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.

- Plantar Fasciitis
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles Tendonopathy
- Trochanteric bursitis (Lateral hip pain)
- Tendon Calcification
- Chronic Tendon problems
- Jumpers Knees
- Chronic Muscular Pain

- 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

The treatment initiates 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. The shockwaves can break down injured tissues and calcifications. 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’.

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, but studies have shown that seven out of ten (10) patients have found it to be effective.

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.

You will need to be available for the full course of treatment which is at least 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 podiatrist, doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Wear comfortable clothing as you will be lying on your front or back for the treatment.

Your ESWT will be performed by a member of the Dyer St Clinical Team who has undertaken special training to carry out the procedure.

Most patients do experience some pain or 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.

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.

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. I

f 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).

You will have a follow-up appointment with your Clinician 6-12 weeks after your final treatment..You will have a follow-up appointment with your Clinician 6-12 weeks after your final treatment.

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).