OUR EVIDENCE BASE
Our approach to healthcare integrates modern research with clinical experience and a holistic understanding of wellbeing. We are committed to evidence-informed practice while recognising the complexity of human health. The research outlined below reflects the scientific foundations that support the services we provide.
Shockwave Therapy
Our approach
At Waitākere Health Hub, we integrate evidence-informed treatment with clinical expertise and individualised care. Our shockwave therapy protocols are guided by peer-reviewed research examining musculoskeletal healing, osteoarthritis, and chronic tendinopathy.
Shockwave Therapy and Muscle Cell Regeneration
A 2018 controlled laboratory study examined the biological effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) on human skeletal muscle cells. Mattyasovszky, SG (2018).
The researchers found that appropriately dosed shockwave exposure influenced muscle cell viability and significantly increased the expression of key regenerative genes, including Pax7, MyoD, Myf5, and NCAM — markers involved in satellite cell activation and muscle repair. Medium energy levels appeared to optimise the cellular response, while excessively high repeated dosing reduced viability.
This study provides early biological evidence that radial shockwave therapy may support muscle regeneration and recovery following sports-related muscle injuries. While conducted in vitro, the findings offer important insight into the cellular mechanisms behind shockwave-assisted healing. Click here to view research paper.
Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
A 2021 randomized controlled trial investigated the dose-related effects of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) in 89 patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Participants received four weekly sessions using different energy densities (0.12 vs 0.24 mJ/mm²) and shock numbers (2,000 vs 4,000 impulses), compared with a placebo group. The study found that higher energy density significantly reduced pain (VAS) and improved function (WOMAC scores), while increasing the number of shocks did not produce additional benefit.
Importantly, improvements were maintained at 4-week follow-up, and no serious adverse effects were reported.
This trial demonstrates a clear dose–response relationship, suggesting that appropriately dosed radial shockwave therapy may be an effective non-invasive treatment option for pain and functional limitation associated with knee osteoarthritis. Want to read more, check out research here.
Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
A large double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 144 patients evaluated extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for chronic calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff.
Patients receiving either high-energy or low-energy ESWT showed significantly greater improvements in shoulder function (Constant-Murley Score), pain reduction, and radiographic reduction in calcific deposits compared with sham treatment at 6 months. High-energy ESWT demonstrated superior outcomes compared with low-energy treatment. Notably, 60% of patients in the high-energy group showed complete disappearance of calcifications at 6 months, increasing to 86% at 12 months.
This study provides strong clinical evidence that appropriately dosed shockwave therapy can improve pain, function, and calcific deposit resolution in chronic calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. Want to read more check research here.
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
A 2023 clinical study evaluated the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in 60 patients with insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
Patients received five weekly sessions of radial shockwave therapy and were followed immediately after treatment, at one and three months, and again at five years. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain (VAS) and function (VISA-A scores). Notably, patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy demonstrated superior outcomes compared with those with mid-portion (non-insertional) tendinopathy.
Improvements were maintained long term, with high patient satisfaction reported at five-year follow-up and no serious complications observed.
This study supports shockwave therapy as a safe, non-invasive treatment option for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, with particularly strong outcomes for insertional presentations. For more information here is the research.
Osteopathic research
Our approach
Our osteopathy services are delivered using an evidence-based, biopsychosocial framework. We combine detailed clinical assessment with manual therapy, progressive loading principles, and movement-based rehabilitation.
We prioritise accurate diagnosis, clear explanation, and structured treatment planning. Where indicated, we integrate shockwave therapy, movement analysis, or collaborative multidisciplinary care to optimise outcomes.
Our aim is measurable functional improvement — not short-term symptom suppression.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Low Back Pain
A large systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain, including pregnancy and postpartum-related back pain.
Fifteen randomized controlled trials involving 1,502 participants were analysed. OMT was delivered using authentic osteopathic clinical judgement rather than single-technique protocols. Moderate-quality evidence demonstrated that OMT significantly reduced pain and improved functional status in both acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. Clinically meaningful improvements were also observed in pregnant and postpartum women, with particularly strong effects in the postpartum group.
Adverse events were minimal and generally mild.
This review supports osteopathic manipulative treatment as an evidence-based, clinically relevant approach for reducing pain and improving function in nonspecific low back pain across multiple patient populations.
If you would like to view meta-analysis and see raw RCT please view here.
Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Safe?
A 2022 overview of systematic reviews evaluated the efficacy and safety of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) across a wide range of health conditions including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and paediatric conditions.
The researchers analysed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials, representing 55 primary clinical trials involving more than 3,700 participants. Across the included studies, OMT was most consistently associated with reduced pain and improved functional outcomes in musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain and neck pain.
Importantly, the review also assessed reported adverse events and safety outcomes. The authors noted that most systematic reviews reported no serious adverse events associated with osteopathic treatment, supporting the safety profile of OMT when delivered by trained practitioners.
While the evidence for some conditions such as paediatric disorders, headache, and irritable bowel syndrome remains limited, the authors concluded that current research suggests osteopathic manipulative treatment is a safe and potentially effective complementary therapy. More information have a read here.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Headache
A systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for patients with primary headaches, including migraine, tension-type headache, and cervicogenic headache. The review analysed clinical trials investigating manual osteopathic techniques such as myofascial release, cranial techniques, and joint mobilization.
Across the included studies, osteopathic treatment was associated with reductions in headache frequency, intensity, and duration, as well as improvements in quality of life measures. The strongest evidence was reported for tension-type headache and migraine, where manual therapy appeared to reduce both symptom severity and disability.
The authors concluded that osteopathic manipulative treatment shows promising clinical benefits as a complementary approach to headache management, though larger and higher-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed to strengthen the evidence base. For further information read trial here.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and often requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Research examining osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) suggests it may provide a safe, non-pharmacological option for reducing pain and improving function in chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Clinical studies and reviews report that osteopathic treatment can reduce pain intensity and improve mobility in conditions such as chronic low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. Manual techniques used in osteopathy—including soft tissue treatment, joint mobilization, and myofascial release—may help reduce nociceptive input and improve musculoskeletal function.
While evidence quality varies across conditions, many studies indicate that osteopathic treatment can be a useful complementary therapy within a broader chronic pain management strategy, particularly when combined with exercise and rehabilitation approaches. View here.
Exercise Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of different exercise interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain. The review analysed 35 randomized controlled trials involving 2,132 participants to compare the impact of multiple exercise approaches on pain and disability.
Exercise interventions included Pilates, yoga, core stability training, tai chi, walking, stretching, cycling, and aquatic exercise. Overall, exercise therapy significantly reduced pain compared with usual care or other treatments, with a pooled effect size of SMD −0.81 (95% CI −0.91 to −0.72), indicating a clinically meaningful reduction in pain levels.
Among the different exercise types, Pilates, walking, and tai chi demonstrated the largest improvements in pain reduction, while walking, Pilates, and yoga showed the most consistent improvements in functional disability scores such as the Oswestry Disability Index. Pilates also showed the strongest improvements in the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire, suggesting benefits for daily functional activities.
The findings support current clinical guidelines recommending exercise as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain, highlighting that structured movement therapies can significantly reduce pain and improve functional ability. Low-impact activities such as walking, Pilates, and tai chi appear particularly effective and accessible options for long-term management of back pain. If you want an excuse to keep active read here.