Common Conditions

What is Shockwave Therapy?



Shock Waves are movements of extremely high pressure caused by, for example, an explosion, an earthquake or a plane breaking the sound barrier. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is the application of Shock Waves in medicine.

It is clinically proven that pressure waves, when applied to injured tissues, stimulate metabolic reactions and promote the initial phases of healing.

How does ESWT work?

When the clinician applies ESWT to injured tissue. Injuries are affected in three ways:

  • Reduction of pain by reducing nerve impulses.
  • Increase of blood circulation in surrounding tissue.
  • Beginning the healing process through stem cells activation.

Everyone has C nerve fibres in their body and when these fibres are activated, they release a substance called substance P. Substance P is responsible for causing pain and discomfort. ESWT activates C nerve fibres, initially causing a widespread release of substance P which causes discomfort during application. After a prolonged period of applying ESWT, C nerve fibres are disarmed and incapable of producing substance P.

A reduction in the production of substance P in tissue, leads to a reduction in pain.

This reduction of nerve fibre stimulation, together with increasing blood circulation and the activation of stem cells in the treated tissue, promotes recovery and can significantly reduce musculoskeletal pain.

What can ESWT be used to treat?

How many sessions do I need?

A minimum of 3 x shockwave therapy sessions scheduled 1-2 weeks between appointments. Shockwave therapy could also be combined with rehabilitation and orthotics.

ESWT demonstration

Clinic Locations:

Appointments are available at all clinical sites. *On-site diagnostic ultrasound is available at Earlsfield and Maidenhead clinical locations.

 

How to book:

If you are a New Patient, please schedule an Initial Consultation online, click here:  BOOK ONLINE. Existing patients can also schedule a follow-up consultation online: BOOK ONLINE .  Please check your Podiatrists Bio here: About us  Alternatively call: 02071646607 to speak to our friendly booking team Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm or Friday 9am-3:30pm.

 

Insurance and Fees:

We accept most major private medical insurance companies including BUPAVitalityWPACignaAVIVA and Simply Health. A full list of our consultation fees including self-pay can be found here: Insurance and Fees. Our Podiatry team are health care professional council registered, meaning they are required to maintain professional standards and continued professional development. As an organisation we have invested in the latest diagnostic technology in order to help our podiatry team, help you. We have onsite diagnostic ultrasound available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics. Pressure analysis available at Maidenhead and Earlsfield clinics with treadmill examinations.