers, and those who engage in activities that place repetitive stress on the tendon.
Causes and Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis
The primary cause of Achilles tendinitis is repetitive strain, often exacerbated by factors such as poor footwear, improper training techniques, and a sudden increase in physical activity (Scott et al., 2013). Common symptoms include:
Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Discomfort that worsens with activity
Limited range of motion in the ankle
Osteopaths play a critical role in diagnosing and managing these symptoms, offering a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and biomechanical factors contributing to the condition.
Why Achilles Tendinitis is Difficult to Treat
Achilles tendinitis can be challenging to treat due to the tendon’s limited blood supply, which hinders the body’s natural healing process (Khan et al., 2002). Traditional treatments, such as rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications, often provide only temporary relief. Furthermore, tendons heal more slowly than other tissues, making it difficult to fully resolve the injury without targeted interventions like shockwave therapy.
How Shockwave Therapy Helps Achilles Tendinitis
Shockwave therapy offers a targeted approach to Achilles tendinitis, addressing the underlying tissue damage while reducing pain and inflammation. This modern treatment is especially beneficial for chronic cases where traditional therapies have failed.
Promoting Tissue Regeneration
Shockwave therapy promotes tissue regeneration by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. The acoustic waves delivered during treatment increase blood flow to the affected area, encouraging the formation of new blood vessels and enhancing the delivery of nutrients essential for repair (Maffulli et al., 2015). This process helps break down scar tissue and calcifications, which are common complications in chronic Achilles tendinitis.
By encouraging the regeneration of healthy tendon fibers, shockwave therapy helps restore the tendon’s structural integrity and function. Osteopaths utilize this technology in conjunction with manual therapies to maximize the healing response, providing patients with a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term recovery.
Reducing Pain and Inflammation in the Achilles Tendon
Shockwave therapy is also highly effective at reducing pain and inflammation, two of the most challenging symptoms of Achilles tendinitis. The shockwaves disrupt pain receptors in the tendon, leading to immediate pain relief (Speed, 2014). Additionally, the therapy promotes the release of anti-inflammatory agents, reducing swelling and discomfort in the treated area.
For osteopaths, the integration of shockwave therapy into a patient’s treatment plan allows for a reduction in pain without the need for medication, which aligns with the holistic and drug-free philosophy of osteopathy.
Success Stories: Shockwave Therapy and Achilles Tendinitis Recovery
The effectiveness of shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinitis is well-documented, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in pain and function after treatment.
Real-Life Patient Experiences
Patients undergoing shockwave therapy often report noticeable pain reduction after just a few sessions. For instance, a case study highlighted a 45-year-old runner who had suffered from chronic Achilles tendinitis for over a year. After five sessions of shockwave therapy combined with osteopathic manual techniques, the patient reported an 80% reduction in pain and a return to running within six weeks (Rompe et al., 2009).
These real-life stories underscore the transformative potential of shockwave therapy, particularly when integrated into a comprehensive osteopathic treatment approach.
Typical Outcomes and Recovery Times
The typical recovery time for Achilles tendinitis with shockwave therapy varies depending on the severity of the condition. However, many patients see significant improvements within three to five sessions, with each session lasting about 15-20 minutes (Saxena & Maffulli, 2020). Full recovery often takes place over several weeks, allowing patients to gradually return to their normal activities with a reduced risk of re-injury.
In clinical studies, shockwave therapy has demonstrated a high success rate for chronic Achilles tendinitis, making it a preferred choice for osteopaths looking to provide long-term relief and enhanced quality of life for their patients.
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:Â hello@movementmechanics.nz
References
Khan, K. M., Cook, J. L., Bonar, F., Harcourt, P., & Ã…strom, M. (2002). Histopathology of common tendinopathies: Update and implications for clinical management. Sports Medicine, 27(6), 393-408.
Maffulli, N., Longo, U. G., & Denaro, V. (2015). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of tendinopathies. BMJ, 350, h1283.
Rompe, J. D., Furia, J., & Maffulli, N. (2009). Efficacy of shockwave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis: A systematic review. Foot & Ankle Clinics, 14(2), 213-221.
Saxena, A., & Maffulli, N. (2020). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy: A clinical narrative review. British Medical Bulletin, 135(1), 66-79.
Scott, A., Huisman, E., & Khan, K. M. (2013). Conservative treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. BMJ, 346, f3012.
Speed, C. (2014). A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: Focusing on the evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(17), 1538-1542.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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