Shockwave Therapy
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a highly effective non-invasive treatment for pain associated with the musculoskeletal system, commonly used for conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies. It works by delivering a combination of pressure and sound waves directly to the affected tissues and bones, stimulating the body’s own healing response.
In many cases patients experience an immediate reduction in pain alongside improved mobility and function. The treatment is free from significant side effects and is recognised by NICE for its clinical effectiveness, giving patients confidence that it is a proven, evidence-based option rather than an experimental one.
At Walnut Grove, shockwave therapy is delivered by a cross-discipline team of osteopaths and physiotherapists, and is most effective when used as part of a broader treatment programme. Rather than being a standalone fix, it works alongside your existing osteopathic or physiotherapy care to achieve better and longer-lasting results.
How Shockwave Therapy helps you
Our Shockwave Therapy Practitioners
What our patients say
I visited Kathryn for treatment for painful plantar fasciitis. Kathryn recommended shock wave therapy after other treatments had little effect. Can highly recommend - pain not gone altogether but so much better and I am able to walk again without hobbling!
Kathryn has been brilliant - went in with Plantar fasciitis and admittedly very quickly after onset but 3 treatments and 10 days later all better and even managed a little run - very happy as this is a condition that can really hang about!!
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
What conditions is it used for?
It is most commonly used for persistent tendon problems such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow and rotator cuff issues. It is also effective for calcific conditions and certain soft tissue injuries that have not responded well to other treatments.
Does it hurt?
Shockwave therapy can feel intense during treatment, particularly over sensitive or inflamed areas. Your practitioner will always work within your tolerance and can adjust the intensity if needed.
It sounds quite high-tech. Is it actually proven to work?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is recognised by NICE, the body that evaluates clinical evidence for treatments used in the UK, as an effective option for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. It is not new or experimental. It has a strong evidence base built up over many years of clinical use.
I've already tried physiotherapy and it hasn't worked. Is shockwave worth trying?
Quite possibly. Shockwave therapy is often particularly effective for conditions that have not responded to conventional treatment. That is actually one of the situations it is most commonly used for. Your practitioner will assess whether it is appropriate for your specific problem before recommending it.
Do I need to be referred by my osteopath or physiotherapist to access shockwave?
No. You can enquire about shockwave therapy directly. That said, because it works best as part of a broader treatment programme, your practitioner will want to understand your history and current treatment before getting started. If you are already seeing one of the team at Walnut Grove, they will coordinate your care.
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