Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses a special, non-invasive device that delivers acoustic energy to injured/painful tissues in the body. Using a probe that sits on the surface of the skin, the machine is able to transmit low-energy sound waves through the skin, to the deeper layers of muscle/tendon in the body.
This is thought to help through three mechanisms:
If you’ve had a tendinopathy or you know someone who has, you will know how frustrating it can be. Lots and lots of exercises, good days and bad days, you feel like you’ve recovered and then one run which was that bit too long and you’re back to the start line.
Shockwave should never be used instead of Physio, but can be a great, non-invasive, safe adjunct to your care. It is recognised by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) with plenty of evidence to support its use.
You will come for 3-5 sessions, 5-7 days apart. If you’re self-referring you will need an Initial Physio Assessment before we can commence your Shockwave treatment.
Whilst Shockwave is being applied, you will feel some discomfort in the area.
Your Physio will advise you about any exercises that will be helpful (or not) between appointments.
The results of Shockwave are varied, but most people experience an improvement in symptoms after the third session.
If you would like more details then please call our Chelsea team on 020 7036 0280 or e-mail.
Please scroll down for FAQs and Pricing.
There will be a tolerable level of discomfort during treatment, with possible redness, a feeling of bruising, mild swelling and potentially some numbness to the area afterwards.
Side effects are uncommon, but if experienced should resolve themselves within a few days. With treatments 5-7 days apart your treatment plan will not be delayed.
There is a very small risk of any damage to the soft tissue being treated, but your physiotherapist will run you through this.
Ultrasound gel will be applied to the injured area and then your physio will place the hand piece of the device over the surface of the skin and the gel.
Whilst there will be some discomfort, if this becomes intolerable your Physio will adjust the treatment to manage this.
Each consultation is 30 minutes, with shockwave treatment lasting approximately 15 minutes.
If the treatment has left you with some discomfort you can take over the counter painkillers (eg paracetamol) but we do not recommend anti-inflammatories (eg ibuprofen) or icing the area as these can interfere with the bodies natural healing process.
You can return to normal activities straight after your treatment but nothing strenuous or high-impact for 48hrs.
Most insurance companies do cover Shockwave therapy as it’s recognised by NICE, but please check yourself before booking an appointment as an Authorisation Code will be required before booking these sessions.
You’ll be booked in for an 1hr Initial Physio appointment, to incl Shockwave if this is the best course of treatment, plus 2 Shockwave sessions @ £354
Individual Shockwave appointment @ £102
