Treatments
We believe in prescribing simple physiotherapy programmes that are targeted to the individual problem and to the individual with the problem.
Our Specialist Physiotherapists understand that the aim should be to have the minimum number of different types of exercise to make the exercises easier to fit in to our clients lives, and therefore more likely to be done.
This treatment relies on the fact the that nitric oxide that is released by the patches in small quantities, has been shown in various studies to have a positive effect on tendon healing after injury.
Not everyone is suitable for this treatment and so we use it in selected cases.
It is performed in the clinic room and has no side effects, requires no special preparation, does not require time off work and is very well tolerated. Patients do not need pain-killers after treatment. It reliably relieves symptoms in 60-80% of cases, depending on the specific tendinopathy being treated.
Not all Shock Wave treatments and machines are the same. We use mostly radial but some focussed shock wave therapy using the Swiss Dolorclast machine. This machine has a huge evidence base, unlike some other machines that are available.
Sometimes jokingly called the “Dracula cure” (especially when used in cosmetic procedures) this relies on the fact that the platelets in our blood have healing properties. A small amount of blood is taken from the patient with a tendinopathy, and it is spun down with a centrifuge and prepared to isolate the platelet-rich cells. These are then injected into the area of tendinopathy.
This is a relatively new treatment option and so not many studies are available about its effectiveness. We tend to use this treatment where non invasive treatments, such as physiotherapy, patches and shock wave therapy have failed. Our results indicate that about 60-70% of this group of patients benefit from the treatment.
A newer injection is Amniofix which contains growth factors and is showing encouraging results. We are reviewing it as a treatment to offer to our patients.
However, not everyone is cured and so the option of minimally-invasive surgery is available where required. These are day-case procedures that can be performed in the clinic without the need for admission to hospital.