SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in various parts of the body, particularly in areas with musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. These acoustic waves are high-energy sound waves that are generated by a device and transmitted to the affected area. This provides effective pain relief, accelerated healing, and cell regeneration. ​
There are two main types of shockwave therapies: Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) and Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT).
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Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT):
Radial shockwaves are generated via ballistic mechanisms.
The waves spread outward from the applicator tip, dispersing energy across a broader area.
Penetration depth is typically up to 4 cm, making it ideal for treating conditions closer to the skin’s surface.
Commonly used for superficial injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and trigger points.
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Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT):
A specialist shockwave modality, where very few clinics in the UK currently offer this type of shockwave treatment.
Focused shockwaves are generated using electromagnetic technology.
The energy converges at a specific focal point, allowing for a highly targeted treatment.
Penetration depth can reach up to 12 cm, making it effective for deeper structures such as deep tendinopathies, bone injuries, or certain joint conditions such a knee osteoarthritis.
Focused waves can also deliver higher energy levels compared to radial.
Simulates stem cell and collagen regeneration, the formation of new blood vessels, disrupts pain pathways, and reduces inflammation.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as:
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Tendinopathies: Conditions involving tendon inflammation or degeneration, such as:
Calcifying tendinopathy of the shoulder, often associated with calcium deposits.
Lateral epicondylopathy, commonly known as tennis elbow, affecting the outer elbow.
Greater trochanter pain syndrome, related to hip tendon issues.
Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee, affecting the knee tendon.
Achilles tendinopathy, causing pain in the heel and back of the ankle.
Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, often with or without heel spurs.
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Bone Pathologies: Issues involving bone healing and structure, including:
Delayed bone healing, where fractures take longer to mend.
Bone non-union, where bones fail to heal properly.
Stress fractures, small cracks in bones due to repetitive stress.
Avascular bone necrosis, where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, without articular derangement.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a joint condition involving bone and cartilage, without articular derangement.
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Skin Pathologies: Conditions affecting skin integrity, such as:
Delayed or non-healing wounds, which fail to close within expected timelines.
Skin ulcers, chronic sores often seen in diabetic patients.
Non-circumferential burn wounds, partial-thickness burns not encircling a limb.
Cellulite, a cosmetic condition involving dimpled skin.
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Focused shockwave therapy is also used for other conditions, and these include:
Additional Tendinopathies: Such as rotator cuff tendinopathy without calcification, medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), adductor tendinopathy syndrome, pes-anserinus tendinopathy syndrome, peroneal tendinopathy, and various foot and ankle tendinopathies. Trigger finger, a condition causing finger locking.
Bone Conditions: Bone marrow oedema, Osgood Schlatter disease, tibial stress syndrome (shin splints), and knee osteoarthritis.
Muscle Pathologies: Myofascial syndrome, involving muscle pain and trigger points, and muscle strains.
Neurological Conditions: Spasticity, often seen in neurological disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome, causing wrist and hand pain.
Men's Health: Treating conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie's Disease and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.
Yes, there is solid clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for several musculoskeletal conditions, and is also recognised by NICE guidelines. Numerous studies, including randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, have shown that shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function, particularly in cases where other conservative treatments have not been successful.
Typically, we recommend 3-6 weekly shockwave therapy sessions for the best results. Each session lasts about 40 minutes, depending on your condition and symptom severity. While you might feel mild discomfort during the procedure, it is generally well-tolerated. Shockwave therapy is often a conservative treatment option before considering more invasive procedures like surgery. Success rates range from 60-90%, depending on the condition, and it shows great results for both new and chronic injuries. Your treatment will also include a 12-week specific rehabilitation programme to speed up healing and prevent re-injury.
Shockwave therapy can have mild side effects, but they are usually short-lived and resolve on their own. You might experience mild pain or discomfort during or after treatment, which typically subsides within a few hours to days. Temporary redness or swelling can occur due to increased blood flow to the treated area. Minor bruising may happen if small blood vessels are affected. Temporary nerve irritation can cause mild numbness or tingling sensations, and the treated area may feel more sensitive for a short period.