Shockwave Therapy
In Bagshot & Camberley
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Extracorporeal (outside the body) Shockwave (high energy sound waves) therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to treat some causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain without the need for injections, medication or surgery. It has been shown in studies to be effective, particularly in issues related to tendons. Some conditions that may benefit from Shockwave Therapy:
Achilles Tendon pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Hamstring Tendon pain
Trochanteric Bursitis (Pain on the outside of the hip)
Rotator Cuff Tendon Pain
Tennis Elbow
Jumpers/Runners Knee
The treatment stimulates an inflammatory-like response in the tissue that is being treated. The body then responds by increasing the blood flow and metabolism to the injured area. This, in turn, accelerates the body’s own healing processes. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has deemed this procedure safe. Studies have shown this treatment to be between 50% to 70% effective. Generally, between 3-6 treatments are required and these are performed at weekly intervals. Each treatment itself lasts for approximately 10-15 minutes. The treatment is best and most effective following a full clinical Physiotherapy assessment and done alongside exercises to strengthen and load the tendons. To book an Initial Assessment and find out if you would benefit from Shockwave Therapy email info@physicahealth.co.uk or call us on 01276916346
Shockwave Therapy – Chattanooga Showcase
Shockwave Therapy – Frequently asked questions
Which Conditions?
In the upper limb, ESWT is very helpful in the management of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, where an acute build-up of a calcium deposit in the rotator cuff tendons can be broken down by the treatment waves while initiating a healing response in the tendons themselves. Also, the ESWT waves are very good at assisting healing of Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow, which are both tendon issues that are frequently resistant to traditional methods such as cortisone injections. A targeted tendon rehab loading programme alongside ESWT will give the best chance at returning to your normal daily life or sport. Around the hip and knee, ESWT can be used to treat Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (sometimes known as hip bursitis), which presents as a debilitating pain on the outer side of the
hip. Furthermore, it is used to manage Patellar Tendon Pain and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, which both occur around the front of the knee. In the foot and ankle, two major conditions are appropriate for ESWT. These are Plantar Fasciopathy/Plantar Fasciitis, a very common and painful condition due to irritation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue under the base of the heel. The second condition is Achilles Tendinopathy, which may be non-insertional, in the body of the tendon itself, or insertional where the tendon joins the back of the heel bone. Again, targeted rehab loading
programmes are recommended in combination with ESWT for these conditions.
hip. Furthermore, it is used to manage Patellar Tendon Pain and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, which both occur around the front of the knee. In the foot and ankle, two major conditions are appropriate for ESWT. These are Plantar Fasciopathy/Plantar Fasciitis, a very common and painful condition due to irritation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue under the base of the heel. The second condition is Achilles Tendinopathy, which may be non-insertional, in the body of the tendon itself, or insertional where the tendon joins the back of the heel bone. Again, targeted rehab loading
programmes are recommended in combination with ESWT for these conditions.
How many sessions?
Best evidence suggests that 3 to 5 sessions, to the affected area, at weekly intervals can be effective. A second course can be given at a later date if the condition relapses. Each session typically takes 15-20 minutes and is delivered by one of our Chartered Physiotherapists
After Treatment
It is safe to carry on your regular daily activities, such as walking and driving straight after treatment. If possible, you should try not to exercise the treated area for 24 hours, but can then return to normal. You may expect some mild soreness in the treated area at 2-3 days after treatment.
Is Shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Many private health insurers now cover shockwave treatment at Physica Health for most conditions. Some exceptions apply. The number of authorised sessions available to you will depend on your insurer so please check with them.
Is Shockwave for Everyone?
There are a number of occasions when Shockwave Therapy should not be used:
● Haemophilia or other coagulation disorders
● Acute inflammation
● Disturbed sensory and nervous function, eg. Diabetes
● Corticosteroid injections. Wait a minimum of 6 weeks after local injections
● Malignancy
● Prostheses and implants
Your physiotherapist will be able to advise you further.
● Haemophilia or other coagulation disorders
● Acute inflammation
● Disturbed sensory and nervous function, eg. Diabetes
● Corticosteroid injections. Wait a minimum of 6 weeks after local injections
● Malignancy
● Prostheses and implants
Your physiotherapist will be able to advise you further.
Our Shockwave Therapy Machine
We are delighted to have obtained the Chattanooga RPW 2 Radial Shockwave Machine, which is the newest and most advanced offering from DJO Global. This will allow us to provide the best in Shockwave therapy to our clients and in turn optimise their results.
Price
Please note that these prices are for the Shockwave Treatment only. We do require each patient to have attended an Initial Physiotherapy Consultation before going ahead with Shockwave so that we can ensure that this type of treatment is appropriate to your issue. This will also allow us to provide other tailored advice for your condition such as targeted strength work or load modification to give you the best chance of making a full recovery.
The Initial Physio Consult and Shockwave Treatment can be booked together – just get in touch: 01276 916346 or info@physicahealth.co.uk
£70
1 session
£199
3 sessions