Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

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Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, and works by delivering impulses of energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon.

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Who is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy suitable for?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy treatment is a highly effective treatment available for patients with:

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Plantar Fasciitis
Shoulder pain
Tennis elbow
Achilles Tendinopathy
Trochanteric bursitis (Lateral hip pain)

This can be a very successful second line treatment for patients who fail to respond to appropriate osteopathy, physiotherapy or other conservative treatments.

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Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, and works by delivering impulses of energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon. This increases the blood flow within the affected area, stimulating cell regeneration and healing, and decreasing local factors which can cause pain.

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Before shockwave therapy is considered you will have a full clinical assessment. This may include referral for an MRI or ultrasound scan.

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What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?

Your osteopath will work with you to identify the exact area of pain and apply a gel-like substance to the area to promote the process.

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A probe is pressed on to the affected area and the shockwaves are delivered through the skin. The impulses are delivered through the skin as a shockwave that spreads inside the injured tissue as an aspherical ‘radial' wave. These radial shockwaves initiate an inflammation-like response in the injured tissue that is being treated, and prompts the body to respond naturally by increasing blood circulation, the number of blood vessels and therefore metabolism in the injured tissue.

 

The shockwaves are felt as pulses which are a little uncomfortable but not painful.

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Typically your first treatment will start with a low level of intensity and increase this to a point where you feel comfortable. The procedure does not require any type of sedation or anaesthetic.

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Shock-wave therapy treatments are usually performed at weekly intervals. Each treatment session takes about 20 minutes. although your practitioner will often combine this with soft tissue and joint mobilisation techniques.

 

How many sessions are recommended

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For most conditions we recommend 3 to 5 weekly sessions with a follow up session booked after a 4-6 week period 

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After Shockwave Therapy

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Many patients experience an improvement in symptoms almost immediately while others take several weeks to respond. You may notice a reddening or swelling of the area with some patients experiencing a brief increase in pain. It may take several weeks to see an overall benefit. It is suggested that your referring osteopath reviews you at 4-6 weeks to assess your overall progress.

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Treatment costs

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Shockwave therapy costs £100 per treatment. Advance bookings of three or more sessions qualify for a 10% discount.