What is Shockwave & Is It Effective?

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Paper title: Sex Differences and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Outcomes in Runners with Achilles or Hamstring Tendinopathy

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast and Overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Podcast, Brodie Sharpe dives into the science behind shockwave therapy and its effectiveness for treating Achilles and hamstring tendinopathies in runners. Brodie explores the mechanisms of shockwave therapy, discusses its application, and reviews the findings of a fascinating research paper that delves into factors such as gender, hormonal contraceptives, and their impact on treatment outcomes. Whether you're dealing with stubborn tendon pain or just curious about innovative therapies, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

What You’ll Learn:

• What is shockwave therapy, and how does it work?
• Key findings from a research paper on shockwave outcomes in runners with Achilles and hamstring tendinopathies.
• Factors influencing the effectiveness of shockwave therapy, including hormonal contraceptive use and chronic versus acute tendinopathies.
• Ideal candidates for shockwave therapy and when it might not be suitable.
• The role of combining shockwave with strength training for optimal results.

Key Takeaways:

• Shockwave Therapy Basics: A handheld device delivers pressure waves to stimulate healing in tendons and surrounding tissues. It's especially effective for chronic, low-level, stubborn tendon pain.
• Research Insights: Female runners using hormonal contraceptives were less likely to see clinically significant improvements. Other variables like gender and the female athlete triad were explored with interesting results.
• Best Practices: Shockwave therapy is most effective when combined with strength training for long-term tendon health and resilience.
• Practical Advice: Most effective results typically require 3–6 sessions, with improvements continuing up to 12 weeks post-treatment.

Resources Mentioned:

• Run Smarter AI Assistant: Access personalized, research-based answers to your running and rehab questions. This tool integrates Brodie’s database of research papers and podcast episodes for tailored advice.