Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave is a brand new clinically proven treatment to help repair soft tissue injuries fast!
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 tendons
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.
Tel. 01492 545291
Shockwave FAQ’s:
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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.
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Shockwave can be given to people over the age of 18 only.
There are some contraindications where it is not possible to treat:
If you are pregnant.
If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis).
If you are taking oral anti-coagulants (e.g Warfarin, Apixaban or Clopidogrel etc.)
If you have received a Steroid injection within 6 weeks.
If you have a Pacemaker fitted
If tumours are present at the treatment site
If you have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site
If there is any concerns then do get in touch to discuss it with us.
Get in touch -here- to discuss your requirements.
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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 (whilst giving a similar effect).
Backed up by strong clinical evidence (over 200 papers published on it).
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Current research recommends minimum a block of 4 weekly sessions, followed by a period of rehabilitation exercise after, to strengthen the injury back up.
*Do note that stubborn/chronic tendon problems may require more treatment (e.g. 6+ sessions?)Research reports that Shockwave has up to a 70% success rate on specific lower limb tendon injuries, which is better than most other treatment options on the market.
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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 in.
To find out more about Shockwave and how it may help you, then get in touch below.
Tel. 01492 545291