What is Shockwave therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a modern and effective non-invasive treatment for a wide range of common tendon problems. At The Physio Clinic Bristol, we have been using it for many years with good effect to treat chronic and long-standing conditions. This includes conditions such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, which have not responded to other modes of treatment.
Providing relief and advanced recovery in situations where the healing process has stalled or failed to respond to standard therapeutic intervention, Shockwave is able to provide relief and healing even in chronic cases where the body has previously demonstrated an unwillingness or inability to do so by itself.
What is Shockwave?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment device that produces an acoustic wave which carries high energy through the body to the painful tissue, e.g tendons. This energy promotes neovascularisation (the formation of new blood vessels) and tissue regeneration to the painful/injured tendon along with your own natural healing and recovery processes.
What can it treat?
Shockwave can treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions but is mainly used for tendon problems including:
- Patella Tendonopathy
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
- Tennis and Golfers Elbow
- Achilles Tendonopathy
- Gluteal Tendonopathy of the hips
It has also been used to treat muscle trigger points and other conditions with more and more research being carried out all the time.
What is the success rate?
Current research reports success rates between 65 and 91% in reducing patients’ pain and symptoms. These results are expected after approximately 12-16 weeks after a course of 3-5 shockwave sessions plus further exercise management. Shockwave treatment is supported by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) the Government’s Health watchdog and our own internal audit, which also mirrors the success rate in the medical evidence.
What can I expect?
The treatment itself feels like a tapping sensation over the tendon being treated.
There is usually some discomfort (think 5/10 on a pain scale), but most people can tolerate the discomfort during the treatment. We are able to control the settings and treatment should be the maximum that you can tolerate so there is no need to worry. There are very few adverse side effects unlike injections or surgery, making shockwave therapy a very compelling therapeutic modality for the treatment of chronic tendon problems.
We advise, after treatment that you refrain from intense activities that stress the treated area for the next 48 hours.
In addition to the actual shockwave treatment, you may also require some additional input such as massage to muscles around the area, strapping, plus some exercises to do at home.
What if it doesn’t work?
As with any treatment, individual responses will vary according to severity and overall management of your condition. The normal response to shockwave is exceptionally good within a few weeks, however it may take several months before maximum effect is achieved. If after 3-4 months you do not experience a change in your symptoms, then you may be referred onwards to a surgeon depending on your clinical presentation. Sadly the treatment isn’t a success for everyone.
How much does it cost?
Shockwave treatment is an enhanced service requiring specialist equipmeny and therefore incurs an additional fee on top of our standard treatment fees. A course of Shockwave treatment usually consists of 6 therapy sessions. Further review sessions may be required to monitor progress and deliver additional rehabilitation treatment or advice.
When is Shockwave Therapy NOT suitable.
When Shockwave Therapy May Not Be Suitable
Shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions. However, there are some situations where it may not be appropriate. Please read the following information carefully before considering treatment.
Shockwave Therapy is Not Recommended If You:
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Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
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Have a cancer diagnosis in the area being treated
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Are currently taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin, or similar)
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Have a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or similar)
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Have an active infection, open wound, or skin condition in the treatment area
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Have a pacemaker or any other implanted electronic medical device
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Are under 18 years old (due to growing bones)
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Have severe osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones)
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Experience numbness or reduced sensation in the area to be treated
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Have had a corticosteroid injection in the area within the last 6 weeks
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Have a medical condition that affects your healing ability (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders)
If you’re unsure whether shockwave therapy is right for you, our clinical team will be happy to answer your questions during your consultation.
Please call us if you are considering Shockwave Treatment on 01454 54 00 66, so we can advise on the treatment price and care plan.
What is Tendinopathy & why does Shockwave help?
Tendinopathies occur when a tissue remains in a persistent state of disrepair. This happens when there is a decrease in the efficiency of the body’s ability to heal, or when the demand on the tissue is too high with not enough time for recovery. The longer this state of disrepair continues the lower the tolerance of the tissue to withstand the stresses put upon it and the more likely it is to remain in a state of disrepair. In order to get the body to re-stimulate the healing process, we need to introduce new stress to the tissue.
This is done with the use of the Shockwave machine. Shockwave Therapy is designed to put the tissue in a fresh state of healing, when this is used appropriately alongside a personalised rehab program it gives the tissue the best chance at regenerating and returning to a functional state.
