Email Us  |  Corsham: 01249 248392  |  Swindon: 01793 978270  |  Melksham: 01225 704883  |  London: 0207 315 4262

Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

If you have been suffering from tendon pain in your Achilles, knee, elbow, foot or shoulder for a long period of time and haven’t been able to find relief from various forms of treatment, then this innovative type of treatment may be of benefit.

Shockwave therapy for non-invasive pain relief

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. The shockwaves are mechanical waves, not electrical ones. The treatment initiates an inflammation-like condition (pro-flammatory) in the tissue that is being treated and the body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the area, which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing process and stimulates cell regeneration. It can also help reduce calcifications 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.

The success rate of Shockwave Therapy

Documented international results show an overall result rate of 77% of chronic conditions that have not been cured with other kinds of treatment. It is important to highlight that we would expect positive clinical outcomes following treatment, however there is a chance that the treatment may not improve your symptoms. A review at 12 weeks is recommended following your final treatment. If at this stage your symptoms persist you will be advised of alternative treatments/surgery by your medical practitioner.

The advantages of Shockwave Therapy

ESWT is applied without medication, for example Cortisone injections. The treatment stimulates and effectively supports the body’s self healing mechanisms. It is usual to experience immediate pain relief following the treatment and hence improved movement. Reported side effects are minimal. However, there may be some discomfort during treatment, skin reddening, possible bruising.

Shockwave Therapy FAQ's

Sometimes the treatment is a bit painful, but most people can stand these few intense minutes without medication. If pain does become apparent during treatment, there are adjustments that can be made to reduce the discomfort. However, having some pain during the treatment illustrates that shockwaves are having a positive effect.

You will normally experience a reduced level of pain or no pain at all immediately after the treatment, but a mild and diffused pain may occur a few hours later. This dull pain can last for a day or so.

ESWT initiates a pro-flammatory condition in the tissue that is being treated. If necessary, you may use ordinary prescription-free pain killers. Do not use antiinflammatory medication and do not use ice on the treated area as both will interfere with the body’s selfhealing abilities.

Even if you have no pain we strongly recommend that you refrain from intensive activities that stress the treated area for the next 48 hours after each treatment.

Even though the response to shockwave treatment normally is exceptionally good within a few weeks it may take several months before maximum effect is achieved. If after 3-4 months you still do not experience a pronounced improvement, surgery for example may be an alternative depending on your particular clinical picture.

Shockwave Therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions

Unsure if Shockwave Therapy is right for you? Get in touch using the form or call one of our clinics to speak with us

Corsham Clinic: 01249 248392
Swindon Clinic:  01793 978270
Melksham Clinic: 01225 704883
London Clinic: 0207 315 4262

How can we help?