What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
At Practice Plus Group MSK, Buckinghamshire we offer Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). ESWT is a non-invasive treatment that utilises acoustic waves to promote healing and relieve pain in musculoskeletal conditions. It involves the application of high-energy shockwaves to affected areas, stimulating cellular repair and regeneration. It is usually delivered by our physiotherapy team in an outpatient setting. A course of ESWT treatment normally requires one treatment session a week for three consecutive weeks. This number may be increased or decreased depending on the response to the treatment.
How does this treatment work?
It is thought that the treatment may initiate an inflammation (healing) response in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impact area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. It is also thought that the shockwaves can break down calcifications (calcium deposits). The shockwaves overstimulate the nerves which can reduce sensitivity and pain.
Who may benefit from this treatment?
ESWT may be offered to patients with Achilles Tendinopathy or Plantar Fasciitis who have had symptoms for at least 3-6 months and have not responded to conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy, rest, ice therapy, orthotics, painkillers and steroid injection. ESWT is commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Tendinopathy: such as Achilles’ tendinopathy, shoulder tendinopathy, and tennis elbow.
- Plantar fasciitis: a common cause of heel or foot sole pain usually worst in the mornings.
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy: to help dissolve calcium deposits in the shoulder.
- Patellar tendinopathy: often known as jumper’s knee, pain in the tendon below the kneecap.
- Greater trochanter bursitis/pain: inflammation or irritation of soft tissues/tendons at the top of bony prominence on the side of the hip
What are the advantages of ESWT?
- Non-invasive.
- No medication or anaesthesia required.
- Streamlined treatment (average 3-6 sessions + tailored rehab programme).
- Fewer complications.
- Treats chronic injuries (>3months).
Referral and consent
You can be referred by your GP, physio, chiropractor, osteopath or refer yourself. The physiotherapist treating you will explain the procedure and expected effects.
Cost:
£90 per session and patients usually need between 3 to 6 sessions.
We will initially book you in for 3 sessions (one session every week for 3 weeks) and following this the treating clinician can review the clinical condition/benefits and then discuss with you if further sessions are needed , which can then be booked.