Shockwave Therapy.

Shockwave works by applying impulses of energy to targeted areas where there may be abnormal or damaged tissue. The shockwaves are made up of compressed air that is passed at high speed from a handheld applicator. The audible, low energy sound waves work by increasing blood flow to the injured area, stimulating cell regeneration and healing and decreasing local factors which can cause pain. Radial waves spread inside the tissue and provoke a natural inflammation response, increasing blood flow to the area. By improving circulation, local metabolism speeds up; stimulating cell regeneration and decreasing oxidative stress. The shockwaves are also effective by decreasing nerve-sensitivity in the affected area. The outcome is faster recovery from injury and short-term pain relief for a number of chronic conditions.

Shockwave Therapy is the most advanced, non-surgical and non-invasive treatment available for a wide range of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, hip bursitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, Osgood Schlatter disease, subacromial shoulder pain and calcific tendonitis of the shoulder.

Shockwave Therapy: Treatment

Shockwave Therapy is administered using the pioneering and globally recognised, Swiss Dolorclast unit. A course of four to six treatments, 7-10 days apart, is recommended, with a 6-week review period following the fourth treatment. This will give the body time to adapt and allows the shockwaves to effectively treat the pain centres. A further course can be applied for long-term improvements.

During the initial assessment, the treatment will also be administered, if appropriate. Ultrasound and soft tissue therapy techniques may be used in conjunction with the shockwave therapy treatment to achieve an overall improvement in symptoms. Shockwave therapy combined with rehabilitation exercises provides a superior outcome than the treatment in isolation. Therefore, rehabilitation exercises will be prescribed to optimise recovery and achieve the desired outcome.

Although the actual treatment lasts no more than 15 minutes, each treatment session will include education, advice and an appropriate post-treatment plan to further support your recovery.

How does it work?

New Blood Vessel Formation – Nutrient blood flow is necessary to start and maintain the repair processes of damaged tissue. The application of the shockwave creates ‘capillary micro-ruptures’ in tendon and bone which increases blood flow.
Dissolution of Calcified Fibroblasts – Calcium accumulation is most often the result of micro-tears or other trauma. Acoustic waves break up existing calcification.
Stimulation of Collagen Production – The production of a sufficient amount of collagen is a necessary precondition for the repair processes of the damaged myoskeletal and ligamentous structures. Shockwave therapy accelerates ‘procollagen synthesis’.
Reversal of Chronic Inflammation – Shockwave therapy works to enhance a positive inflammatory process and response, which helps restore normal healing and regenerative processes.

When Shockwave Therapy may not be suitable: Contraindications

While Shockwave Therapy is suitable for a large number of conditions with minimal side effects, there are some conditions, also known as contraindications, that means this treatment is not an option.

Shockwave Therapy is unsuitable in the following circumstances:

If you are pregnant
If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
If you are taking oral anti-coagulants
If you have received a Steroid injection within 6 weeks
If you have a pacemaker fitted
If tumours are present at the treatment site
If you have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site
If you are under 18 (except in the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease)
Any treatment over an air-filled area such as the lungs or guts

FAQs

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) or more commonly just called Shockwave, is a treatment used to manage pain and promote recovery for musculoskeletal soft-tissue injuries. Most commonly prescribed for those who have failed to respond to first-line physiotherapy, Shockwave is fast gaining empirical support to transform how non-surgical treatment is used in physiotherapy practice. Guidelines recently published by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend Shockwave as an effective treatment pathway for a number of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, when incorporated into a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Who is suitable for Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for those with chronic conditions not adequately resolved by more conservative methods over a significant period. Evidence supports the use of ESWT for conditions such as tendinopathy, Plantar Fasciitis and Greater trochanteric pain syndrome. There is a growing literature suggesting that ESWT may also be effective for promoting bone healing e.g. for injury of the metatarsals.

How long does each session last?

An average treatment will last up to 15 minutes inclusive of assessment and review. Shockwaves are administered for approximately 3-5 minutes. A typical dose will be 2000 shocks.

Is it painful to have ESWT treatment?

Shockwave can be painful, however, we will work with you to determine your pain tolerance. If the pain is too much, we’ll turn the power down. Generally we attempt to use the Shockwave on a high power setting which has been shown to provide effective and immediate pain-relief post-treatment.

How many sessions do I need?

On average, patients attend 3-6 sessions, with 1 session per week

How quickly will I see results?

Although there may be some immediate pain relief, it is important to remember that this does not mean the injury or condition is fully healed. Shockwave works best as part of a rehabilitation and treatment plan which may include other exercises or changes to help manage your condition.

Are there any side-effects?

You may experience a slight reddening or swelling of the affected area post-treatment, however, for most people, this is accompanied by a reduction in pain.

How much does it cost?

At SED Sports Massage, we are currently offering Shockwave treatment at a rate of:

One Area = £75 (The session lasts around 15-20 minutes.)

Two Areas = £115.00 (The session lasts around 15-30 minutes.