Shockwave Therapy for Osteoarthritis (OA).
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It’s a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually wears down. Over time, this leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility.
What happens to the joint when Osteoarthritis forms?
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Cartilage becomes thinner and rougher
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The joint absorbs shock less effectively
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Bone may thicken or develop small bony growths (osteophytes)
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The joint can become stiff and painful with use
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breakdown: The smooth, slippery cartilage covering the ends of bones becomes thin and rough.
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Bone changes: Bones may rub directly against each other, causing pain and damage. Small bony growths called bone spurs (osteophytes) may form.
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Joint inflammation: The lining of the joint (synovium) can become irritated, contributing to swelling and pain.
What are the main causes of Osteoarthritis (OA)?
The main causes of osteoarthritis (OA) are factors that increase joint stress over time or reduce the joint’s ability to repair and tolerate load. It usually develops slowly over many years.
1. Aging and tissue changes (biggest factor)
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Cartilage becomes thinner and less resilient with age
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Slower repair of cartilage and other joint tissues
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Reduced muscle strength around joints
Makes joints more vulnerable to everyday loading.
2. Previous joint injury or trauma
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Fractures involving a joint
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Ligament tears (e.g., ACL injury in the knee)
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Meniscus or cartilage damage
Injured joints are more likely to develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis, even years later.
3. Repeated joint overload
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Heavy physical work over many years
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High-impact sports at elite levels
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Poor movement patterns that overload one part of a joint
4. Muscle weakness and poor joint support
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Weak muscles absorb less force
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More stress goes directly to cartilage and bone
5. Excess body weight (for weight-bearing joints)
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Increases mechanical load on knees, hips, and spine
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Also increases low-grade inflammation in the body
6. Joint alignment and structure
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Bow-legs or knock-knees
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Hip shape differences
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Spinal alignment issues
7. Genetics
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Family history of osteoarthritis
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Influences cartilage quality and joint shape
8. Reduced movement and joint nutrition
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Prolonged inactivity
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Limited joint motion
We can help with the pain of OA with a combination of Myofascial release, Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy within the same sessions.
The protocol for Osteoarthritis treatment is set by Storz Medical. They have set the protocol at 6 sessions for people who suffer with Osteoarthritis. 1 session weekly over a 6 week period is required.
The new way to treat MSK.
How Shockwave Therapy helps with Osteoarthritis
Shockwave therapy approaches Osteoarthritis (OA) differently than other musculoskeletal conditions. Since OA is a degenerative condition, it cannot be reversed and healed, and existing damage cannot be repaired. Instead, Shockwave therapy focuses on alleviating pain and enhancing the function of the knee by targeting surrounding tissues and pain response, rather than regenerating cartilage. While the damage from cannot be reversed, Shockwave therapy can effectively manage and reduce pain, improving overall quality of life for those suffering with mild to moderate OA.
Shockwave therapy can;
1. Reduces pain sensitivity
Shockwaves affect pain receptors and nerve signaling: Decrease how strongly pain signals are sent to the brain Reduce local pain hypersensitivity. This can make daily activities like walking or stairs more comfortable.
2. Improves blood flow
Shockwave therapy: Stimulates formation of small blood vessels. Improves circulation in tissues around the knee. Better blood flow supports tissue health and reduces stiffness.
3. Helps calm chronic inflammation (indirectly)
While OA isn’t mainly inflammatory, low-grade inflammation can persist.
Shockwaves can: Influence inflammatory mediators. Reduce ongoing tissue irritation. This may lessen swelling and aching over time
4. Improves soft-tissue function around the joint
Knee OA pain often comes from: Tight muscles. Irritated ligaments. Stiff joint capsule
Shockwave therapy: Reduces muscle tension. Improves tissue flexibility. Takes stress off the joint itself.
5. Supports better movement and rehab
By reducing pain and stiffness: People can move more confidently. Strengthening exercises become easier to perform. This is important because exercise is the most effective long-term treatment for knee OA
Take your recovery to the next level with scientifically proven Shockwave technology. Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven and well approved by top orthopedics and is now used by well established professional sports bodies, such as elite Premier League Football and Rugby Union clubs.