What is Shockwave Therapy and how does it work?
r-ESWT, or Radial Shockwave Therapy, is an evidence-based treatment that has been used since the 1980s, initially for the non-surgical treatment of kidney stones. Now widely applied to various areas of the body, it involves delivering low-energy pressure waves into damaged tissues such as tendons and muscles. This process increases blood flow, provides pain relief, and stimulates the body’s natural repair and regeneration processes, allowing it to restart its own healing.
What Can It Help With?
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Myofascial Pain
- Shin Splints
- Chronic Tendinopathies such as: Achilles, Patellar (Knee), Gluteal, Adductors, Proximal Hamstring, Tennis/Golfers Elbow, Distal Biceps, Calcific Tendinopathy
What to expect from your Shockwave Treatment at CGP?
45-minute initial assessment:
- Assessment by expert physiotherapists to understand your condition, symptoms, and treatment goals.
- Shockwave treatment.
- Physiotherapy treatment.
- Rehabilitation exercise prescription.
30-minute follow-up:
- Reassessment.
- Shockwave treatment.
- Physiotherapy treatment.
- Progression of rehabilitation exercises.
How is shock wave treatment performed?
A skin gel is applied to the treatment area to allow the shock waves to be introduced into the body without any loss of energy. After these preparations, shock waves are applied as the therapy head is moved over the pain region in a circular motion.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
The amount of treatment sessions will vary dependant on the type of condition being treated. As a rule, 3 – 6 treatment sessions are advised. Sessions should be spaced no more than two weeks apart for optimal results.
How Successful Is The Treatment?
Shockwave therapy works through an accumulative effect. Each session builds upon the previous one, stimulating the body’s natural healing process over time. This is why multiple sessions are necessary – to allow the body adequate time to respond and heal effectively.
After only 2-3 sessions, many patients report complete pain relief or significant pain reduction. The therapy eliminates pain or restores mobility, thus improving your quality of life. In chronic conditions alone, an overall success rate ranges from 60-80% when other therapeutic treatments have been unsuccessful.
For best results, shockwave therapy should be combined with a structured rehabilitation program to support recovery and prevent recurrence.
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
You may experience some discomfort during treatment, but the pain should be tolerable. Energy levels can be adjusted accordingly. Due to the analgesic effect of Shockwave Therapy many patients report immediate pain relief following treatment although it’s also common to experience some soreness, redness, or swelling in the treated area for a few days. This is a normal response as the body starts its healing process.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave Therapy is very safe, it has NICE guidance for many indications and is used within the NHS. Shockwave Therapy performed by qualified therapists is largely risk-free.