What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a clinically proven and highly effective treatment for chronic soft tissue injuries and certain bone conditions.
Extracorporeal shockwave is defined as a non-evasive, painless, non-electrical high energy sound wave that passes through the body via a hand-held probe. The shock waves produce a rapid increase in blood circulation to the target area and will break down fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time, especially with chronic conditions.
The break-down of scar tissue is the key to why shock wave therapy is so effective. Unlike normal elasticated tissue, scar tissue is non-elastic and will prevent normal movement and function, thereby weakening the unaffected tissue surrounding it, often causing further damage and pain. By increasing circulation and breaking down scar tissue, shockwave therapy will stimulate cell regeneration and promote normal healing and rapid reduction of pain. The normal function can then be restored.
Focused shockwave for the treatment of erectile dysfunction has proven very effective, painless and a permanent solution.
What does Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy can be effective on a wide range of soft tissue and bony conditions. Here are some examples of conditions where shockwave therapy has effectively treated and restored normal function:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder pain, e.g. calcific lesions of the rotator cuff and bony spurs
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer‘s elbow)
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper‘s knee)
- Tibial stress syndrome (shin pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Hip pain
- Heel pain, heel spurs
- Chronic neck dysfunction
- Erectile Dysfunction
How successful is Shockwave Therapy?
After only 3 or 4 treatments with shockwave therapy, over 80% of patients report a reduction of pain and starting to regain normal function.
Research is steadily growing for this cutting-edge technology, and the latest reports are confirming shockwave therapy is an effective treatment of soft tissue injuries, pain and certain bony conditions like heel spurs.
There are now many options of shockwave equipment, some of them poorly developed and ineffective. So when we decided to invest in advanced technology like shockwave therapy, it was important to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the equipment, as well as having the backing of evidenced-based research. Storz Medical, Switzerland, are well known for their high standards of medical equipment and are world leaders in the field of shockwave therapy. Our decision to invest in the Storz Medical Focused and Radial Shockwave was, therefore, an easy one to make.
If you would like to make an appointment
What can I expect during my consultation?
At your first visit, you will meet our experienced Specialist Physiotherapist, who will discuss your symptoms and condition, followed by treatment of the area of pain or injury.
Shockwave therapy will be fully explained and treatment will commence. Shockwave treatment typically lasts for 10-15 minutes. This is followed by relevant hands-on manual therapy, for example, myofascial release or dry needling.
Should your Physiotherapist feel shockwave is not appropriate for your condition, this will be explained and a normal consultation fee will be made.
There are no known side effects of shockwave therapy. Most patients experience a reduction in their pain. Occasionally, a mild diffuse pain can be experienced within a few hours of treatment and may last 24 hours.
Are there contraindications for Shockwave Therapy?
There are a few occasions when shockwave therapy should not be used:
- If pregnant or trying to conceive
- For application over open growth plates – not suitable for under 18 years.
- Over metal pins or plates
- Malignant tumors
- Infections
- If the patient is taking anticoagulants
Costs for MSK Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy for chronic soft tissue conditons is available from our Edinburgh and Peebles Physiotherapy and Sports Injury clinics and is administered by one of our Specialist Shockwave Therapy Physiotherapists.
During your appointment, your Phyiotherapist will combine physiotherapy treatment and advice along with your shockwave therapy to ensure you get the best chance of a successful result.
Research and experience suggests that between 3 and 6 treatments are required to be effective, but this can be discussed with the Shockwave Specialist during your appointment.
The cost for 3 sessions is £255. Alternatively, you can book a single consultation and treatment for £85.
Contact the admin team to make a booking
Costs for Erectile Dysfunction Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy for the effective treatment of erectile dysfunction uses a completely different shockwave system which produces pain free, focused low-intensity acoustic waves. Treatment is administered by one of our Specialist Shockwave Therapists in a private setting at one of our Edinburgh Clinics. Click HERE for further information.
Research suggests a minimum of 6 sessions are required, and depending on the level of dysfunction, up to 12 sessions may be needed.
The cost per session is £300. This includes a free initial 30 minute phone/video consultation with our Specialist Shockwave Therapist.
Contact the admin team to book your free consultation
Research papers for Shock Wave Therapy
- Shockwave Therapy for soft tissue injuries (ESWT)
- EPAT for Trigger Points and Myofascial Conditions in Sport Medicine (Robert Gordon, M.D. & Chris Broadhurst, M.D.)
- Heal pain treatment results using EPAT vs ESWT
- Extra-corporeal Pulsed-activated Therapy (“EPAT” Sound Wave) for Achilles Tendinopathy
- Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Low Energy Extracorporeal Pulse Activated Therapy (EPAT) for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis