Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non invasive treatment and an advanced option for managing soft tissue injuries. Shockwave therapy ESWT, including radial shockwave and radial shockwave therapy, is a clinically proven method used by Physiotherapists to treat chronic tendon problems. At our clinic, we provide expert shockwave therapy to ensure the highest standard of care. This non invasive treatment works by delivering impulses of energy, or sound waves, targeted to specific damaged tissue within the body. These sound waves increase blood flow to the affected area, stimulate tissue regeneration, and trigger the body’s natural healing response. Shockwave therapy also helps in reducing inflammation and puts the damaged tissue into repair mode, accelerating recovery. As a non invasive alternative to surgery, shockwave therapy offers a safer and more convenient option for many patients.
It is a highly effective treatment for patients with:
The ‘shockwave’ used in shockwave therapy is a type of sound wave generated by compressed air and converted into acoustic energy. These sound waves are transmitted through the skin and target specific areas of the body, focusing on damaged tissue within the abnormal tendon. The high-energy acoustic waves interact with the tissue, causing a series of medical effects that help the body overcome injury by stimulating tissue regeneration, increasing blood flow, and promoting the body’s natural healing response.
Shockwave Therapy produces a number of effects at a cellular level:
Shockwave Therapy is particularly effective in treating long-standing/chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Most patients experience significant recovery after they receive shockwave therapy, with notable reductions in pain and improved function. Most studies show that shockwave therapy can notably reduce the pain and suffering associated with Plantar Fasciitis, Patellar Tendinopathies and Achilles Tendinopathies amongst other tendon issues.
Many professional sports clubs and athletes use shockwave therapy for recovery from musculoskeletal conditions, further highlighting its credibility and effectiveness in high-level sports environments.
Literature reviews collating the results of the most current clinical research report a success rate of between 65 and 91% in reducing patients’ pain and symptoms. These results are expected after a course of 3-6 shockwave sessions of a duration of anywhere between 5-15 minutes, as well as further exercise management from the Physiotherapist. Recovery is supported by tailored rehabilitation to optimise outcomes.
Shockwave therapy ESWT is supported and endorsed by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for the treatment of chronic soft tissue conditions.
To receive shockwave therapy at our clinic, patients undergo an initial assessment to determine suitability and discuss the treatment process and safety considerations.
In addition, current clinical studies are suggesting approximately 80% of all patients who have received Shockwave Therapy report high satisfaction with the results of this treatment.
In your first appointment your Physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your injury. If they feel shockwave therapy will benefit you they will proceed with the treatment.
Following your initial session it is advised you have a further 4 or 5 sessions.
Research shows that on average a client needs 5-6 shockwave treatments in total to overcome an injury.
After your session of Shockwave, you will most likely feel an immediate pain relief in the area that has been worked on. However, a few hours after the treatment, you may then start to experience some mild discomfort and soreness in the treated area. This discomfort is a normal part of the recovery process as your body begins to heal and regenerate damaged tissue. It is tolerable, not limiting, and will feel more general than your actual injury’s pain.
You may also experience some reddening, bruising and swelling as well as a potential brief increase in pain. This should be very tolerable and will subside over a few days.
Shockwave therapy is a ‘pro-inflammatory’ treatment which is why the above reactions can occur. The treatment is trying to re-start your healing process from a chronic state. Therefore DO NOT take any anti-inflammatory medication during your course of treatment as this will interfere with the natural healing process.
It is fine to continue with your usual activities following shockwave and it is very important to keep working on your rehab exercises given to you by your Physiotherapist. These exercises, combined with shockwave therapy, support recovery by promoting tissue repair and restoring mobility. It is however advised that you do not do any strenuous and impactful exercise for 24hrs following treatment.
There are no reported long-term side effects from shockwave therapy.
Shockwave Therapy Assessment and Treatment – £75
Shockwave course of treatments (6 sessions) – £360
Shockwave Therapy Assessment and Treatment (bilateral) – £90
Shockwave course of treatments (bilateral 6 sessions) – £450
Book your initial appointment online here or contact us if you would like any more information.
If you are already seeing one of our Physiotherapists you can add shockwave treatment onto the appointment for an additional £25 per session. All of our Physiotherapists offer Shockwave Therapy.