The Osteopathic Clinic Blog

 Ian Cardy is a duathlete that represents Great Britain at international level. He regularly races over the Olympic distance – 10K run, followed by a 42K cycle ride, followed by a 5K run. He won the world championship title in 2009 and 2010 for his age group (35-39) and is the reigning British champion for his age group. He is planning to defend his British crown in 2012.

 What was the injury?

Ian Cardy had always suffered with some Achilles pain. After starting the 2011 season with some Achilles pain, he deciding to run through it. However, the pain eventually got much worse and Ian was forced to stop running altogether. After seeking professional medical advice, Ian was diagnosed with chronic Bilateral Achilles Tendonitis.

 How did the patient hear about Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?

Ian saw his regular physiotherapist, Matt Flux, at the Formotion physiotherapy practice in Weymouth, Dorset and after seeing a specialist in Manchester and having a scan on his Achilles, it was recommended that he had surgery. However, this was not an attractive solution to Ian because of the lengthy rehabilitation that would be required.

 Ian’s case was therefore referred to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Nick Savva, at the Dorset Shockwave Clinic and he recommended a course of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This was an attractive intervention because the procedure is effective, non-invasive and there is no requirement for a lengthy rehabilitation.

What treatment was administered?

Nick Savva confirmed the diagnoses of chronic Bilateral Achilles Tendonitis with an ultrasound scan and promptly administered three treatments using the Swiss DolorClast Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy device. Each treatment lasted for 10 minutes and was administered at weekly intervals.

 What were the clinical results?

Ian reported a noticeable reduction in Achilles pain straight after the first ESWT treatment session and by the end of the three-session treatment course he was completely pain free and not suffering any inflammation.

 What is the patient’s reaction to the treatment?

Ian Cardy said: “The pain levels during the treatment were pretty tough but it’s definitely been worthwhile. It sounds like a cliché but I would consider it a miracle treatment – it’s been that effective.

 “Duathlon is renowned for being hard on the Achilles because you need a lot of explosive energy and your heels don’t always take too kindly to running after cycling. Achilles injuries are therefore very common. But when I came off the couch after my shockwave therapy treatment, I felt absolutely tremendous and I’m still pain free.”