Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave is a brand new clinically proven treatment to help repair soft tissue injuries fast!

Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is available here at The Physio & Sports Injury Clinic. We use a radial pressure wave device from Gymna.

Here at The Physio and Sports Injury Clinic in Rhos on Sea, we have invested in a revolutionary new piece of technology called Shockwave Therapy! Shockwave (or ESWT) has the ability to accelerate the rate of heeling by up to 70% in soft tissue injuries (particularly tendons), which now makes it a Gold-standard Treatment!

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave originated from the medical treatment - Lithotripsy (which is the device which breaks up kidney stones). Researchers have found more recently that when used at a lower intensity can actually repair soft tissue injuries much faster!

Shockwave used in a Musculoskeletal Physio setting is a high energy treatment modality that sends acoustic pressure waves/pulses (known as shockwaves) into the body via a hand-held device. The treatment causes a pro-inflammatory response, which basically means Shockwave kick-starts your own bodies natural healing response (in a non-invasive way).

Shockwave treatment has 3 main effects:

  • Increase in blood flow to the area

  • Immediate analgesia (the area goes slightly numb)

  • A regenerative cellular repair process then starts to regrow tissue.

What Conditions does Shockwave help?

  • Heel pain (Plantar fasciitis)

  • Achilles tendon pain

  • Shin Splints (Medial tibial stress syndrome)

  • Patella tendon pain (directly below the kneecap)

  • Outer knee pain (Runner’s knee / ITB)

  • Outer hip/gluteal tendon pain (GTPS)

  • Outer shoulder pain (Rotator cuff tendons)

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Tennis and Golfers elbow

  • Hand contractures

  • General Muscle knots/trigger points

We treat people from all over North Wales for Shockwave Therapy treatment including:
Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Deganwy, Conwy, Llanrwst & Betws-y-Coed, Penmaenmawr, Llanfairfechan, Bangor, Anglesey, Abergele, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Rhuddlan and St Asaph.

Shockwave FAQs:

Is Shockwave Safe?
Yes, Shockwave is a very safe treatment when administered by a Specialist Physio. It is approved by the NICE guidelines in the UK as an effective treatment for tendon pain. You can feel the impulses going into the body during treatment, but it is only mild and not be painful. It is widely used by: NHS, Top orthopaedic hospitals and most high profile Professional Sport teams like: Team GB, Premiership Football and Welsh Rugby. We do advise taking relative rest after a shockwave treatment for the first 24 hours and not to take non steroidal anti inflammatories.

What are the Advantages of having Shockwave?

  • It’s a fast treatment - only takes 10mins to administer.

  • Significant clinical benefit – often works within a few sessions

  • Rapid pain relief after every treatment

  • No medication needed

  • It’s non-invasive

  • Safer than having a steroid injection

  • Backed up by strong clinical evidence (over 200 papers published on it)

How many Sessions of Shockwave are needed for it to work?
Current research recommends a minimum of 3 weekly sessions, followed by a period of rehabilitation exercise after, to strengthen the injury back up. (Stubborn/chronic tendons may need up to 6 sessions).

How do I book in for Shockwave Treatment?
If you are a new patient, then we would recommend booking an Initial Consultation first, to assess your injury thoroughly before starting off any shockwave treatment. If you are already undergoing treatment then please discuss shockwave with your treating clinician. *If you have private health insurance this treatment may or may not be covered on your policy. Always check with your insurance company first before booking.

To find out more about Shockwave and how it may help you, then get in touch below.