Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ESWT
Shockwave Therapy at Dyer St Clinic is an innovative, non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, relieve pain, and accelerate recovery for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
What do we Treat?
Effective for conditions such as:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Chronic muscular pain
How do we treat it?
- Initial assessment to ensure suitability
- Targeted application of shockwave therapy
- Treatment typically involves 3-6 sessions
- Combined with tailored rehabilitation exercises and guidance
Who does it?
Many different members of our team are trained and experienced in providing safe, effective shockwave treatments tailored specifically to your condition
James Mason
Emily Clayton Gale
Elise Dixon
Holly Griffiths
Kat Buckland
Rob Beaven
Josh Arden
.
.
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Alastair Bolton
FAQ’s
What is it?
ESWT is a non-surgical procedure where acoustic shockwaves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the foot, using a special device.
Extracorporeal means outside the body. The shockwaves are mechanical and not electric. They are audible, low-energy sound waves, which work by increasing blood flow to the injured area. This speeds up your body’s natural healing process.
You will usually require a course of three/four (3/4) treatments, one (1) week apart. There is a possibility that further treatments may be required if your condition is chronic (long-term) or recurring. This will be discussed with you by a member of our team.
What can it treat?
– Plantar Fasciitis
– Shoulder pain
– Tennis elbow
– Achilles Tendinopathy
– Trochanteric bursitis (Lateral hip pain)
– Tendon Calcification
– Chronic Tendon problems
– Jumpers Knees
– Chronic Muscular Pain
Why choose shockwave therapy?
– Non-invasive form of treatment
– No anaesthetic required
– Treatment is fast and affordable
– There are fewer complications making it a suitable alternative to
surgery or steroid injections
– It is virtually painless after treatment
– Patients report improved mobility and quicker rate of recovery
– It is recognised and recommended by the NICE guidelines
How does ESWT work?
The treatment causes a pro-inflammatory response in the affected tissue. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area which accelerates the body’s own healing processes. As a result of cellular tissue micro-trauma, it can provide a temporary analgesic (pain relief) effect on nerves, providing immediate pain relief, known as ‘hyper- stimulation anaesthesia’.. Over the following weeks, as the tissue continues to repair and strengthen, many patients experience ongoing improvements in pain, mobility, and function, helping them return to their normal activities with greater comfort and confidence.
What are the risks/side effects?
Shockwave therapy is safe and effective. You will experience some pain/discomfort during the treatment, but the pain should always be bearable. The treatment is delivered according to your response; if you are unable to tolerate the pain levels, the settings will be adjusted to reduce the discomfort.
Following the treatment, you may initially experience more pain, redness, bruising, swelling and numbness to the area. These side effects should resolve within a day or two, before your next treatment. There is a small risk of tendon rupture or ligament rupture and damage to the soft tissue,
When shouldn't I have ESWT?
You must not have ESWT for Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis if you:
– are pregnant
– are under the age of 18
– are taking antiplatelets excluding aspirin 75mgs (for example, clopidogrel) or anticoagulants (such as warfarin or rivaroxaban)
– have a history of latex allergy or allergy to coupling solution
– have a blood clotting disorder
– have a cardiac pacemaker
– have been diagnosed with bone cancer
– have cancer present in or near the treatment area
– have an infection in your foot, an open wound, skin rash, or swollen and inflamed treatment site
– have ischaemic tissues (vascular disease)
– have a history of Achilles tendon or plantar fascia ligament rupture
– have had a steroid injection into the affected area in the previous 12 weeks
– have neuropathy (caution with Diabetic patients)
These will be discussed with you by your healthcare professional when the treatment is offered. Your podiatrist will discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you in more detail – please let them know if you have any questions or would like any further information.
How can I prepare for ESWT?
You will need to be available for the full course of treatment which is at minimum three (3) sessions over three (3) consecutive weeks.
You should not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, before your first procedure, and throughout your treatment. If you are unsure if any of your medicines contain NSAIDs, then please check with your clincian, doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Wear comfortable clothing as you will be lying on your front or back for the treatment.
Who will carry out the procedure?
Your ESWT will be performed by a member of the Dyer St Clinical Team who has undertaken special training to carry out the procedure.
Will I feel any pain?
Most patients do experience some discomfort during the procedure. You will be asked how much pain you are experiencing during the treatment, and we will adjust the treatment to help manage this. This is not a “no pain no gain” procedure
What happens after ESWT?
After the treatment you will be able to get up and walk straight away. There are no restrictions after the treatment session, you may continue with your normal activities.
If you do experience pain/discomfort following the shockwave treatment you can take over the counter painkillers (such as paracetamol) but do not take anti-inflammatory medication (such as Ibuprofen) and ice therapy, as these can interfere with the body’s healing process.
What do I need to do after I go home?
You will be able to return to your usual activities straight away and can return to work immediately. However, we advise you not to undertake any strenuous, pain-provoking activity or high-impact exercise for 48 hours following the procedure.
You can drive immediately after the treatment.
If you experience a sudden onset of pain to the area or any loss of function, please contact the Dyer St Team, your GP or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department (A&E).
What if the treatment doen't work?
Though the short term effects are very good, the long term benefits of this treatment may take up to three months. If, over this time, there is no improvement in your condition, then your clinician will offer you other treatment options (i.e. further conservative treatment, steroid injections or onwards referral).