20/12/2025
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis and its availability at Sunshine Super Speciality Physiotherapy Clinic in Chennai:
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Sunshine Clinic – Shockwave Therapy Availability
The Sunshine Super Speciality Physiotherapy Clinic (located in Thirumazhisai, Chennai) offers shockwave therapy among its physiotherapy services. While the website doesn’t provide a full protocol or detailed description for knee osteoarthritis, testimonials indicate successful use in related joint conditions:
A testimonial mentions treatment of a frozen shoulder using “Shockwave therapy and Manual therapy with Proper Exercise Protocol”, suggesting they incorporate shockwave into combined physiotherapy regimens .
Another review praises the “Shock Wave Therapy treatment” as essential for significant pain relief without drugs or surgery .
While this doesn't confirm a formal osteoarthritis knee protocol, it's reasonable to anticipate that Shockwave Therapy is part of an individualized treatment plan at Sunshine, typically combined with manual therapy and exercises.
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Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — How It Works
Mechanisms & Benefits
Shockwave therapy (extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT) delivers acoustic energy via an applicator—non-invasive, outpatient-based, with minimal downtime .
It works by:
Breaking down osteophytes (bone spurs)
Enhancing local blood flow and angiogenesis (new vessel formation)
Stimulating cartilage regeneration
Reducing inflammation and pain
Types of Shockwave Devices
Radial Shockwave Therapy (rSWT): Diffuse, superficial energy (3–5 cm pe*******on), ideal for soft tissues, tendons, and periarticular areas. May suit mild cases.
Focused Shockwave Therapy (fSWT): Higher energy, deeper pe*******on (2–6 cm), capable of reaching cartilage and subchondral bone—better suited for deeper joint structures like the knee .
Treatment Protocols
Session frequency: Typically 1–2 sessions per week, for about 3–6 weeks .
Energy Levels: Usually between 0.05–0.25 mJ/mm²—higher levels (0.15–0.20 mJ/mm²) have been found effective for pain relief with acceptable comfort .
Number of pulses: Often 2,000–4,000 pulses per session depending on targeted areas .
Clinical Evidence
A randomized study showed 4,000 pulses at 0.25 mJ/mm² weekly for 4 weeks significantly improved pain and function compared to placebo, with no adverse events .
Meta-analyses and systematic reviews confirm ESWT reduces pain and improves function, with benefits lasting up to six months or a year, especially when higher energy or more pulses are used .
ESWT compared favorably with other arthritis treatments such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and physiotherapy alone .
Typical Application
Protocols may include:
Applying shockwaves to patellar tendon, quadriceps region, and joint surfaces (tibial plateau & femoral condyles) with gradual increases in energy to patient tolerance over 4,000 pulses total .
Usage of rSWT delivered via Swiss DolorClast device, commonly applied over 4 weeks, targeting pain points followed by wider boundary areas .
Side Effects & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated, with possible mild redness, swelling, bruising, or soreness lasting 24–48 hours .
Contraindications include bleeding disorders, anticoagulant use, infection, malignancy in treatment area, and pregnancy .
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Real Patient Experiences
From forums like Reddit, users report firsthand outcomes:
“After 5 treatments I have little to no pain and can walk, climb and descend stairs without issue.”
“Shockwave pick up the inflammation… you know you’re on the right spot because the pain will increase while the wand is over the injured tissue.”
These comments reflect significant subjective improvement, often after 4–8 sessions, though cost and discomfort can be drawbacks.
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Summary Table
Topic Details
Clinic Offering Sunshine Clinic offers Shockwave Therapy; combined with manual therapy & exercises.
Mechanism Non-invasive acoustic waves reduce pain, inflammation; stimulate regeneration.
Device Types Radial (superficial), Focused (deep/intra-articular).
Typical Protocol 1–2 sessions/week × 3–6 weeks; energy 0.05–0.25 mJ/mm²; 2,000–4,000 pulses/session.
Targets Patellar tendon, quadriceps, medial/lateral condyles, tibial plateau.
Evidence RCTs and meta-analyses show pain reduction, functional gains lasting up to 6–12 months.
Side Effects Mild, transient soreness; rare risks; certain contraindications apply.
Real-World Feedback Many patients report significant pain relief and mobility improvements within a few sessions.
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Recommendation
If you're considering shockwave therapy for knee OA at Sunshine Clinic:
1. Set up a consultation: The therapist will assess condition severity, pain locations, and suitability.
2. Discuss device and protocol: Ask whether they use radial or focused shockwaves, session frequency, energy levels, and total pulses.
3. Combine with rehab: Inquire about concurrent manual therapy and strengthening exercises for optimum outcomes.
For more info visit us at http://www.sunshinephysioclinic.com/latest-update/shockwave-therapy-for-knee-osteoarthritis/1820?utm_source=facebookpage