Treatment for Soft Tissue Pain
Shockwave therapy stands out as the leading non-invasive treatment for various tendon and fascial disorders.
It offers significant pain relief in 80% of cases and accelerates by up to 40% faster, the restoration of normal tissue function for various muscle, tendon, and joint conditions.
In chronic cases where the natural healing process has slowed or stalled, Shockwave Therapy reactivates the body’s healing mechanisms, stimulating tissue repair and promoting recovery.
Conditions Effectively Treated by Shockwave Therapy
- Plantar fasciitis (heel/foot pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patellar tendinopathy (anterior knee pain)
- Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow
- Calcific tendonitis (shoulder pain)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathies (shoulder)
- Hip bursitis
What is Shockwave Therapy?
The full term is extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). “Extracorporeal” refers to the application method, meaning ‘outside the body.’
This non-surgical procedure employs mechanical pulses to generate ultrasonic sound waves that promote healing in soft tissues. Initially, shockwave therapy was utilized for lithotripsy, a procedure to treat kidney stones without surgery.
How Does Shockwave Work?
Energy waves, in the form of sound, are delivered to the skin’s surface via a probe. These waves radiate into the underlying tissues, which is thought to enhance blood circulation and initiate the healing process.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
To achieve optimal results, it is recommended that patients undergo 4 treatment sessions, typically spaced 5 to 10 days apart.
A follow-up appointment after six weeks is suggested to determine if additional sessions are necessary. Occasionally, an extra 1 to 2 treatments may be required to maximize the benefits.
Many individuals report symptom improvement within 6-12 weeks after their last session, although some may experience pain relief sooner.
Are There Any Precautions with This Treatment?
Before starting treatment, patients are advised to discontinue the use of anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or naproxen).
Post-treatment, it is recommended to rest the affected area for 24-48 hours. Patients can continue with light daily activities, but should refrain from engaging in strenuous exercises.
Shockwave therapy is not recommended for individuals under 18, those on blood-thinning medications, individuals with a pacemaker, those with a history of cancer in the treatment area, or those who are pregnant.
Shockwave Therapy at Fountain Square Physiotherapy
While many clinics provide shockwave therapy as a standalone treatment, here at Fountain Square Physiotherapy we take a more comprehensive approach.
Our tailored shockwave treatment package includes a thorough assessment to determine an accurate clinical diagnosis, 4 x 30 minute shockwave/physiotherapy treatments, personalized strengthening exercises, and expert advice on load management to ensure long-term success.
Packages start at £330 for 4 x 30 minute treatments. Additionally, as shockwave therapy is recommended by NICE guidelines, many health insurance providers cover the cost.
If further sessions of shockwave are required, we provide these at a reduced price of £72 per session
Shockwave Course £320
Further individual sessions £70.
