Shock Wave

The majority of patients report a significant reduction in pain immediately following the therapy, although some individuals may require multiple sessions, typically within the range of 4 to 5, to achieve substantial pain relief. It's important to note that the body's inherent healing process persists beyond the prescribed course of shockwave therapy.

Integral to the treatment plan is comprehensive guidance on condition management and rehabilitation to fortify the affected area, thus minimizing the risk of re-injury.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of shockwave therapy, with success rates reaching up to 90% in certain conditions, often attainable within a relatively short span of three to five sessions.

Who can benefit from shockwave therapy? Individuals with chronic injuries involving tendons or muscles are ideal candidates for assessment by a practitioner specializing in shockwave therapy. This versatile treatment modality effectively addresses a wide array of conditions, including but not limited to Achilles pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spur pain, tennis elbow, golfers' elbow, jumper's knee, shin splints, gluteal tendinopathy, shoulder tendinopathy (with calcification), frozen shoulder, and various musculoskeletal disorders.

Contraindications (when Shockwave may not be suitable)
While shockwave is suitable for a large number of conditions both evidenced and experimental with minimal side effects, there are some contraindications that may mean shockwave is not an option.
Shockwave is unsuitable in the following circumstances:

• If you are pregnant
• If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
• If you are taking oral anti-coagulants
• If you have received a Steroid injection within 6 weeks
• If you have a Pacemaker fitted
• If tumours are present at the treatment site
• If you have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site
• If you are Under 18 (except in the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease)

Any treatment over an air-filled area such as the lungs or guts is also not possible.
From experience there are certain treatments, conditions and individual histories that are likely respond better or worse to shockwave; however in every assessment we look at the safety first.

There is an increasing amount of anecdotal evidence from international practitioners and among professional sports teams, that the current recommendation where a condition isn’t treated until it’s been present for at least 6 months can be reduced. As the risks associated with this are few, people may be tempted to investigate this treatment earlier and some practitioners may agree, however other guidelines have more risks associated with them.

‘Is Shockwave suitable in the ankle of a pregnant patient?’ The thought being is that the local nature of the treatment shouldn’t affect other areas, however, the advice should always be not based on the risk vs reward.

Shockwave has a very safe track record because practitioners adhere to the constraints and guidelines. While benefits can be discovered by pushing the boundaries, there should always be a safety first approach and for most of the general population, the contraindications are in place to protect people.
Even with matching symptoms, it’s important to be adequately screened and the final decision lies with the practitioner.

FAQS (Frequently assed questions)
Why should I have ESWT?
The treatment helps reducing pain symptoms of long term injuries so you can go back to your normal activities and carry out exercises and rehabilitation more easily.

What are the risks?
Complications do not normally happen with shockwave therapy. It is low risk, but not guaranteed to be 100% successful. It can cause increase in pain and sensitivity, which normally gets better with time.
People with poor sensation or hypersensitivity should not have ESWT.

How can I prepare for ESWT?
You should stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin around 24hrs before any ESWT.
Make sure you wear good, supportive footwear and continue to follow the advice given by your clinician.

What does the treatment involve?
We offer 3-5 shockwave therapy sessions, based on the person’s needs, with one or two weeks in-between each treatment. Each takes between 5-10mins.
The painful area is located through palpation, and ultrasonic gel is applied to improve the transmission of the shockwaves. Treatment is then delivered through a handheld device attached to a shockwave machine.

Will I feel pain?
The treatment can be painful, but if the pain gets too much, the settings can be adjusted to reduce it. You may find a mild ache after the treatment which should pass after a day.
What should I do after treatment?
You can carry on with your usual activities', but avoid any exercise which feels painful for 2 days (48hrs) after treatment.

Don’t apply any ice on the treated area or take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac, as this stops the inflammatory and healing processes that the shockwave treatment has started.
You may feel pain relief from the treatment straightaway, but long term effects are normally felt after 3 months. You will have a follow up appointment in clinic 3 months after your treatment.