Shockwave Therapy

THIS IS A REVOLUTIONARY AND NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC TENDON INFLAMMATION. IT IS VERY SUCCESSFUL EVEN WHEN OTHER TREATMENTS HAVE FAILED AND USUALLY NO MORE THAN 3-4 SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED.

A series of mechanical energetic shockwaves are applied to the area that needs treatment. The wave creates an inflammatory response, increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impact area, which in turns accelerates the body’s own healing process. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcification.

Conditions suitable for treatment:

• Tennis / Golfer’s elbow

• Calcific tendinosis of the shoulder

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendinosis / enthesopathy

• Patella tendinosis

• Trochanteric bursitis – gluteal tendinosis

• Medial tibial stress syndrome

Booking an appointment for Shockwave Therapy

• We would advise discussing this treatment with your own GP first to ensure that this is a potential treatment for you

• The initial consultation lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes the first Shockwave Treatment

• Subsequent sessions then need to be booked one week apart (they cannot be less than a week or more than two weeks apart)

• A review at 12 weeks is recommended following your final treatment

Advantages of Shockwave Therapy

• Non-invasive

• No medication involved

• No anaesthesia required

• No surgery

• Minimal side effects – (transient redness, small bruise, transient increase in pain)

• Fast treatment – 30 minutes per session, 3 to 4 sessions required 1 week apart

• No serious complications

• Can give an immediate reduction in pain

• Significant clinical benefit often seen 6 to 8 weeks after treatment

Is the Shockwave treatment painful?

Sometimes the treatment is a bit painful, but most people can stand these few intense minutes without a problem. The pain should be no more than 7/10 in intensity and the frequency of the shocks can be adjusted if required.

Will I be in pain after treatment?

You will normally experience reduced pain immediately after the treatment, but a mild and diffuse increase in pain can occur a few hours later, which can last a day or so.

What should I do if I am in pain after the treatment?

Radial shockwave therapy initiates a pro-inflammatory condition in the tissue that is being treated. If necessary you can use paracetamol or a codeine based medication for pain relief after treatment. Do not use anti-inflammatory medication and do not use ice on the treatment area as both will interfere with the bodie’s self-healing abilities.

When can I return to activity?

Even if you have no pain after treatment it is strongly recommended that you refrain from any activity that stresses the treated area for 48 hours after each treatment. You will be able to drive immediately after the treatment.

Will I need any rehabilitation or exercises after shockwave therapy?

The success of shockwave therapy is improved by doing a graded isometric / eccentric exercise programme after the course of treatments. You will either be given an exercise programme by the doctor, or you will be referred for further rehabilitation from one of the therapists in the musculoskeletal team.

Are there any contraindications or precautions that I should be aware of?

Cortisone injections cannot be delivered in the 11 weeks prior to shockwave therapy. Sometimes, there maybe some mild bruising following shockwave therapy. Therefore this treatment is not recommended if you have any disorders of clotting such as Haemophilia or if you are on warfarin or other anticoagulants. If you have a cardiac pacemaker shockwave therapy may interfere with this. You should not have shockwave therapy if you are pregnant. If you have a recent diagnosis of cancer you should notify us as shockwave therapy might not be appropriate treatment in this situation. If you have acute inflammation or infection in the treatment area shockwave therapy would not be an appropriate treatment. Shockwave works best with chronic tendinopathies that have been present for more than 3 months.

What if the shockwave treatment doesn’t work for me?

Even though the response to shockwave treatment is usually exceptionally good within a few weeks it may take several months before the maximal effect is achieved. If after 3 to 4 months you still do not experience a pronounced improvement you will be invited for a review to discuss alternative treatment options.