Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

The science bit

At FAB Clinic, we are proud to offer advanced shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy or ESWT) to help our patients find relief from various painful conditions. This non-invasive treatment uses high-frequency sound waves to promote healing and alleviate pain. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, or conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendinitis, shockwave therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in targeted areas of the body. These waves penetrate the skin and tissues, promoting blood flow and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike surgical treatments, shockwave therapy does not require incisions or anesthesia, making it a safer and more comfortable option for many patients.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Shockwave therapy works by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area. These waves create microtrauma, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. The increased blood flow and nutrient delivery to the area help to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. This therapy is particularly effective for treating conditions that involve tendons and ligaments, where blood flow is typically limited.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

At FAB Clinic, we use shockwave therapy to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often affecting runners and individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the plantar fascia, providing relief from chronic heel pain.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis, the inflammation of tendons, can occur in various parts of the body, including the shoulders, elbows, and knees. Shockwave therapy for tendinitis helps to alleviate pain and accelerate the healing process by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in the affected tendons.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon, causing pain and stiffness in the heel and lower leg. ESWT for Achilles tendinopathy has shown to be highly effective in reducing pain and promoting tendon repair, helping patients return to their normal activities more quickly.

Sports Injuries

Athletes often suffer from overuse injuries that can be challenging to treat. Shockwave therapy for sports injuries offers a non-invasive option to accelerate healing and reduce downtime. Conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and patellar tendinopathy can all benefit from this advanced treatment.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. ESWT for chronic pain provides a non-surgical option to manage pain and improve function. By targeting the source of pain and stimulating the body’s healing processes, shockwave therapy can help patients find long-term relief.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive treatment option for many patients. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical treatments, shockwave therapy does not require incisions, reducing the risk of complications and recovery time.
  • Effective Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, allowing them to return to their normal activities.
  • Quick Treatment Sessions: Each shockwave therapy session typically lasts about 20-30 minutes, making it convenient for busy schedules.
  • Minimal Side Effects: The side effects of ESWT are minimal and usually limited to mild discomfort or swelling at the treatment site.
  • Improved Function: By promoting healing and reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy helps to restore function and mobility.

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy

During your shockwave therapy session at FAB Clinic, our trained clinicians will use a handheld device to deliver acoustic waves to the targeted area. You may feel some discomfort during the treatment, but it is generally well-tolerated. Most patients require a series of treatments, spaced about one week apart, to achieve the best results.

Expertise at FAB Clinic

At FAB Clinic, our team of experienced clinicians is dedicated to providing the highest quality care. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Our clinicians are trained in both low-intensity and high-energy shockwave therapy, allowing us to customize treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Book Your Appointment

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, sports injuries, or other conditions that could benefit from shockwave therapy, contact FAB Clinic today. Our team is here to help you achieve the best possible outcomes with the highest level of care. To book an appointment, please call us at 0203 904 2888 or email us at info@fab-clinic.co.uk.

 

What does evidence say?

Here are seven scientific and clinical resources that support the effectiveness of shockwave therapy (ESWT) for various conditions:

  1. Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis showed that ESWT significantly improves pain and function in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. This study highlights ESWT as an effective treatment option for this condition​ (BioMed Central)​.
  2. Efficacy and Safety of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that ESWT significantly reduces pain and improves function in patients with chronic low back pain. The therapy proved to be a valuable non-invasive treatment for this widespread issue​ (BioMed Central)​.
  3. Effectiveness and Safety of Type- and Energy-based Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: This umbrella review demonstrated that various forms of ESWT are effective and safe for treating musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and Achilles tendinopathy​ (medRxiv)​.
  4. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Treatment of Tendinopathies: This comprehensive review covers the current evidence on ESWT’s effectiveness for tendinopathies, including plantar heel pain, rotator cuff injuries, and patellar tendinopathy. It confirms that ESWT is a beneficial treatment for these conditions​ (SpringerLink)​.
  5. Combined Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Exercise for Patellar Tendinopathy: A study found that combining ESWT with exercise therapy significantly improves outcomes for patients with patellar tendinopathy, demonstrating the added benefits of integrating ESWT with traditional rehabilitation methods​ (BioMed Central)​.
  6. The Evolving Use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Managing Musculoskeletal and Neurological Diagnoses: Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that ESWT is effective in treating various musculoskeletal disorders and reducing spasticity in neurological conditions like stroke and multiple sclerosis​ (BioMed Central)​.
  7. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A systematic review concluded that ESWT is more effective than several other treatments, including corticosteroid injections and physiotherapy, in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis​ (BioMed Central)​​ (medRxiv)​.

These studies collectively provide robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of ESWT in treating a range of conditions, offering a non-invasive alternative for pain relief and functional improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Shockwave therapy be effective and help me?

Most patients with chronic pain problems have been through various unsuccessful types of treatments. Up to 87% of the same patients worldwide report that Shockwave therapy has helped them eliminate their problem.

Does the treatment hurt?

There may be a slight feeling of discomfort during the treatment, depending on the level of pain the patient is already experiencing in the area. However, since the treatment lasts only about five minutes, most patients are able to tolerate this discomfort. Additionally, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted throughout the session.

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 (3–6) treatment. Very often though, you will experience relief right after the first treatment.

How often will I need the treatment?

Most indications require 3–6 treatments which are done 5–7 days apart, depending on the patient’s tolerance and their tissue response.

Will I feel any pain after the treatment?

Most patients will experience an immediate pain relief following the treatment. However, within 2–4 hours after the treatment, they may experience some soreness in the treated area. This soreness has been reported as tolerable and not limiting.

Are there any restrictions after the treatment?

It is recommended that patients refrain from physical activity, especially one that would involve the treated region, for about 48 hours following each treatment session.

Disclaimer: Results and patient experiences may vary. These are dependent on a number of factors including age, medical history, lifestyle and more.
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