THE ROLE OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF SOCCER INJURIES

As EURO 2024 draws to a close, the enthusiasm generated by the tournament is also drawing attention to the physical demands placed on soccer players. Soccer, being one of the most intense sports, often results in a variety of injuries, making effective treatment modalities crucial for doctors. Shockwave therapy has emerged as a revolutionary non-invasive treatment for common soccer injuries…

This blog explores the applications, benefits and clinical evidence supporting shockwave therapy in the treatment of football-related injuries, helping you to improve patient outcomes.

UNDERSTANDING COMMON SOCCER INJURIES

Soccer players are prone to a variety of injuries due to the high-intensity nature of the sport. The most common injuries include:

• Achilles tendinopathy : Chronic inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often due to overuse.
• Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee) : Inflammation of the patellar tendon caused by repetitive stress.
• Plantar fasciitis : Inflammation of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing of damaged tissue. These acoustic waves improve blood circulation, promote tissue regeneration and reduce pain by targeting affected areas. The mechanism involves mechanical and biological effects that accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.

1. Mechanical effects : Shock waves create microtrauma in tissues, triggering a healing response, increasing blood circulation and cell regeneration.
2. Biological effects : Improved collagen production, reduced chronic inflammation and dissolution of calcified fibroblasts are just some of the biological benefits observed with shockwave therapy.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR SOCCER INJURIES

1. Achilles tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a widespread injury among soccer players. Shockwave therapy has proved remarkably effective in treating this condition, reducing pain and promoting tendon repair. Wang et al. (2012) found that ESWT significantly improved outcomes in patients with chronic tendinopathy, particularly Achilles and patellar tendinopathy.

2. Patellar tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee, can severely limit a player’s ability to perform. Shockwave therapy targets the patellar tendon, improving blood circulation and stimulating healing. Lohrer et al. (2002) found significant improvements in pain at rest, pain during exercise, pressure-related pain and pain-free running time, with 40% of patients pain-free one year after treatment and 24.4% showing improvement.

3. Plantar fasciitis

Shockwave therapy effectively reduces pain and improves foot function, with lasting results. Studies show its superiority over corticosteroid injections. A study by Moneim et al (2023), comparing shockwave therapy and corticosteroid injections followed by therapeutic ultrasound in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, found that shockwave therapy provided longer-term pain relief and functional improvement after 12 weeks of follow-up. This highlights the efficacy of shockwave therapy in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

BENEFITS OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

1. Non-invasive: unlike surgical procedures, ESWT is non-invasive and requires no downtime.
2. Pain reduction : immediate and sustained pain relief, crucial for top-level athletes.
3. Faster recovery : Accelerates healing, enabling athletes to return to sport more quickly.
4. Enhanced mobility: improves range of motion and functional capacity of the injured area.
   
   
   
   

CLINICAL EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Numerous studies have validated the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in the treatment of sports injuries:

• Wang et al. (2012) found that ESWT significantly improved outcomes in patients with chronic tendinopathy, including Achilles and patellar tendinopathy (Biomed Central)
• Van der Worp et al (2021 ) conducted a study on the efficacy of radial pressure wave therapy in athletes with patellar tendinopathy, showing a significant reduction in pain and improvement in function.
• Lohrer et al. (2002) conducted a prospective, non-randomized pilot study evaluating the efficacy of radial shockwave therapy on patellar tendinopathy.(British Journal of sports medicine )
• Moneim, NHA, Hemed, MA, ten Klooster, PM and Rasker , JJ (2023). “Chronic treatment of plantar fasciitis: a randomized trial comparing corticosteroid injections followed by therapeutic ultrasound with extracorporeal shockwave therapy. (MDPI)
  
  

IMPLEMENTING SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN YOUR PRACTICE

To integrate shockwave therapy into your clinical practice, consider the following steps:

1. Training: Make sure your team is properly trained in the use of shockwave therapy devices.
2. Patient education: educate your patients about the benefits and what to expect from shockwave therapy.
3. Register with the Enovis Institute: an online educational platform designed exclusively for healthcare professionals.
4. Customized treatment plans: develop individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s specific injury and needs.
   
   
   

CONCLUSION

Shockwave therapy represents a significant advance in the treatment of soccer injuries. By integrating this innovative therapy into your practice, you can improve patient outcomes, reduce recovery times and effectively relieve pain.