Services
Shockwave
Shockwave Therapy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a state of the art, research-backed, non-surgical treatment which is highly effective in resolving a wide range of conditions
At 360 Podiatry, we always aim to avoid surgeries and invasive procedures where possible. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has been used for many years in the treatment of these chronic conditions, showing an excellent response rate in clinical research.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
Shockwave Therapy is delivered using a machine that generates low-energy sound waves through your skin to the site of the injury. It has been shown to reduce pain levels and accelerate healing times. It does this by:
Increasing blood flow to the surrounding tissues
Triggering healing processes caused by Stem Cells
Reduces the action of certain nerve fibres, thus lowering pain
Treatment
What can be treated?
There is evidence to support Shockwave Therapy in the treatment of:
Heel Pain (plantar fasciitis)
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Shin Pain
Osgood Schlatters
and more!
What are the risks?
You will experience some pain during the treatment, but you should be able to tolerate this
Following the treatment, you may experience redness, bruising, swelling and numbness to the area. These side effects should resolve within a week and before your next treatment.
There is a small risk of tendon rupture or ligament rupture and damage to the soft tissue. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have deemed this procedure to be safe. For this reason, every patient will be monitored before and after the treatments to discover how successful the outcome is.
Studies have shown there is UP to 80% chance that it will be effective.
Who cannot have Shockwave Treatment?
You should not have Shockwave Therapy if you:
Are pregnant
Have had a steroid injection to the site in the last 6 weeks
Have a blood clotting disorder
Are taking any antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment
Have been diagnosed with bone cancer
Have an infection in the region of the treatment
Are under 18 (with the exception of Osgood Schlatters)
Investment
The most recent research points to how long you’ve had your injury for as to how many sessions may be required. A minimum of 3 sessions is necessary for most conditions.
If for example, you’ve had pain for between 6 weeks and 3 months, typically 3 sessions are required. For those with pain over 6 months, 6+ sessions are sometimes needed.
We will assess your response after each session to determine how many more treatments may be needed. Treatments are spaced 1 week apart, as Shockwave Therapy has a cumulative effect. Benefits are noticed 6-8 weeks after the third session.