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Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment, which uses a series of high-energy sound waves (not electric shocks), to relieve pain, increase movement, massage, promote blood circulation and improve energy flow.
It can be used to relieve pain and improve movement of the:
The treatment is delivered using a handheld device which applies the sound waves to the affected area. This stimulates blood flow, which causes a small amount of localised inflammation. In the days following the treatment, the body then works to heal the inflamed area, therefore stimulating the repair and regeneration of cells.
It can also help to break down scar tissue in the affected area.
Most patients require three sessions, each a week apart, before they see significant pain relief. Some will require more sessions. Your specialist can advise you of this.
Just 5 to 10 minutes per area.
Patients may experience some pain or discomfort, particularly if the treatment is on an area which is already painful. However, the treatment only lasts a few minutes so is well tolerated by most patients.
Yes. Shockwave therapy was originally developed to treat kidney stones in the 1990s and is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
You may experience swelling and redness in the area treated for a day or two, which is part of the healing process.
No recovery time is needed, but you should avoid exercising for 48 hours.
It is also important that you do not take anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, following the treatment, as the treatment involves using inflammation to initiate the healing process.
Most patients immediately see an improvement to pain and an improvement to healing after 6 to 8 weeks.
This will depend upon the condition, but patients report an improvement in pain for several months, or years, following the treatment.
Shockwave therapy is not suitable if: