What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to target areas of pain and injury within the body. This innovative therapy is especially effective for musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. During a shockwave therapy session, a specialised shockwave device delivers acoustic waves directly to the affected soft tissue, stimulating the body’s natural healing process.
The main benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy ESWT include increased blood flow, reduced pain, and enhanced tissue regeneration. By promoting the release of growth factors and encouraging new blood vessel formation, shockwave therapy helps accelerate recovery from soft tissue injuries. As a conservative treatment option, it is often used alongside physical therapy to maximise results and is ideal for patients looking to avoid surgery or more invasive procedures. The use of sound waves in this therapy makes it a safe and effective choice for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a versatile treatment used to address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders and soft tissue injuries. It is particularly effective for chronic conditions that have not responded to traditional physical therapy or other conservative treatments. Some of the most common conditions treated with shockwave therapy include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Stress fractures and non-unions
- Scar tissue and soft tissue injuries
- Ligament sprains and tendinosis
This therapy is also beneficial for managing pain and promoting healing in cases of osteoarthritis and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions. By targeting the underlying soft tissue, shockwave therapy helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery for patients with stubborn or recurring injuries.
Types of Shockwave Therapy
There are two primary types of shockwave therapy used in clinical practice: radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) and focused shock wave therapy (FSWT). Each type utilises wave therapy to address different depths and types of tissue damage.
- Radial shock wave therapy delivers pressure waves that spread outwards from the application site, making it ideal for treating superficial soft tissue conditions such as tendon and ligament injuries. This form of therapy is commonly used for issues like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.
- Focused shock wave therapy uses a more concentrated energy that penetrates deeper into the body, targeting areas such as bones and joints. This approach is often chosen for more complex or deep-seated musculoskeletal conditions.
Both radial shock wave and focused shockwave therapies have been shown to effectively reduce pain and promote healing, but the choice between them depends on the specific diagnosis and treatment goals.
Shockwave Therapy
Do you have stubborn heel pain that just won’t go away? Have you tried everything to treat your heel pain but failed? Shockwave is the ideal treatment method for chronic and complex musculoskeletal conditions. The aim of the Shockwave is to activate the body’s natural healing response to regenerate damaged tissue and treat calcification. The benefits include reducing local inflammation and increasing blood supply to the treated area, which essentially speeds the healing process and reduces pain. This therapy also helps promote tissue regeneration, which is essential for recovery from chronic injuries. Many patients experience significant symptom relief after just a few sessions of shockwave therapy. Our EMS Dolorclast® Radial Shockwave can treat a wide range of lower limb conditions, providing maximum results in minimum time.
How does Shockwave therapy work?
Radial Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment which effectively stimulates the body’s immune system by producing high-energy sound waves to restore normal tissue and heal injured tissue. This is achieved by activating the body’s immune system and increasing blood flow to the treated area. By increasing blood flow to the treatment site, the body’s healing process is activated to heal damaged tissue and reduce muscle tightness/inflammation. Shockwave therapy also reduces pain by affecting nerve endings and modulating pain signals, which helps decrease the release of pain mediators and promotes tissue regeneration. Clinical studies suggest there is an 85% success rate for this technology in treating patients with applicable conditions.
Patients should consult a healthcare professional to determine if they are suitable to receive shockwave therapy.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- An icon for each benefit
- 80% success rate
- Results seen in 3-5 sessions
- Quick and easy treatment- 10-20 treatments
- Safe
Shockwave therapy can effectively treat bone, ligament, tendons, connective tissue and nerves pain. It is also effective for musculoskeletal injuries and can help repair soft tissue damage.
Some common conditions we treat using Shockwave therapy in our Liverpool podiatry clinic are:
Feet – heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, plantar fascia tears, stress fractures, and injuries involving the Achilles tendon (care must be taken to avoid complications such as Achilles tendon rupture)
Knee – patellar tendinopathy
Hip – bursitis
Lower leg – shin splints and tightened calves
Upper leg – iliotibial band friction syndrome
A personalised treatment plan is developed for each patient to optimise outcomes.
Contraindications and Risks
While shockwave therapy is considered a safe and noninvasive treatment for most patients, there are certain situations where it may not be appropriate. Individuals who are pregnant, have active cancer, or suffer from blood clotting disorders should avoid this therapy. Additionally, those taking blood-thinning medications or with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers may not be suitable candidates for shockwave treatment.The most common side effects are mild discomfort, temporary bruising, or swelling at the treatment site. These effects are generally short-lived and resolve without intervention. It is important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting shockwave therapy to ensure it is the right option for you.
What is the duration and frequency of the treatment?
Frequency and duration of sessions typically depend on the condition being treated. The Shockwave therapist will be able to determine frequency and duration upon assessment. Treatment protocols are tailored to each patient’s condition, following evidence-based guidelines to ensure optimal outcomes. Generally, treatment session lasts between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the condition to be treated. On average, 5 to 8 treatment sessions will be needed at intervals of one week.
What else should you know?
- You may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days following the procedure. This is a positive sign of the body’s healing process. In some cases, local anaesthesia may be applied to the treatment site to minimise discomfort during shockwave therapy treatment.
- You can return to most regular activities, although it is advised to rest the injured area for the best healing to take place.
Shockwave therapy must not be used in the following conditions:
- Patients with circulation or neurological conditions
- Infections or wounds
- Patients on blood thinners
- Patients with osteoporosis
- Pregnant women
Costs and Packages
Shockwave therapy session
$100
- Full shockwave protocol performed to treated area.
- 20-minute appointment.
- 3-5 subsequent sessions required for full benefit weekly.
Shockwave & K-Laser treatment package sessions
$130
- 20-minute appointment
- Shockwave performed to treated area or/and surrounding structures to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow in conjuction with K-Laser therapy. High success rate
- 5 sessions required for full benefit 1 week apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
5 or more sessions are recommended
Does Shockwave therapy hurt?
Generally Shockwave does not hurt but can be tender on inflamed areas. The podiatrist can however adjust the frequency and level of the shocks to your comfort
Is there any downtime post treatment?
You may experience muscle soreness after Shockwave for a few days.
Is Shockwave therapy effective?
Yes, evidence shows that Shockwave therapy is 80% successful in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis and other conditions.