DETAILS

About Shockwave Therapy

 
 
 

What is Shockwave Therapy?

 

Tendon injuries can be very stubborn and slow to heal, due to the limited blood supply they receive and the stresses they generally have to endure in day-to-day life (not to mention the added stresses of sporting activities!). If you’ve struggled with a tendon injury for a while, Shockwave Therapy could be the answer.

Used by leading hospitals and Harley Street clinics for over 25 years, Shockwave Therapy is a clinically proven, non-surgical approach to treating chronic soft tissue injuries. It is used for those injuries that have persisted for over a year, or which have failed to improve after 3 months of regular treatment/rehab. It has been shown to be more effective than ultrasound treatment for tendon injuries, in both the short- and long-term. It is recommended to try for some conditions before resorting to steroid injections or surgery.

 

What it isn't -

 

Shockwave is NOT a quick fix, and does not work on its own. While a small reduction in symptoms may be experienced from the Shockwave itself, best results are heavily dependent on incorporating rehab exercises during the treatment period and for several months afterwards. This combination approach has proved successful in 80% of cases that have not responded to other treatment. Progress is reviewed 3 months after the final Shockwave treatment, and a further course may be indicated.

 

What happens during Shockwave treatment?

 

During Shockwave therapy, a high-intensity sound wave interacts with the tissues of the body. This leads to a cascade of beneficial effects such as neovascularisation ingrowth, reversal of chronic inflammation, stimulation of collagen and dissolution of calcium build-up.

 

How does the machine work?

 

Our Shockwave machine works by creating unique shockwave pulses using a projectile 5 times heavier than standard air-pressure systems. Through the force of the accelerator and the mass of the projectile, the pulses carry the same amount of mechanical energy but are more comfortable for the patient that other machines.

A heavy, electromagnatically accelerated, ballistic projectile transfers its kinetic energy to a transmitter head in the handpiece. The kinetic energy is transformed into impact energy in the applicator head. Shockwaves result and spread out radially from the contact area into the desired treatment region of the body.

 

What are the benefits of Shockwave treatment?

 
  • Clinical studies report success rate above 75%
  • Shockwave therapy has excellent cost/effectiveness ratio
  • Non-invasive solution for chronic pain in your shoulder, back, heel, knee or elbow
  • Shock wave therapy brings new technology with proven medical effects
  • No anaesthesia required, no drugs
  • No side effects
    •  

    Will Shockwave therapy help me?

     

    Most patients with chronic pain problems have been through various unsuccessful types of treatments. Up to 80% of the same patients worldwide report that Shockwave therapy has helped them eliminate their problem.

     

    How many treatments will I need?

     

    The number of treatments varies depending on the indication and tissue response. The effect of the treatment is cumulative, so you will typically need more than one (3–5) treatment.

     

    What is the treatment process?

    1

    Location of the area to be treated

    The area to be treated is located using palpation in order to deliver the therapy precisely.
    2

    Gel application

    Sufficient amount of gel is applied to the area located in step 1. Use of gel is necessary to transfer the acoustic waves efficiently and smoothly.
    3

    Therapy initiation

    The Shockwave applicator is slightly pushed against the area to be treated and the start button is pressed.

    What we offer

    Shockwave Therapy is available at our clinic throughout the week, and undertaken by our two qualified Osteopaths - Steve McMullen & Pippa Evans. You can book Shockwave appointments either online or by calling us on 01666 817123.
    Our Shockwave assessment can take between 30 - 60 minutes, depending on how much case history is needed and the type of injury being treated. Follow-up appointments can be between 15 - 30 minutes.
    Our Shockwave therapy costs are £75 for an assessment, with follow-up appointments priced at £65.

    Meet the team


    Steve McMullen

    Steve McMullen - Osteopath
    Steve McMullen graduated from the prestigious European School of Osteopathy in Kent, with 1st class honours. He is also qualified in sports massage, dry needling and various taping techniques.

    Pippa Evans

    Pippa Evans - Osteopath
    Pippa Evans graduated from the British School of Osteopathy with a Distinction in the Masters degree in Osteopathy. She uses a wide range of techniques including structural manipulation and stretches, cranial osteopathy, massage and medical acupuncture.