SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a treatment commonly used for tendon dysfunction to help reduce pain and support the restoration of function in injured tissues.

It is a safe, non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that works by delivering impulses of energy targeted to specific damaged tissues within an abnormal tendon. It uses low-energy acoustic waves rather than electrical waves.

A probe is pressed onto the affected area and these shockwaves are transmitted through the skin. The impulses are delivered as compressed air that spreads inside the injured tissue as an aspherical ‘radial’ wave. Radial shockwaves stimulate a local inflammatory-type response in the injured tissue, encouraging the body’s natural healing processes by promoting increased circulation and metabolic activity within the area being treated.

Controlled micro-stimulation is created in the symptomatic tissue while at the same time these impulses may help desensitise local nerve endings, contributing to pain reduction. The increased circulation within the affected area may support tissue repair and help reduce muscle tension. Shockwave therapy is commonly used for chronic tendon injuries and persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

Shockwave therapy has a growing body of clinical evidence supporting its use for certain chronic tendinopathies. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance supporting the use of ESWT for specific chronic tendon conditions in both NHS and private practice settings.

Shockwave therapy is generally safe with rare side effects, similar to those experienced after deep tissue massage. The shockwaves are felt as pulses which may feel slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful. Treatment typically begins at a lower intensity and is gradually increased to a level that remains tolerable for you.

We typically recommend a course of at least three treatments, although more resilient injuries may require additional sessions. Follow-up rehabilitation sessions of Osteopathy or Sports Massage are often advised to optimise overall outcomes and support recovery.

A gel medium will be applied and you may be asked to partially undress to allow access to the symptomatic area. Each treatment session takes approximately 20 minutes.

Injuries and conditions shockwave therapy may help manage include golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, ITB syndrome, calcific tendinopathies, as well as certain hamstring, hip, shoulder and knee conditions and some forms of chronic back and neck pain. Shockwave therapy is most commonly used for long-standing (chronic) conditions. It is generally not recommended for acute injuries in the early stages, where manual therapy may be more appropriate.

You will be assessed at your first consultation before treatment to ensure there are no contraindications and to establish an appropriate treatment plan. Shockwave therapy is not suitable if you are pregnant, taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication, have a blood clotting disorder, are under 18, have been diagnosed with cancer or are receiving treatment for active cancer, or if you have any of the following in, on or around the symptomatic area: tendon rupture, current infection, metal implants, or a recent steroid injection.

Shockwave Therapy is used in conjunction with a wider Osteopathic treatment plan. Please book in with Dominic or Mollie for Shockwave Therapy.