Radial Shockwave therapy (R-SWT) is a innovative, safe, cost-effective and evidenced based treatment for pain and musculoskeletal injuries. As a relatively new treatment modality in musculoskeletal medicine, Radial Shockwave therapy has gained a strong reputation as the go to therapy for chronic dysfunction and pain in certain tissues.
Shockwaves have previously been used amongst the medical community since the 1970s for treatment of conditions like Kidney Stones though more recently research has shown the benefits of this type of therapy for assisting with tissue healing in bone, ligament, fascia, muscle and tendon. This type of treatment is now well evidenced and supported with a wide range of clinical studies and Shockwave therapy is also recommended on the National Institute of Clinical Effectiveness (NICE) guidelines.
Shockwave therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment with convincing evidence for its effectiveness from a large body of research and clinical trials. There are now multiple, randomised, double-blinded clinical trials that support the use of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, calcific tendinitis of the shoulder and many other tendon pathologies.
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Below is a list of injuries that are most likely to benefit from Shockwave therapy treatment. shockwave therapy is an effective treatment modality for a variety of lower and upper conditions. These include:​
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Calcific Tendinopathy
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Tennis Elbow (common extensor tendinopathy)
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Golfer’s Elbow (common flexor tendinopathy)
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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (also referred to as gluteus medius tendinopathy and/or trochanteric bursitis)
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Rotator cuff Tendinopathy
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (also referred to as high hamstring tendinopathy, or hamstring origin tendinopathy)
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Patella Tendinopathy
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Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
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Mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Shin Splints
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How does Shockwave Therapy work?
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Shockwave Therapy uses a specialist device to deliver mechanical energy through the skin to the injured part of the body. The shockwaves are mechanical and not electric. They are audible, low-energy sound waves, which increase the blood flow to the injured area and excite the cells within the tissue to help accelerate healing.
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Shockwave Therapy has two main modes of action which will help with persistent tendon pain. First the shockwaves work to desensitise nerve endings which will often give an immediate reduction in pain. Secondly, and often most importantly, the shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma (microscopic damage) to the tissues which encourages the body to respond by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area. This will activate and accelerate the body’s own healing response. The shockwaves can also ‘breakdown’ calcifications.
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The main benefits of shockwave are pain relief and restoration of function. Shockwave therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for a range of common tendon complaints including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow.
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Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment with convincing evidence for its effectiveness from a large body of research and clinical trials. There are now multiple, randomised, double-blinded clinical trials that support the use of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
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Is there clinical evidence supporting the use of Shockwave Therapy?
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There is a significant body of evidence supporting the use of shockwave therapy in many common conditions. For more information about your specific condition please use the links above.
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​Shockwave Therapy significantly reduces the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It has been stated that shockwave therapy has a 70% success rate for tendinopathies (Moya et al, 2018, Dedes et al 2018).​​​​
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FAQ's:
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
You may feel some slight discomfort and reproduction of the symptoms you have been feeling, though it should not be painful.
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How long does the treatment take?
Each treatment is based upon the number of shockwaves delivered for Radial Shockwave this is typically around 2500 shocks. A single treatment is very quick, usually lasting between 3-4 minutes.
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How many session of Shockwave Therapy do I need and what is the cost?
The recommended dosage, depending on your condition is typically between 3-6 sessions, spaced 7-10 days apart. Focused Shockwave Therapy is £80 session and Radial Shockwave Therapy is £60 session.
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Is there any recovery time?
Typically you can experience mild treatment soreness for 24-48 hours post treatment, your therapist will be able to advise what you should be doing during this period. After 48hrs you can return to your full activities depending on your circumstances.
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When will I see results?
You may see results immediately after your treatment starts in the form of analgesic effect, but this can vary depending on how your body responds to the treatment and the condition you have. Shockwave works on a cumulative basis over the course of your treatment. Shockwave continues to work on the healing tissue after the completion of your treatment course for another 12 weeks.​​
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​If you would like to know more about our Radial Shockwave therapy service and know whether it is the right treatment for you, please contact us on 01949 485084
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