What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers pneumatic shock waves to injured or damaged soft tissue to reduce pain and promote healing.
How does it work?
Calibrated shockwaves are targeted at specific damaged soft tissue structures in order to increase blood flow, stimulate cell regeneration and promote healing, as well as stimulating enzymes and stem cells to reduce pain-producing local factors in the damaged tissue.
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
The treatment initially stimulates an acute phase of healing by causing microtrauma within the soft tissue in order to promote cellular regeneration. Therefore the pneumatic effect of the pulses can result in transient soreness, bruising and surface skin redness. Soreness should subside within 24-48 hours of treatment.
How many treatment are necessary?
It has been recommended that most conditions are treated with 3-5 Shockwave sessions approximately 5-7 days apart.
When should I expect to see results?
Some patients are able to report a decrease in symptoms between their 1st and 2nd treatment sessions whilst others require 3-5 sessions followed by a period of 6-8 weeks recovery to allow for the full effects of the treatment.
Will I need to perform any exercises alongside the Shockwave Therapy?
The initial treatment session includes a full musculoskeletal assessment and will identify the cause of the pain and develop a tailored rehabilitation plan for you to follow, which will be put in place alongside the Shockwave Therapy treatment.
What are the benefits compared with injection therapy and surgery?
Corticosteroid injection therapy can be associated with post-treatment tendon degradation and surgery can often involve weeks or months of post-operative rehabilitation.
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment which stimulates recovery and can be used alongside an active, sporting lifestyle. At most, you may need to rest for 24-48 hours after treatment before continuing your sport, exercise or rehabilitation.