Exmoor Osteopathy
Call for an appointment on 07824168862
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Minehead
Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is an evidence based effective, non-surgical treatment for tendon pain and injury.
It involves passing low energy pressure waves into damaged tissues to increase blood flow and allow your body to restart its own natural healing process.
The NHS National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines approve and recommend Shockwave Therapy for many indications.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Achilles Tendinopathy
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Patella Tendinopathy (Runner's Knee)
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Gluteal Tendinopathy (Lateral Hip Pain)
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Shoulder Tendinopathy (e.g. Calcifications of the Rotator Cuff)
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Tennis or Golfer's Elbow
How does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave Therapy is very safe, and is used and approved by the NHS. All our practitioners are fully trained and qualified to use Shockwave.
How Successful is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy has a high success rate, ranging from 60-80% where other therapies and treatments have failed. After only 2 or 3 sessions, many patients report complete pain relief or significant pain reduction. The therapy eliminates pain, or restores mobility, thus improving quality of life.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The amount of treatments required will vary depending on the condition being treated. Generally 3-6 sessions are advised, with spacing of a week between the first 3 treatments, and 'booster sessions' which can be spread over several weeks.
Specific exercises will be given, and these are vital to the treatment success. The cumulative effect of the Shockwave Therapy is usually seen at 12-16 weeks.
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
Shockwave Therapy can cause some discomfort, but will always be within pain tolerances of the patient. Energy levels can be adjusted accordingly, and your practitioner will communicate constantly with you, and ensure you are within your comfort zones. Due to the analgesic effects of Shockwave Therapy, many patients report immediate relief following treatment.
Do I Need To Do Anything To Prepare For Shockwave Therapy?
We will ask that you stop taking any anti-inflammatories 2 weeks prior to your Shockwave Therapy, and that you do not take any anti-inflammatories for the duration of your treatment, as this will reduce your body's natural healing mechanisms.
Are There Any Side-Effects?
There are minimal side effects to Shockwave Therapy, however, some discomfort may be felt for a day or two after treatment. This is completely normal, as your body's natural healing response has been activated.
You may also experience some mild bruising or reddening of the skin, which should settle within the week.
When Is Shockwave Therapy Not Appropriate?
The initial assessment will identify whether your injury/condition is appropriate for Shockwave Therapy treatment. Despite its effectiveness for the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions, we do not advise it is used on anyone who:
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is pregnant/ trying to conceive
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is taking blood thinning medication
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is under 18 years of age
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has had a steroid injection into the area to be treated within the last 12 weeks
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has a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
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has cancer
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has an infection or open wound at the site of the treatment
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has a pacemaker
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has epilepsy
Testimonials
"I’d injured my Achilles and Kat suggested a trial of shockwave treatment. She explained in detail what would happen so I felt completely at ease. The sessions were painless, there were no side effects or soreness after the sessions and within a few weeks the tenderness had improved beyond belief. I would highly recommend."
"I have had 2 courses of Shock Wave treatment which I have found of great benefit. It has aided the recovery of my shoulder and arm injury, at the same time strengthened both, whilst giving greater mobility. I think the treatment is straight forward and fits well into the Osteopaths treatment plan."