Shockwave Therapy is a medical treatment that uses shockwaves to help heal various musculoskeletal conditions. The full name is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and it’s used in top level professional sport (think Premier League, Welsh Rugby Union, UK Athletics) as well as a wide range of hospitals, private physiotherapy, osteopath, chiropractic and podiatry clinics – like us!
Extracoporeal means ‘outside the body’ – so this treatment is non-invasive and requires no cuts or incisions like surgery does.
Our Shockwave Therapy machine passes short, intense energy sound waves, travelling faster than the speed of sound, into affected tissues. These shockwaves are similar to the ones that have been used to break up kidney stones for over 20 years, but in ESWT, they are used to treat pain and promote healing in bones, muscles, and tendons.
Approved by NICE as ‘largely risk and side effect free’, Shockwave Therapy is used both in the NHS and private hospitals across the UK.
Patients with the following conditions have seen great results
- Heel spur
- Plantar fasciitis
- Insertional pain
- Chronic tendinopathy/chronic pain
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Calcifications
- Achilles tendinitis
- Myofascial Pain Syndromes
- Musculoskeletal conditions
There are a large number of other conditions that ESWT can be used for – we just treat the ones associated with feet.
How does it work?
ESWT works in three stages:
- Generation of Shockwaves: A special device creates the shockwaves outside the body.
- Application: These shockwaves are then directed through the skin to the area of injury or pain using a handheld applicator.
- Stimulation of Healing: The energy from the shockwaves stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and can help break down calcium deposits and scar tissue.
Shockwave Therapy at Love Feet
- Consultation: If you’re a new patient, we’ll ask you to book a new patient appointment so we can fully assess the issues and agree a course of treatment with you.
- Preparation: The area to be treated might be numbed with a local anesthetic – this will depend on a number of things and we’ll discuss it with you first
- Application: We’ll will apply a gel to the skin and then use the shockwave device to deliver the treatment. Treatments are quick – usually only a few minutes after which you can get on with your day.
- Aftercare: There might be some soreness or bruising in the treated area, but this typically resolves quickly. We’ll advise you what to do after your treatment and when to come for a follow up appointment or another treatment.
How much does it cost?
A course of 6 treatments (which is usually what we recommend) is £475 when paid upfront. On a pay as you go basis, each treatment is £95.
Does it work?
We wouldn’t offer this treatment at Love Feet if we didn’t believe in it. We have been wowed by the results we’ve seen – which after as many years as we’ve had in podiatry, is praise indeed!
ESWT has been shown to be effective for many patients, especially those who have not found relief from other treatments. As in all cases, the response can vary, and some conditions may require additional sessions after the intial round of treatment.
We’ve been particularly impressed with how effective it is in the treatment of plantar fasiciitis and the speed at which people can return to normal activities after treatment.