Shockwave Therapy
Also known as: radial shockwave, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure that employs high-energy shockwaves to activate the body’s natural healing process.
What is extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
The aim of shockwave therapy is to deliver an energetic, mechanical shockwave that triggers a response in the affected area. The shockwave accelerates the healing process of injured tissue, remodels scar tissue and breaks down calcification. By delivering low-energy sound waves to the affected area, ESWT increases blood flow, promoting the body’s natural healing process and aiding in the repair of damaged tissues.
Initially used to treat kidney stones, this minimally invasive treatment has evolved to address various musculoskeletal conditions. Shockwave therapy is effective for conditions causing pain in soft tissues and may aid in their regeneration.
Research shows that shockwave treatment improves 77% of chronic conditions that are not cured by a combination of other treatments.
Shockwave therapy has less potential side effects than corticosteroids and surgery.
Conditions treated with shockwave treatment
Shockwave treatment is highly effective for patients suffering from painful soft tissue, joint, and bone conditions. It is particularly beneficial for those with sports or overuse injuries and can complement physical therapy for a range of complaints. Some of the most common conditions treated with shockwave therapy include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Heel pain
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
Benefits and risks
The benefits of shockwave therapy are numerous:
- It offers a non-surgical treatment option
- It is minimally invasive
- There are no known side effects
- It can be used alongside physical therapy
- It helps avoid the need for surgery
- It reduces the necessity for repeated steroid injections
However, there are some risks and contraindications to consider:
- Shockwave therapy is not suitable for patients with a blood clotting disorder
- Patients with pacemakers or other implantable devices should avoid this treatment
- Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers should not undergo shockwave therapy
- Patients with active infections or open wounds should not receive shockwave therapy
- Those with torn soft tissue beyond repair should not undergo this treatment
Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine if shockwave therapy is suitable for you.
Course of 4 sessions: £427
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
Before treatment
You do not need to have a referral for shockwave therapy. But you can also be referred to us by another medical practitioner or your private medical insurance company.
At your first appointment, we will take a detailed medical history and perform an assessment to better understand your condition. This will help us to make sure this is the right treatment for you and eliminate any reasons why you may not be able to have it.
Please note that we will not use shockwave if you:
- are pregnant.
- have been diagnosed with cancer.
- have a cardiac pacemaker.
During treatment
You are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing, if possible. You may need to undress depending on the area of your body being treated but your dignity will always be maintained.
Shockwave is delivered as a course of treatment. Based on research, we advise that four sessions of treatment are required for positive results. If required and indicated, additional sessions may be added.
The physiotherapist will first apply gel to the painful area and the handpiece that delivers the shockwave before administering the treatment.
People report varying levels of discomfort during the treatment, from mild to intense. The treatment typically lasts just a few minutes and most people can tolerate it. Many people then report reduced pain that can last up to a few hours after the appointment.
After treatment
Each treatment session will be delivered 5-10 days apart. You may experience a gradual improvement, often seen 6-8 weeks after treatment, although unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.
You will receive advice on what to do in-between appointments to maximise the treatment effect.
We recommend that you make a follow-up appointment 12 weeks after completing your treatment, so that we can reassess your condition, provide further rehabilitation and recovery guidance or, if your symptoms are persisting, refer you on to an orthopaedic consultant.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial assessment
At your first appointment, we will take a detailed medical history and perform an assessment to better understand your condition.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, we will review your results and collaboratively decide on the next steps regarding your treatment.
Treatment
Shockwave is delivered as a course of treatment. Based on research, we advise that four sessions of treatment are required for positive results. If required and indicated, additional sessions may be added.
Aftercare
You will receive advice on what to do in-between appointments to maximise the treatment effect.
Follow-up appointment
We recommend that you make a follow-up appointment 12 weeks after completing your treatment so that we can reassess your condition, provide further rehabilitation and recovery guidance or, if your symptoms are persisting, refer you on to an orthopaedic consultant.
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