Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive technology that delivers sound waves to afflicted areas of the body and aids recovery. 

Shockwave Therapy the Safe Treatment Option: Patient Guide

Non-surgical solutions to persistent problems

Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive technology that delivers sound waves to afflicted areas of the body and aids recovery. Shockwave Therapy is no longer the preserve of the sporting elite! It has become widely accepted in clinical practice for the treatment of chronic soft tissue injuries. Results for treating chronic tendinopathies and chronic muscle injuries are seen through improved range of movement and reduction of pain.

What is the history of Shockwave Therapy?
Long story short – Shockwave therapy was first created in the 1970’s and was initially used as a treatment method for kidney stones. Using this method meant more and more people were avoiding the need for a painful, invasive surgery, and the same goes for musculo-skeletal conditions today.

Is Shockwave Therapy clinically proven?
Shockwave Therapy Machines are clinically proven,  recognised by the top orthopaedic hospitals and used by high profile professional sports bodies such as the English Institute of Sport, UK Athletics, Welsh Rugby Union and many Premiere League football clubs.

What are Shockwaves?
Shock waves are high-energy, audible sound waves. In medicine, shock waves have been used since 1980 among other things for the dissolution of kidney stones. In rehabilitation therapy,  shockwaves are transmitted to the area to accelerate healing. SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (ESWT) involves passing short, intense sound waves into affected tissues, which increases blood flow, has an analgesic effect and stimulates repair and regeneration. The treatment puts the cells into repair mode and allows your body to restart its own accelerated healing process.

What is Radial Shockwave v’s Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwaves can be either focused or radial. Focused shock waves are sound waves that are bundled (focused) into deeper regions of the body approx. 5cm. This is where they reach their maximum energy. Focused shock waves are used in the treatment of deep trigger points or areas.  Radial shockwaves radiate outwards and do not reach as deep into the body. Radial is performed on larger surface areas of application or larger regions of the body. Your therapist will decide which is the best for you depending on your condition. Some therapists will advise a combination approach.

Is Shockwave Therapy ESWT safe?
Yes. It has NICE guidance and FDA approval for a large number of indications. shockwave Therapy performed by qualified therapists is a largely risk-free and side-effect-free method of treating musculo-skeletal conditions and chronic pain.

What conditions can Shockwave Therapy ESWT treat?

Common treatments are as follows but are not limited to:

Achilles tendon and heel pain

  • Achilles Tendonitis

  • Plantar Fasciitis (heel spur)

Knee and shin pain

  • Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s / runners Knee)

  • Tibial edge syndrome (shin splints)

Elbow and arm pain

  • Forearm muscles

  • Epicondylitis (tennis or golfer elbow)

Shoulder and neck pain

  • Periarticular shoulder pain

  • Chronic neck and shoulder pain

  • Tendinosis Calcarea (calcific tendinitis)

Back pain

  • Lumbalgia (lumbago)

  • Dorsalgia (chronic back pain)

Pseudarthrosis

  • Non healing bones

Shockwave Therapy Your Questions Answered

How many sessions of Shockwave Therapy are needed and how long does it take?

The treatment lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the condition. On average, three to six sessions are required. You will require a full assessment to determine the number of treatments you will need.

How successful is Shockwave Therapy treatment?

It depends on the conditions treated. Statistics show over 90 percent of patients experience a reduction in their pain. In patients that suffer from plantar fasciitis and heel pain related problems, pain reduction is remarkable, 39 studies showed a success rate of 94% in Plantar Faciitis. The overall success rates for all indications ranges between 60% to 80% depending on the conditions treated. Read our Shockwave therapy Success Stories from real patients with a variety of conditions.

Can Shockwave Therapy treat old/persistent injuries, or is it only for new problems?

It can treat both long term chronic conditions and newer acute injuries, there is a great deal of evidence to show that Shockwave can achieve great results even with historical conditions

What does Shockwave Therapy cost?

Costs vary from clinic to clinic and depends on the treatment offered. A full consultation with an experts is recommended.

Is Shockwave Therapy ESWT painful?

Shockwave sounds scary, but it’s definitely not! Will it cause pain? It depends… Focused Shockwave (FSW)  is not painful at all, you should feel that something is happening but it is more of a sensation rather than pain. With Radial Shockwave (RSW) you may feel discomfort to begin with, however, the treatment is delivered with a low amount of energy at first, which is increased as your body gets used to it. Your clinician should ask for constant feedback during your treatment and will adjust it accordingly. Shockwave Therapy creates an analgesic effect, many patients report an immediate relief following shockwave therapy from the pain caused by their chronic conditions.

Will there be pain after the Shockwave Therapy treatment?

