EXTRACORPOREAL

Treatments Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses high energy sound waves which pass through the skin to the affected area. The exact mechanism of how it works is not well understood. The treatment stimulates an inflammatory-like response in the tissue that is being treated.

The body then responds by increasing the blood flow and metabolism to the injured area. This in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes.

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Prices

How much can treatment cost?

FEES (2024-2025)

New patient assessment: £150
Review / follow up appointment £75

What should I expect?

We use a hand-held device that is pressed against the painful area to project the shockwave to the injured tissue. The treatment takes around 5-10 minutes. The full effect of the treatment is usually seen about 12 weeks after the last session. The number of sessions may vary depending on the condition and your response to treatment but usually range between 3-6 sessions. As with all interventions there is no guarantee it will help and is usually used along with other forms of treatment such as exercises.

What are the side effects?

Some common side effects include pain, swelling, redness or bruising around the area that has been treated with shockwave therapy. This usually settles within a few days. We would advise you to avoid using anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen after treatment but you can continue take alternative forms of pain relief such as paracetamol (unless you have been advised not to for any reason).

Who cannot have shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is safe for most people to have but there are some people who cannot have it including:

  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Under 18 years of age
  • Pregnant
  • Taking antiplatelet medication such as aspirin/clopidogrel or anticoagulants such as warfarin or rivaroxaban
  • Cardiac pacemaker or similar implanted devices
  • Local tendon or ligament rupture
  • Local infection
  • Bone cancer
  • Steroid injection in last 12 weeks
  • Joint replacement near the area to be treated Sensation loss/neuropathy in the affected area