WHAT IS 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.
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 CONDITIONS CAN SHOCKWAVE THERAPY ESWT TREAT?
Common treatments are as follows but are not limited to:
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Achilles Tendonitis
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Plantar Fasciitis (heel spur)
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Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's / runners Knee)
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Shin splints
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Hamstring tendinopathy
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Hip gluteal pain
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Tennis or golfer elbow (Epicondylitis)
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Shoulder pain
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Calcific tendinitis
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Chronic neck pain
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Back pain
'Shockwave therapy is used in conjunction with your 'physiotherapy' programme.
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
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 ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?
Shockwave therapy offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods: fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity
• No anaesthesia
• Non invasive
• No medication
• Fast treatments – (20 mins per session), 4+ sessions required
• Fewer complications
• Significant clinical benefit often seen 6-8 weeks after treatment
• Shockwave has a natural pain relieving effect
HOW MUCH DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY COST?
Only £25 per treatment, in addition to our physiotherapy fees.
HOW MANY SESSIONS OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY ARE NEEDED?
There is good scientific evidence showing that a total of 4 treatments, over 4-5 weeks, has the best outcomes.
CONTRAINDICATIONS – WHEN SHOCKWAVE THERAPY CAN’T BE USED, EXAMPLES:
Shockwave therapy is very safe but still has some contraindications
• 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