Normally patients experience a reduced level of pain in their condition or no pain at all immediately after the treatment, but a mild and diffused pain may occur a few hours later. This dull pain will subside after a day or so.

What if there is pain after the Shockwave Therapy treatment?

Shockwave therapy treatment initiates a pro-flammatory response in the tissue that is being treated. If necessary patients may use ordinary prescription-free pain killers. Do not use anti-inflammatory medication or apply  ice on the treated area as both may interfere with the body’s self-healing process.

What are the Advantages of Shockwave Therapy ESWT?

“ESWT offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods: fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity” FD

•       No anaesthesia
•       Non invasive
•       No medication
•       Fast treatments – (20 mins per session), 3+ sessions required
•       Fewer complications
•       Significant clinical benefit often seen 6-8 weeks after treatment
•       Shockwave has a natural analgesic effect

When can it be used?
  • When surgery is not an option
  • When pain relief and injections no longer work
  • When a conditions is presented that is suitable for shockwave therapy
  • When no contraindications are present

Contraindications – when Shockwave Therapy can’t be used, examples:

Shockwave therapy is very safe and actually has less contraindications than some more well known therapies such as acupuncture and massage.

•       Pregnancy or trying to conceive
•       Application over open growth plates – not suitable for under 18 years
•       Over metal pins or plates
•       Malignant tumours
•       Nerve or circulation disorders
•       Infection
•       If you are taking anticoagulants or have a blood disorder

Precautions after shockwave therapy treatment:
Even if there is no pain we recommend that patients refrain from intensive activities that stress the treated area for the next 48 hours after each treatment. We advise not to use ice or anti-inflammatory medicines after shockwave therapy as these will be counterproductive to the treatment, which encourages the bodies own natural healing process.

What if the shockwave therapy treatment doesn’t work?

Usually the initial response to shockwave therapy treatment is good however it may take a few months before maximum effect is achieved. If pain is still persistent then surgery may be an option.

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Reviews

Ben H
Ben H
2022-10-12
James provided me with 11 weeks of diligent, knowledgeable and fundamentally worthwhile physio treatment following a hip operation. On top of this James assisted with hydro therapy which was an important development in my recovery. His explanation of my circumstance was described in a fashion that made a complicated situation much more coherent for me. Following treatment with James, I feel much stronger in my hip and body more generally, and have a greater understanding of hip anatomy and what I need to do to continue recovering well. I also appreciate the straightforward nature of booking appointments thanks to his office. Overall, I would recommend James to anyone in need of post surgical rehabilitation or merely minor muscle strains and the like. Thank you James for all the help.
Gareth Hardwick
Gareth Hardwick
2022-10-04
James was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. He managed to diagnose and treat an injury I had been suffering with for a year. After a course of treatment and shockwave therapy, the issue has gone.
Liz Jones
Liz Jones
2022-09-15
Great practice. Fitted me in at short notice, was very knowledgeable, explained everything clearly and gave very effective treatment. I was also given exercises to complete after treatment to continue my progress. Well recommended.
Joe Malloy
Joe Malloy
2022-09-07
James is very professional, knowledgeable and attentive. I would highly recommend him as a physiotherapist.
David Sutton
David Sutton
2022-08-14
Quick diagnosis and treatment elevated the pain.
Slade Baker
Slade Baker
2022-04-29
James provide honest professional opinions, developed a management plan at the very beginning and set realistic expectations of what we could achieve or not. Good availability for appointments and flexible fair fees structure. Has motivated me to make a major lifestyle change on long term fitness. Wan
Jason McLean
Jason McLean
2022-04-22
I went to see James with what turned out to be frozen shoulder. James was great, explaining clearly what was the issue and how physio would help. In addition to the physio he showed me a number of exercises that I should do in between sessions. I would recommend James.
E
E
2022-04-05
Been to James for rugby injuries years ago and came back recently due to back and groin issues. He sorted me insoles for my flat feet he picked up on. Done a great job at sorting my back out. Knows what he’s on about
Nigel Phelps
Nigel Phelps
2022-04-04
I cannot speak highly enough about James and Ruth! My 7 year old had quite a difficult elbow injury to treat. James was patient and worked so well with my son; he made the sessions fun and interesting. He even bought him an Easter egg to celebrate arm straightening after months of it being bent! Ruth was always lovely to deal with, and very understanding when we had to reschedule appointments. We feel blessed to have found such an excellent physio, and have no hesistation in recommending him.
Chioma Chigbo
Chioma Chigbo
2022-04-01
James is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and professional. I had been suffering with a neck and shoulder injury for years and no previous physiotherapists was able to give me relief. In just a few months with James, i feel so much better and i'm gaining back my quality of life.

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