Please note that for any urgent or life-threatening conditions, we always recommend that you should call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. We are usually able to provide face to face or remote appointments with our GP’s within 24 hours. Please contact 01442 331 900 to book an appointment.
Radial shockwave (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT) is used to treat chronic tendon pain.
The aim of shockwave therapy is to deliver an energetic, mechanical shockwave that triggers a response in the affected area. The shockwave accelerates the healing process of injured tissue, remodels scar tissue and breaks down calcification.
Our experts use an EMS Swiss Dolarcast radial shockwave machine.
At your first appointment, we will take a detailed medical history and perform an assessment to better understand your condition. This will help us to make sure this is the right treatment for you and eliminate any reasons why you may not be able to have it.
Shockwave is delivered as a course of treatment. Based on research, we advise that four sessions of treatment are required for positive results. If required and indicated, additional sessions may be added.
The physiotherapist will first apply gel to the painful area and the handpiece that delivers the shockwave before administering the treatment.
People report varying levels of discomfort during the treatment, from mild to intense. The treatment typically lasts just a few minutes and most people can tolerate it. Many people then report reduced pain that can last up to a few hours after the appointment.
We use shockwave therapy to treat chronic tendon pain in the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, Achilles and heel/sole of the foot.
Research shows that shockwave treatment improves 77% of chronic conditions that are not cured by a combination of other treatments.
Shockwave therapy potentially has less side effects than corticosteroids and surgery.
No, you do not need to have a referral for shockwave therapy. But you can also be referred to us by another medical practitioner or your private medical insurance company.
The course of treatment (4) : £427
Additional sessions: £107
A chartered physiotherapist who is experienced in using the equipment and managing tendon-related pain.
You are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing, if possible. You may need to undress depending on the area of your body being treated but your dignity will always be maintained.
Each treatment session will be delivered 5-10 days apart. You may experience a gradual improvement, often seen 6-8 weeks after treatment, although unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.
You will receive advice on what to do in-between appointments to maximise the treatment effect.
We recommend that you make a follow-up appointment 12 weeks after completing your treatment so that we can reassess your condition, provide further rehabilitation and recovery guidance or, if your symptoms are persisting, refer you on to an orthopaedic consultant.
Yes, if we know your medical history and adhere to guidelines.
Please note that we will not use shockwave if you:
Yes, a friend or family member may attend the appointment with you.
