Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave is a procedure where mechanical shockwaves are passed through the skin to the injured body part.  They are audible, low-energy sound waves, which work by increasing blood flow to the injured area. This speeds up your body’s healing process with benefits noted after a number of consecutive sessions.

Why should I have Shockwave Therapy?

This procedure is offered to patients where usual physiotherapy treatment or intervention has not fully address symptoms. It is an adjunctive treatment modality which may also be used with other physiotherapy treatments to help with your recovery

What are the risks/side effects?

You may experience some pain/discomfort during and following the treatment with some redness, bruising, swelling and numbness to the area at first. These side effects should resolve within a week, before your next treatment. Studies have shown that 5-7 out of 10 patients have found it to be effective. There is a very small risk of tendon or ligament rupture, and damage to the soft tissue

You must not have shockwave therapy if you:

• are pregnant
• are taking antiplatelets excluding aspirin 75mgs (for example, clopidogrel) or
• anticoagulants (such as warfarin or rivaroxaban)
• have a blood clotting disorder
• are under the age of 18
• have been diagnosed with bone cancer or are being treated for active cancer
• have an infection
• have a history of ligamentous rupture
• have had a steroid injection into the affected area in the previous 12 weeks

A thorough past medical history is always obtained during your initial consultation and therefore any concerns regarding this intervention can be discussed.

How can I prepare for ESWT?

You will need to be available for the full course of treatment.

• You will need to be available for the full course of treatment
• You should not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, for two weeks before your first procedure, and throughout your treatment. If you are unsure if any of your medicines contain NSAIDs then please check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• Wear comfortable clothing
• We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to go ahead, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This states that you agree to have the treatment and you understand what it involves.

What happens during ESWT?

You will positioned comfortably on the plinth. Some ultrasound gel will be placed on the injured area and then place the hand piece of the device on the gel. The treatment is delivered using a hand piece – it delivers compressed air pulses through the ultrasound gel. Each treatment will take approximately five minutes.

Will I feel any pain?

You will most likely experience some pain or discomfort during the procedure. You will be asked how much pain you are experiencing during the treatment, and we will try to adjust the treatment to help manage this.

What happens after ESWT?

After the treatment you will be able to get up and walk straight away. If you do experience discomfort following the shockwave treatment you can take over-the-counter painkillers (such as paracetamol) but don’t take anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) or use ice therapy, as these can interfere with the body’s healing process

What do I need to do after I go home?

You will be able to return to your usual activities, including returning to work, straight away. However we advise you not to undertake any strenuous, pain-provoking activity or high-impact exercise for 48 hours after the procedure.

If you experience a sudden onset of pain to the area or any loss of function, please contact your GP or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).

Will I have a follow-up appointment?

To maximise the benefit of shockwave therapy treatment it is advised that follow up appointments are organised for consecutive weeks. The duration of treatment will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Please watch the video below for further information and book your appointment today!