Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves that travel deep into the tissues, stimulating natural healing processes. These waves increase blood flow, promote the growth of new cells, and help reduce inflammation, which accelerates tissue repair and alleviates pain.

Conditions it treats include:

• Tendon injuries like tendinitis
• Heel pain from plantar fasciitis
• Calcium buildup in tendons

Shockwave therapy offers several benefits by using sound waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. This therapy reduces pain, boosts blood flow, and speeds up tissue repair without surgery or injections. It improves mobility and decreases stiffness, helping patients recover faster and return to their daily activities or sports with less downtime. The treatment is safe and effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues.

• Reduced pain for soft tissue injuries

• Improved joint and muscle function

• Faster recovery through stimulated tissue regeneration

• Non-invasive alternative to surgery or injections

Shockwave therapy sessions start with a thorough assessment of your symptoms and the affected area to confirm suitability. Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin to enhance wave transmission, then a hand-held device delivers acoustic waves to the treatment site.

Patients typically feel a series of rapid taps or pulses, which might be mildly uncomfortable but is generally well tolerated. Treatment intensity is adjusted to your comfort, and sessions last about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the injury’s size and severity.

A course of treatment usually spans three to six weekly sessions, tailored to your needs. Many notice pain relief and better mobility after just a few sessions, with ongoing improvements. Afterwards, normal activities can usually be resumed immediately, though mild tenderness may occur temporarily in the treated area.

Shockwave therapy is generally safe and non-invasive, but it can cause some mild and temporary side effects. Common reactions include tenderness or soreness in the treated area, similar to post-exercise discomfort. Some patients may experience redness, swelling, or minor bruising due to increased blood flow and tissue stimulation.

Temporary tingling or numbness can also occur but usually fades quickly. These effects indicate the body’s healing response is active. Serious side effects are rare and mostly linked to improper technique or underlying conditions.

The therapy is not suitable for people who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders, or certain types of infections or tumors near the treatment area. Most patients continue their daily activities without interruption, and concerns can be addressed by the treating osteopath. Proper assessment by a qualified practitioner minimises risks and ensures safe treatment.

Shockwave therapy is not recommended for everyone. Certain medical conditions and situations make this treatment unsafe or unsuitable. Your osteopath will thoroughly review your health before starting. Contraindications include:

• Pregnancy: Avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.

• Blood clotting disorders or use of blood thinners: Increased risk of bruising or bleeding.

• Tumors or cancer in the treatment area: Shockwaves may stimulate tumor growth.

• Infection or open wounds: Risk of worsening infection; only healthy skin should be treated.

• Recent corticosteroid injection (within 6-12 weeks): Treatment may interfere with healing.

• Neurological or circulatory disorders: May affect safety or treatment effectiveness.

• Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemakers, nerve stimulators): Shockwaves can interfere with device function.

• Age under 18 years old, except for specific cases like Osgood-Schlatter disease.

• Treatment over lung, brain, major blood vessels, or nerves is avoided due to risk of serious harm.

• Joint replacements or osteoporosis require caution or may prevent treatment.

These guidelines protect patient safety, and alternative therapies will be offered if shockwave therapy is not suitable.

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