Shockwave Therapy

The treatment lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the condition. On average, three to six sessions are required. You will require a full assessment to determine the number of treatments you will need.

It depends on the conditions treated. Statistics show over 90 percent of patients experience a reduction in their pain. In patients that suffer from plantar fasciitis and heel pain related problems, pain reduction is remarkable, 39 studies showed a success rate of 94% in Plantar Faciitis. The overall success rates for all indications ranges between 60% to 80% depending on the conditions treated. Read our Shockwave therapy Success Stories from real patients with a variety of conditions.

It can treat both long term chronic conditions and newer acute injuries, there is a great deal of evidence to show that Shockwave can achieve great results even with historical conditions

Costs vary from clinic to clinic and depends on the treatment offered. A full consultation with an experts is recommended.

Shockwave sounds scary, but it’s definitely not! Will it cause pain? It depends… Focused Shockwave (FSW)  is not painful at all, you should feel that something is happening but it is more of a sensation rather than pain. With Radial Shockwave (RSW) you may feel discomfort to begin with, however, the treatment is delivered with a low amount of energy at first, which is increased as your body gets used to it. Your clinician should ask for constant feedback during your treatment and will adjust it accordingly. Shockwave Therapy creates an analgesic effect, many patients report an immediate relief following shockwave therapy from the pain caused by their chronic conditions.

Normally patients experience a reduced level of pain in their condition or no pain at all immediately after the treatment, but a mild and diffused pain may occur a few hours later. This dull pain will subside after a day or so.

Shockwave therapy treatment initiates a pro-flammatory response in the tissue that is being treated. If necessary patients may use ordinary prescription-free pain killers. Do not use anti-inflammatory medication or apply  ice on the treated area as both may interfere with the body’s self-healing process.

“ESWT offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods: fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity” FD

•       No anaesthesia
•       Non invasive
•       No medication
•       Fast treatments – (20 mins per session), 3+ sessions required
•       Fewer complications
•       Significant clinical benefit often seen 6-8 weeks after treatment
•       Shockwave has a natural analgesic effect

• When surgery is not an option
• When pain relief and injections no longer work
• When a conditions is presented that is suitable for shockwave therapy
• When no contraindications are present

Contraindications – when Shockwave Therapy can’t be used, examples:

Shockwave therapy is very safe and actually has less contraindications than some more well known therapies such as acupuncture and massage.

•       Pregnancy or trying to conceive
•       Application over open growth plates – not suitable for under 18 years
•       Over metal pins or plates
•       Malignant tumours
•       Nerve or circulation disorders
•       Infection
•       If you are taking anticoagulants or have a blood disorder

Precautions after shockwave therapy treatment:
Even if there is no pain we recommend that patients refrain from intensive activities that stress the treated area for the next 48 hours after each treatment. We advise not to use ice or anti-inflammatory medicines after shockwave therapy as these will be counterproductive to the treatment, which encourages the bodies own natural healing process.

Usually the initial response to shockwave therapy treatment is good however it may take a few months before maximum effect is achieved. If pain is still persistent then surgery may be an option.