Achillies tendinopathy is a condition that affects the achillies tendon, which is the thick, cord-like structure that runs from your calf to your heel bone. This condition is typically a result of overuse, where the tendon cannot adequately adapt to the stress placed upon it, resulting in pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling and weakness. Achillies tendinopathy is more common in those who engage in a lot of running and jumping activities, but can also result from introducing too much load too quickly. 

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to create localised micro trauma at the achillies tendon, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This facilitates the creation of new blood vessels for improved blood flow, the breakdown of scar tissue, increased collagen production, reduced inflammation, decreased pain and increased function. 

Shockwave may be a particularly good option for those with chronic achillies tendinopathy that may have had little response to other treatments. It is important to note that the effectiveness of Shockwave therapy may vary between patients, and is likely to be influenced by the cause, duration and severity of symptoms. 

Written by

Dr. Christie Callender, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why

Dr. David Reading, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why

Dr. Maddy Szalay, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why

References:

Chen X, Liu X, Zhang X, et al. (2020) Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol. 39(5):1067-1077.

Liu X, Chen X, Zhang X, et al. (2020) Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 15(1):36.