Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave
Therapy

At Rushden Podiatry, we offer evidence-based shockwave therapy to treat chronic foot, ankle, and musculoskeletal pain. This non-invasive treatment stimulates healing in stubborn soft tissue injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and heel pain.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses mechanical sound waves to penetrate the skin and target injured soft tissue. This stimulates healing, particularly in chronic conditions present for over three months. Both physiotherapists and podiatrists can provide shockwave therapy. Most people are advised to have between four and six sessions, usually one week apart.

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy creates a mild inflammatory response in the targeted tissue. Your body responds by increasing blood flow, which speeds up the healing process. It can also provide temporary pain relief in the affected area. During treatment, gel is applied to the skin and a probe is placed over the sore area (located by your clinician), allowing the shockwaves to penetrate the affected tissue.

Is shockwave therapy safe for everyone?

There are no major safety concerns associated with shockwave therapy. Many people experience immediate pain relief, and studies show positive outcomes in approximately 70% of cases. It’s included in NICE guidelines for managing chronic tendinopathies, such as Achilles tendinopathy, tibialis posterior tendinopathy, and elbow and shoulder tendinopathy. It’s also commonly used to treat plantar fasciitis and greater trochanter pain syndrome. However, shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is not considered safe in the following situations:

Pregnancy
When lung tissue is in the direction of sound fields
If you have a cardiac pacemaker
If you’ve had a steroid injection in the area within the past 3 months
Over or near bone growth centres until bone growth is complete
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment
If the treatment site has open wounds, skin rashes, or swollen, inflamed, or infected areas
Over damaged tissue in people with vascular disease
If you have a coagulation disorder or are taking anticoagulant or anti-platelet medications

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Your clinician will adjust the intensity based on your comfort level. Because the treatment creates a degree of inflammation, you may find it slightly uncomfortable. We’ll check in with you throughout the appointment and adjust the intensity as needed. Some people experience a mild increase in symptoms within 36 hours of treatment, which can usually be managed with paracetamol. We recommend avoiding high-impact exercise such as running or jumping for 48 hours after treatment for lower limb conditions.

How long does it take for shockwave therapy to work?

Response to treatment varies from person to person. Shockwave therapy has been used safely and effectively for many years and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Some people notice improvement after just one session, while others may take several weeks to feel changes. Your clinician will likely recommend additional treatments alongside shockwave therapy, such as exercises or insoles, to address the underlying cause of your condition.

How much does shockwave therapy cost?

Your clinician will discuss the recommended number of sessions and associated costs with you. For our current pricing, please visit our pricing page: https://rushdenpodiatry.co.uk/pricing/ Insurance companies often cover the cost of shockwave therapy, but please check your policy for details.

What conditions can be treated with shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy can be used for a wide range of conditions to stimulate healing. However, most research supports its use for musculoskeletal problems such as calcific tendinopathy, frozen shoulder, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis. https://rushdenpodiatry.co.uk/heel-pain/

If you’d like to speak to one of the team about shockwave therapy, call us on 01933 594444. To book an initial appointment online (which does not include shockwave), click the link below.

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