Is Shockwave A Sham? w/ Dr Peter Malliaras #114

We discuss the latest review PMID: 39704142 with Prof Peter Malliaras

✅ Identifying early responders – Can we predict who will benefit?

✅ Effect – Does it work?

✅ Diminishing returns – When does adding SWT to exercise stop being beneficial?

✅ Types of shockwave therapy – Why radial shockwave was chosen in this study

✅ Sham treatments – Do they still have a therapeutic effect?

✅ Mechanisms of action – Neuromodulation, therapeutic alliance, and tendon adaptation

✅ The ‘Big Machine Effect’ – Is patient belief in SWT part of its effectiveness?

✅ Comparisons to exercise – Would fewer appointments with exercise yield similar outcomes?

We also discuss clinical implications—will these findings change how shockwave therapy is used in practice?

🔗 References & Studies Discussed:

• Alsulaimani et al. (2024) - Achilles tendinopathy & shockwave RCT

• Benli et al. - SWT vs. exercise alone

• Heide et al. - Shockwave therapy for plantar heel pain

Find out about Peter and upcoming course:

https://www.tendinopathyrehab.com/home

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