SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
We are proud to announce our new shock wave therapy service.
Extracorporal Shockwave therapy is a relatively new and highly effective, well researched treatment, mainly used for chronic, localised areas that have not settled or responded well to conventional treatments. It can be used for more acute conditions too. It is written as a treatment of choice in the NICE guidelines, but not available in the NHS, and is the only one in this area. At first it was exclusively used by Orthopaedic surgeons and radiologist at a cost of £300 per session, it is now available at a much lower cost from physiotherapists.
The treatment works by applying energetic (not electrical) shockwaves to the painful area. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications as well as initiating increased blood circulation to the area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. It promotes the formation of collagen which makes the tissues stronger. The effect of the treatment continues for up to three months, following treatment the tissues are stronger and more resilient. There have been many research studies which show very favourable results for short and long term improvement after treatment. It comes out as better than steroid injections especially over the long team. Much fewer treatments are needed for stubborn conditions which would usually need regular physiotherapy, therefore getting you better faster and more effectively, with less chance of reoccurrence. Even though the treatment is more expensive it is very cost effective, if compared to ongoing physio, steroid injections or surgery.
Shockwave can be used for:
- Shoulder problems, tendon and muscle pains, frozen shoulder, calcification
- Tennis and Golfers elbowAchilles tendon and calf problems
- Shin splints
- Patella tendon problems
- Plantar faciitis, heel spurs
- Muscle pains and sprains in the hamstring, gluteal, and quads muscles
- Trochonteric bursitis
- Dupytrens contracture
- Thumb arthritis
- Diabetic patients who cannot have steroid injections can have shock wave therapy
Treatment
The treatment is delivered with a hand held device which makes a “thudding noise”, at first it can be a little uncomfortable, depending on your condition and tolerance. A low setting is used to give an analgesic effect, and then the intensity is gradually increased over the treatment session. It can be uncomfortable and occasional may bruise.
Most people feel better after treatment, but occasionally soreness can occur later or the next day. For best results it best to not do anything strenuous for at least the first 24 to 72 hours after treatment.
Between three and nine treatments are generally needed, once or twice a week, with a minimum of three treatments. Most people feel much better after three treatments, but it is better to treat until the condition is totally gone, so it has less chance of reoccurrence.
To learn more about the benefits of shockwave therapy, call us on:
01286 650 248
What it costs
The initial outlay for the equipment is very expensive, and because of the mechanical nature of the treatment, expensive parts need replacing constantly to keep the treatment effective.
To keep this treatment cost effective for patients we are charging £35.00 per session, in addition to your physiotherapy session. This simply helps to cover the cost of the machine.
During your usual half hour session, the shock wave therapy will take 10 to 15 minutes, and then other therapies, exercise advice, acupuncture, mobilisations and massage will also be carried out, to give you optimum benefit.