Achilles tendinitis, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. While rest and medication can provide temporary relief, combining osteopathy with shockwave therapy offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing the condition. This article explores how osteopathy and shockwave therapy work together to relieve pain, accelerate healing, and restore function in those suffering from Achilles tendinitis.
The Role of Osteopaths in Treating Achilles Tendinitis
Osteopaths specialize in understanding how the body’s musculoskeletal system functions as a whole. Their hands-on techniques aim to reduce strain, improve circulation, and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal. For Achilles tendinitis, osteopaths focus on restoring balance and reducing stress on the Achilles tendon.
Manual Techniques to Relieve Tendon Stress
Osteopaths use techniques like soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release to relieve tension around the calf and ankle. These methods help improve blood flow and reduce adhesions or scar tissue that can limit tendon mobility. Targeted manipulations also alleviate strain caused by biomechanical imbalances, such as flat feet or tight calf muscles, which often contribute to Achilles tendinitis (Khan et al., 2002).
Exercises and Stretches for Achilles Tendinitis
A tailored exercise program is a cornerstone of osteopathic treatment for Achilles tendinitis. Eccentric strengthening exercises, such as heel drops, are particularly effective in rebuilding the tendon’s resilience and promoting collagen repair (Alfredson et al., 1998). Osteopaths may also prescribe stretches to improve calf flexibility, reducing tension on the Achilles tendon.
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinitis Explained
Shockwave therapy is an innovative treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area. These waves stimulate the body’s healing processes, making it an ideal complement to osteopathic care for Achilles tendinitis.
How Shockwave Therapy Speeds Up Healing
Shockwave therapy works by increasing blood flow, stimulating collagen production, and breaking down calcifications within the tendon. This process encourages the regeneration of healthy tissue and reduces chronic inflammation (Wang et al., 2012). Unlike other treatments, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying causes of tendon degeneration rather than just masking the symptoms.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Pain
Shockwave therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic Achilles tendinitis who have not responded to traditional treatments like rest, ice, or physiotherapy. Osteopaths often recommend it when pain persists for more than six months, or when there are signs of calcific deposits or scar tissue impeding recovery (Notarnicola & Moretti, 2012).
Comparing Treatment Options: Shockwave Therapy vs. Traditional Approaches
For patients weighing their options, it’s important to understand how shockwave therapy stacks up against other treatments for Achilles tendinitis.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to reduce pain and inflammation in the short term. However, they come with risks, including weakening of the tendon and potential rupture (Coombes et al., 2010). Shockwave therapy, on the other hand, promotes natural healing without these side effects, making it a safer long-term solution for chronic Achilles tendinitis.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Surgery
Surgery is typically considered a last resort for severe cases of Achilles tendinitis. While it can be effective, surgery involves a lengthy recovery period and carries risks such as infection or nerve damage. Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive alternative that can yield significant improvements in pain and function within just a few sessions (Rompe et al., 2009).
Conclusion
Combining osteopathy and shockwave therapy provides a powerful, non-invasive approach to managing Achilles tendinitis. While osteopathic techniques address biomechanical imbalances and relieve tendon stress, shockwave therapy accelerates healing at the cellular level. Together, these treatments offer lasting relief, improved mobility, and a faster return to activity.
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
References
Alfredson, H., Pietilä, T., Jonsson, P., & Lorentzon, R. (1998). Heavy-load eccentric calf muscle training for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinosis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 26(3), 360-366.
Coombes, B. K., Bisset, L., & Vicenzino, B. (2010). Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for the treatment of tendinopathy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Lancet, 376(9754), 1751-1767.
Khan, K. M., Cook, J. L., Bonar, F., Harcourt, P., & Åstrom, M. (2002). Histopathology of common tendinopathies: Update and implications for clinical management. Sports Medicine, 27(6), 393-408.
Notarnicola, A., & Moretti, B. (2012). The biological effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on tendon tissue. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 2(1), 33-37.
Rompe, J. D., Furia, J., & Maffulli, N. (2009). Efficacy of shockwave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy: A systematic review. Foot & Ankle Clinics, 14(2), 213-221.
Wang, C. J., et al. (2012). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic patellar tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(3), 542-549.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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