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Extracorporeal (outside the body) Shockwave (high energy sound waves) or ESWT uses high energy sound waves to treat the causes of pain with out the need for injections, medication or surgery.
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 tissues and calcifications. The National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE) have deemed it a safe procedure and studies have shown this treatment to be between 50-70% effective.
Generally, between 3 and 6 treatments are required and these are performed at weekly intervals, with each treatment session taking 10-15 minutes.
The shockwaves are felt as pulses, which can be a little uncomfortable. The energy of the sound waves can be adjusted as tolerance levels improve.
You may experience some redness, bruising, swelling and numbness in the area. This should resolve within a week. There is a very small risk of tendon rupture and damage to the soft tissues.
Generally 3 sessions are done as a start point at weekly intervals. You can eat and drink normally and you must refrain from taking anti-inflammatories.
Written consent and a full explanation of the process will be given to you by the physiotherapist. A certified ESWT physiotherapist will perform the treatment. They will ask you about your pain and function and get you to fill in some questionnaires. They will position you in a confortable position, and ask you to locate the area of the pain and will palpate the area as well, they will mark the area and apply gel. The shockwave applicator will be applied and the practitioner will ask for your feedback as they do the procedure. It should not take more than 10-15 minutes.
You will normally experience a reduced level of pain or no pain at all immediately after the treatment. However, a mild pain may occur after a few hours. You can take paracetamol if you feel the need. Ice therapy and NSIADS should be avoided after treatment as they can interfere with the bodies healing process. You can load normally after this treatment, but activity must be re-introduced slowly on the advice of the physiotherapist.
We will advise a follow up appointment with your physiotherapist as ESWT works best when treated in conjunction with physiotherapy.
Manor Clinic was set up in 2003. It comprises of over 30 self-employed practitioners and teachers providing a range of therapies. The clinic ethos is to provide a range of different treatments whilst encouraging practitioners to work together. The combination of client choice and practitioner independence ensures that the patient receives the most appropriate treatment.
Manor Clinic is located in central Sevenoaks at 165 High Street at the junction with The Drive. We have two car parks: one at the clinic itself and one opposite on The Drive
Manor Clinic, 165 High St, Sevenoaks, TN13 1XJ, United Kingdom