At Riviera Wellbeing, we are proud to offer Shockwave treatment to give our patients the most effective therapy on the market for stubborn soft tissue injuries – getting you back to where you want to be – as quickly as possible.
How does Shockwave work?
Shockwave therapy works by using a repetitive, high-intensity soundwaves directed at an injured area. This soundwave stimulates the damaged tissue, increasing the blood flow in that region and also increasing the chemicals that the body produces naturally to aid repair and help reduce pain.
Shockwave can also be used to help break down stubborn tissue such as ‘trigger points’ or deposits of calcium which can be a barrier to a full recovery.
Research shows that Shockwave therapy works best when used in conjunction with good exercise rehabilitation advice and sometimes lifestyle changes or adaptations. Your Riviera Wellbeing therapist will be there to guide you appropriately in order to achieve the best results.
What can Shockwave treat?
Some of the conditions we commonly see in clinic include, but are not limited to
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Knee and shin pain (Patella Tendonitis/Jumpers or Runners knee/Shin Splints)
- Elbow/Arm pain (Tennis/Golfers elbow)
- Chronic shoulder pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Calcific tendinitis
- Coccydynia
- Chronic tendinopathies
How many sessions will I need?
Well, everyone is different and it does depend upon the problem, but research suggests that patients respond best with at least 3 sessions of Shockwave therapy over a period of 3-6 weeks.
Shockwave has a cumulative effect on damaged tissues, and so we recommend a 1-2 week gap between visits to allow for healing. As we observe improvement, we can guide more accurately what further treatment may be required, and if 4 or more sessions look likely, then we offer our ‘Shockwave Therapy Bundle’ which can help reduce the costs. (Speak to one of our team for details)
How long do the sessions take?
Shockwave therapy sessions are 20 minutes, though not all of that time will be spent actually having shockwave. Advice, rehabilitation and guidance alongside some other soft tissue techniques may also be applied during the treatment.
Before having this treatment, we will need to assess your suitability for care and so we will ask for a slightly longer appointment the first time – there is no additional charge for this.
When can you not use shockwave?
Shockwave has an excellent safety record, and all therapists using this modality are highly trained.
There are some circumstances where we will not be able to offer you shockwave treatment, including:
- If you are pregnant
- If you’ve had a steroid injection to the affected site in the previous 6 weeks
- If you are under 18
- If you have a blood-clotting disorder or are using anticoagulant medication
Frequently asked questions about shockwave therapy
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy sends pulses of sound energy into a painful tendon or soft tissue. We use radial shockwave therapy. It’s used for long-standing problems that haven’t settled with rest or other treatment. Each session also includes advice, rehab exercises and, where useful, some hands-on soft-tissue work.
What conditions can shockwave treat?
We most often use shockwave for:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles tendon pain
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Knee and shin pain, including patellar tendon pain and shin splints
- Long-standing shoulder pain, including calcific tendinitis
- Other chronic tendon problems
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most people need at least 3 sessions, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart over 3 to 6 weeks. The effect builds up from one session to the next, so it’s important to complete the course. A block of 4 sessions costs £200.
How long does a shockwave session take, and what does it cost?
A session takes 20 minutes and costs £55. Before your first treatment, we carry out a suitability assessment in a longer appointment, at no extra charge.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
It can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. Your therapist starts on a low setting and adjusts the intensity to what you can tolerate. The area may feel sore for a day or two afterwards.
Who can’t have shockwave therapy?
We can’t use shockwave if you:
- are pregnant
- are under 18
- have a blood-clotting disorder or take blood-thinning medication
- have had a steroid injection in the area in the last 6 weeks