Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) can be used to treat a number of conditions ranging from; Tendon Disorders, Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic Spinal Pain, Arthritis, Shin Splints and Lateral Hip Pain to name a few. It is an excellent, non-invasive option for a range of persistent problems when other treatments have failed. Before you consider steroid injections or surgery, speak to us about your suitability for Shockwave Therapy.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment performed with a hand-held device that creates high-energy sound waves (or pressure waves), transmitted to the injured tissue to provide pain relief, accelerate healing and stimulate cell regeneration. Shockwave Therapy can also help reduce calcifications, aid recovery in delayed bone union (fractures that are struggling to heal) and improve pain and range of movement in frozen shoulder.

Long-term injuries that haven’t responded to normal treatments are often considered for steroid injections or surgery. Shockwave Therapy offers potential where other therapies have failed.

Which conditions can Shockwave help with?

How successful is Shockwave Therapy?

Results vary depending on the condition being treated, ranging between 60-90% response rate. The benefit over other interventions, e.g. chronic tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis, is that long term outcomes (1 year +) are excellent, whereas most other interventions only work for a short period. Combining appropriate rehabilitation magnifies the effects and further reduces the chances of relapse. Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven, recognised by top orthopaedic hospitals and used by high-profile professional sports bodies.

Is Shockwave painful?

It is very different to ‘ultrasound’ and you will feel some discomfort, but this should be very tolerable.

“(ESWT) offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods: fewer potential complications and faster return to normal activity.” (FDA2007)

How many sessions are needed?

The number of treatment sessions will vary depending on the type of condition, the length of time you have had it for and the type of Shockwave Therapy selected for treatment. As a general rule, 3 to 6 treatment sessions are advised at weekly intervals. Initial pain relief is followed by an enhanced healing reaction that continues beyond your final session.

Not all Shockwave is the same At South oxhey osteopaths, we use the best available technology – Swiss engineered Storz devices, used by the majority of experts, major NHS hospitals and elite sporting clubs across the world. Many devices are now coming to market that have not been supported by research, externally validated, or been CE marked for safety and effectiveness.

Can Shockwave Therapy treat old/ persistent injuries?

Yes, it can treat both long-term chronic conditions and newer injuries. There is substantial evidence to show that Shockwave Therapy can achieve great results even in conditions that have been present for many years.

Is Shockwave Therapy safe?

Yes, it has NICE guidance for a large number of indications and is used within the NHS. Shockwave Therapy performed by clinicians and appropriately trained health professionals is largely risk-free

What are the advantages of Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy can be used in chronic conditions where other options have failed, instead of surgery or where surgery isn’t an option (e.g. due to certain health conditions or medications).