Shockwave Therapy for Elbow Pain
Also known as: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT is the formal term, where “extracorporeal” refers to the treatment being applied outside the body. In this case the shockwave therapy targets elbow pain.
What is elbow shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy involves sending sound waves to the elbow to create microtrauma, which can enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
Understanding Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can stem from various factors, including overuse, injury, or repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons in the elbow. This discomfort often manifests as pain on the outer (lateral epicondylitis /tennis elbow) or inner (medial epicondylitis/golfer’s elbow) part of the elbow, making everyday activities like gripping or twisting the wrist, lifting, or bending the arm challenging. Weakness in the forearm or wrist is also a common symptom.
Common Causes and Symptoms
Shockwave therapy involves delivering sound waves through the skin to the affected area causing discomfort. It is often used for individuals experiencing chronic pain due to musculoskeletal conditions or persistent tendon issues, such as:
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the muscles and tendons around the elbow. It is commonly associated with repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, often seen in activities like playing tennis, golf, or other racquet sports. The condition arises from overuse or repetitive strain on the extensor muscle tendon, leading to pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow which can radiate down the forearm. This repetitive strain can cause micro-tears in the tendon, resulting in inflammation and pain that can significantly impact daily activities and athletic performance.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Similar to tennis elbow but affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Shockwave therapy is used to alleviate pain and enhance tendon repair.
Calcific Tendinopathy
Calcium deposits in the tendons near the elbow can cause pain and limit movement. Shockwave therapy helps dissolve these deposits and reduce discomfort.
Chronic Tendonitis
Persistent tendon inflammation that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments may benefit from shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is effective for various soft tissue injuries, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Benefits of shockwave therapy for elbow pain
Shockwave therapy offers several benefits for elbow issues, including effective pain relief by reducing the sensitivity of nerve endings. It stimulates healing by enhancing blood circulation and promoting cellular repair in the affected tendons. As a nonsurgical treatment, it provides an alternative to surgery or injections for managing chronic conditions. Additionally, it helps improve mobility by reducing stiffness and restoring normal function.
Course of 4 sessions: £427
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
Before therapy
If you begin to notice symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a specialist for a thorough evaluation. Common symptoms of tennis elbow include pain, stiffness, and tension in the forearm muscles, which may prompt you to seek medical advice. Initially, you should visit a GP or physiotherapist. However, if your symptoms are concentrated in a specific area, you might want to schedule an appointment with a specialist consultant.
Your doctor will usually recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray, to confirm the diagnosis.
Based on the severity of your condition, your doctor might recommend physiotherapy.(injection doesn’t have to be used prior to shockwave)
If your symptoms persist after physiotherapy, your doctor may propose shockwave therapy for elbow pain.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure performed by a specially trained physiotherapist/consultant.
Preparing for therapy
Refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for two weeks before starting your treatment and during the treatment period. If you’re uncertain whether your medications include NSAIDs, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Shockwave treatment is usually spread over several weeks, with sessions occurring weekly. It’s essential to be available for the entire treatment duration to avoid lengthy breaks between sessions.
On the day of your treatment, you can maintain your usual eating and drinking habits.
Each session lasts only 10 minutes but allocate 30 minutes for each appointment to account for check-in and check-out times.
During therapy
On the day of your treatment, visit our Physiotherapy Department, where your therapist will welcome you.
Once you’re comfortable in the treatment room, the session will begin. You won’t need to change clothes, but ensure you wear loose, comfortable attire that allows easy access to the painful area.
The therapist will start by identifying the painful spot through palpation. They will then apply a water-based gel to the area and use a handheld probe. The gel ensures effective transmission of the shockwave to the skin.
The shockwave machine operates by sending sound waves to the painful area. These sound waves induce microtrauma, enhancing blood circulation and accelerating the body’s natural healing process. Although the machine can be noisy, the sensation should not be overly painful; it typically feels like a strong vibration.
The sound waves are applied for approximately 5 minutes per session, and you’ll generally need 3-5 sessions to notice improvements in your symptoms. Sessions are scheduled weekly and should not be more than 2 weeks apart.
As your body adapts to the sound waves, you may tolerate more intense shockwaves over time. Additionally, the strength of your tendons will improve, leading to reduced pain.
After therapy
After your treatment session, you can resume your regular activities. However, you might experience a mild ache for the remainder of the day. To alleviate discomfort, consider taking a pain reliever like Paracetamol before and after your session.
Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Diclofenac, and refrain from applying ice packs, as these can interfere with the body’s inflammatory and healing processes initiated by the shockwave treatment.
Some individuals may notice immediate pain reduction, but the long-term benefits typically become evident after three months of completing the full treatment course in conjunction with physiotherapy.
All patients will be reviewed by their referring doctor after having completed the course of shockwave treatment.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Appointment
First, you should schedule a GP appointment, where you might be referred to physiotherapy or a specialist consultant. Your doctor might also suggest specialist imaging to help diagnose your condition and identify the most effective treatment options.
Treatment plan
Initial treatment usually involves more conservative methods, such as physiotherapy exercises, followed by injections to alleviate pain and inflammation. If these measures do not yield improvement, shockwave therapy may be suggested.
Shockwave therapy
A typical course involves 3 to 5 sessions, scheduled weekly but can be up to 10-12 sessions in persistent/chronic cases.
Follow-Up
After completing your shockwave sessions, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with the referring doctor. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the effectiveness of the treatment and consider potential next steps. If symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, tennis elbow surgery might be considered as a last resort.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
Course of 4 sessions: £427
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
FAQs
Shockwave therapy, also referred to as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that utilises low-energy sound waves to stimulate blood flow and promote healing in the affected area. During the therapy, radial sound waves are delivered directly onto the skin covering the painful region. These sound waves penetrate the skin and radiate throughout the affected muscle, joint, or tendon, enhancing blood flow and causing a small amount of localised inflammation. This controlled inflammation triggers the body’s natural healing process, stimulating the repair and regeneration of cells.
For individuals suffering from tennis elbow, shockwave therapy targets the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation. By promoting increased blood flow and cellular repair, the therapy helps alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow and supports recovery. It’s important to note that while shockwave therapy is highly effective, it is best used in conjunction with other treatments like physical therapy to maximise healing and restore full function to the affected area.
Medically reviewed by Mr Nawfal Al-Hadithy - Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Shoulder, Elbow & Hand Surgeon on 23/12/2024