Dr. Aston Ngai during a therapy session.
Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, is at the forefront of sports medicine with its groundbreaking Focal Shockwave Therapy. Utilising cutting-edge technology, this advanced treatment modality is transforming tissue repair and pain reduction in sports-related injuries, making a significant impact on athletes and individuals.
Since 2015, Aspetar has successfully treated nearly 900 athletes and 1500 non-athletes with shockwave therapy, solidifying its position as a premier destination for sports injury rehabilitation. With up to 600 treatments performed annually, the hospital’s exceptional expertise in this field is unmatched.
Success stories abound, with national and international athletes experiencing remarkable recoveries through shockwave therapy. Athletes plagued by ankle impingement after a high ankle sprain, post-surgical scar tissue pain, and Hoffa fat pad impingement in the knee have not only made substantial progress but have triumphantly returned to competitive play, demonstrating the transformative power of shockwave therapy.
Shockwave therapy harnesses the power of acoustic waves to deliver energy through the tissue to the targeted anatomical location, triggering both mechanical and biochemical cellular responses. By doing so, it stimulates tissue repair and modulates pain, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatment options.
Each shockwave therapy session typically lasts between five and 10 minutes, with optimal results usually achieved after one to three sessions, spaced two weeks apart. This streamlined treatment approach enables athletes to swiftly return to their sports activities with enhanced healing and reduced pain. Commonly used in sports-related injuries or conditions such as Rotator cuff Calcific Tendinitis, Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, Patella tendinitis, Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow), Trochanteric bursitis, and Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints), shockwave therapy has become a go-to treatment option for athletes seeking effective and efficient recovery.
Administered externally through an applicator with the aid of ultrasound gel, shockwave therapy is completely non-invasive and does not require injections or local anesthesia. Its graded energy progression treatment protocols, coupled with state-of-the-art devices, significantly enhance patient comfort during the procedure.
“The benefits of shockwave therapy over traditional treatment options are manifold,” says Dr. Aston Ngai, sports medicine physician at Aspetar.
“Not only is it non-invasive, but it also possesses tissue regenerative properties and offers pain relief. Moreover, athletes can typically resume their physical activities without prolonged rest. Studies have shown that shockwave therapy yields better outcomes when combined with physical therapy, making it a comprehensive approach to sports injury rehabilitation.”
Aspetar’s vision for the future encompasses a range of exciting plans to further enhance its services, introduce new equipment, and expand its clinics. A multidisciplinary approach integrating shockwave therapy with Orthobiologics, including Platelet Rich Plasma and Adipose Tissue-Derived Medicinal Signaling cells, as well as Cartilage Restorative surgery and Rehabilitation, is set to take tissue repair and pain reduction to unprecedented levels. By leveraging these synergistic treatments, Aspetar aims to optimise patient outcomes.
Furthermore, Aspetar plans to maximise the potential of focal shockwave therapy for degenerative tendon and joint conditions, focusing on tissue regeneration. This commitment to advancing regenerative medicine will provide athletes and individuals with new hope for healing and recovery.
While shockwave therapy presents a remarkable treatment option, it is essential to consider any potential risks or side effects. Patients may experience mild pain during treatment, along with petechiae (fine red-coloured spots on the skin), mild swelling, dizziness, or, in rare cases, tendon rupture at very high energy levels.
However, under the expertise of Aspetar’s highly skilled medical team, these risks are closely monitored and managed to ensure patient safety.
Recognising the importance of comprehensive care, Aspetar intends to introduce simple pre-emptive physical exercises as part of the treatment process. By incorporating these exercises before focal shockwave therapy, the hospital aims to improve patient readiness and overall treatment efficacy, enhancing the overall patient experience.
Expanding the horizons of shockwave therapy, Aspetar is poised to introduce focal shockwave treatment for perioperative indications and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. This groundbreaking step will provide a holistic approach to pain management and tissue repair, further solidifying Aspetar’s position at the forefront of sports medicine innovation.
