Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy – FAQs

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to the injured or affected area of the body to promote healing in damaged tissues. These waves are delivered through a handheld device that generates radial pulses. ESWT can stimulate circulation, promote cell regeneration, and can accelerate the healing process in the targeted tissue.

Shockwave therapy can be used to help with:

• Heel pain (plantar fasciopathy)
• Achilles tendon pain (achilles tendinopathy)
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Calcium build up in tendons (calcific tendinopathy)
• Pain in the tendon below the knee cap (patellar tendinopathy).

What should I expect during the treatment?

• Pre-Treatment: The therapist will assess your condition and determine the areas requiring treatment. Up to date imaging must have been performed on the area to be treated within the last 12 months. This should have been arranged for you by the practitioner who refers you into our ESWT service. To optimise effectiveness of the treatment, it is advised that you stop taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen 24 hours before and for the duration of your treatment.
• Treatment Session: During the procedure, you will lie or sit in a comfortable position. The therapist will apply a gel to the treatment area and use the shockwave device to deliver pulses to the affected tissues. The treatment usually lasts 3-5 minutes depending on the condition and size of the area.
• Intensity: You may feel a tapping or pulsating sensation during treatment. The intensity can be adjusted to ensure you are comfortable while still achieving therapeutic benefits.

What should I expect post treatment?

• Immediately After Treatment: Some mild discomfort or soreness may be felt in the treated area. This is typically temporary and resolves within a few hours to a couple of days. Some people feel an improvement in their symptoms directly after treatment.
• Activity Recommendations: You may return to normal activities after the session and do not need to rest or offload the treated area.
• Multiple Sessions: A course of shockwave therapy is typically 3 sessions spaced out over 4-8 weeks. You will have a telephone review 3 months after finishing your course of treatment to discuss any improvement to your symptoms.

Are there any side effects?

• Mild to moderate pain or discomfort during the procedure
• Redness or bruising in the treated area
• Swelling or tenderness post-treatment
• Temporary numbness or tingling in the treated area (rare)

Are there any contraindications? (when not to use RSWT):

• Pregnancy
• Active cancer or metastatic disease
• Blood clotting disorders or anticoagulation therapy (e.g., haemophilia or taking medicines such as warfarin)
• Infection or open wounds in the treatment area
• Severe heart conditions (e.g., pacemaker patients)
• Corticosteroid injections in the last 12 weeks in the treatment area

What should I expect in terms of effectiveness?

• Pain Relief: It is important to be aware that ESWT is unfortunately not effective in reducing pain for all patients. It is most likely to have a significant effect on your symptoms when performed alongside an exercise-based rehabilitation program.
• Recovery Time: Improvement in function and mobility may be noticeable in the weeks following treatment, but results can vary based on the severity of the condition and individual factors. If it does improve your symptoms, the results are normally long-term and well sustained.

Before undergoing RSWT, discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right treatment for your specific condition.