Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy and how does it work?

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses a special, non-invasive device that delivers acoustic energy to injured/painful tissues in the body. Using a probe that sits on the surface of the skin, the machine is able to transmit low-energy sound waves through the skin, to the deeper layers of muscle/tendon in the body.

This is thought to help through three mechanisms:

Desensitises nerve endings in the area which helps reduce pain.
Local micro-trauma which helps stimulate the body’s natural response to injury, increasing blood flow and metabolism which helps with healing.
Breaks down disorganised tissue and calcification which is associated with tendinopathy.

By combining this non-invasive procedure with physiotherapy, you can experience faster healing and a more comprehensive rehabilitation process.

Is it for me?

If you’ve had a tendinopathy or you know someone who has, you will know how frustrating it can be. Lots and lots of exercises, good days and bad days, you feel like you’ve recovered and then one run which was that bit
too long and you’re back to the start line.

Shockwave should never be used instead of Physio, but can be a great, non-invasive, safe adjunct to your care.

It is recognised by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) with plenty of evidence to support its use.

What does it help?

Plantar Fasciitis: This common condition causes intense heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Radial Shockwave Treatment has been found to alleviate symptoms and stimulate healing in the affected area, enabling individuals to resume walking and physical activities with reduced discomfort.

Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow (Lateral/Medial Epicondylitis): Radial Shockwave Treatment can target the tendons near the elbow, promoting tissue repair and reducing pain in these overused areas, which are often seen in athletes and repetitive motion-related injuries.

Achilles Tendinopathy: The Achilles tendon is prone to injury and inflammation, hindering movement and causing pain. Radial Shockwave Treatment aids in stimulating blood flow and regenerating damaged
tissue, accelerating recovery in Achilles tendinopathy cases.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Radial Shockwave Treatment has shown to be beneficial in addressing shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tendinopathy. By promoting healing and reducing pain, it helps patients regain strength and mobility in the shoulder joint.

Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy: In cases where calcium deposits accumulate in the shoulder tendons, Radial Shockwave Treatment can effectively break down these calcifications, leading to pain relief and enhanced mobility.

Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee): Athletes or individuals involved in activities that place strain on the patellar tendon may experience pain and inflammation. Radial Shockwave Treatment aids in healing the affected tissue and reducing pain, allowing a quicker return to sports and daily activities.

Hip Bursitis: Radial Shockwave Treatment has been found to be an effective non-surgical option for alleviating pain and inflammation associated with hip bursitis, a condition affecting the bursae around the hip joint.

In the Press

Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: Does It Work?
An article by publication ‘healthline’ on how Shockwave Therapy can help erectile dysfunction.