Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy

Research suggests results show an overall result improvement rate of up to 80% of chronic conditions that have not been cured with other kinds of treatment. It is important to highlight that we would expect positive clinical outcomes following treatment however there is a chance that the treatment may not improve your symptoms. At Chris Keane Physio we aim to resolve issues predominantly using physiotherapy and rehabilitation as the first line of treatment, and the shockwave is an adjunct to this treatment. For best results prescribed physiotherapy and rehab treatment must be adhered to.

This therapy works without the use of X-rays or drugs; it stimulates the body’s natural self-healing process. There is actually an immediate reduction of pain and improved ease of movement. Secondary effects are minor. Shockwave therapy may also eliminate your need for surgery.

1000-3000 shocks are administered per session, which last approximately 5-10 minutes. Your physiotherapist will administer your treatment based on best practices for individual conditions.

Normally an average of 3 to 6 sessions but it may need more with chronic conditions.

All Chris Keane physios are certified shockwave specialists

Complications do not normally happen with shock wave therapy. It is low risk but is not always successful.

It can cause increased pain and sensitivity, which normally gets better with time.
People who have poor sensation (neuropathy) or hypersensitivity at the proposed treatment site should not have ESWT.

When should I not have ESWT and when do I need to be careful about treatment?

Tendon problems can also be treated through physiotherapy with exercise, activity modification, footwear or splints.

Make sure you wear good supportive footwear and continue to follow the advice given by your clinician.

You should stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, 24 hours before ESWT treatment.

We offer an average of 3 to 6 sessions lasting 5-10 minutes and we will incorporate an exercises programme and full clinical assessment during each session lasting 30 minutes.

You can carry on with your usual activities but avoid any exercise which feels painful for two days (48 hours) after treatment.
Don’t put ice on the treated area, or take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac, as this will stop the inflammatory and healing processes during the shockwave treatment has started.
You may feel pain relief from the treatment straight away, but long term effects are normally felt after three months. You will have a follow-up appointment in the clinic three months after your treatment.

If it does not work, you should discuss with your physiotherapist alternative options available to you.

The shockwave will trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s natural process of healing. For this reason, do not use anti-inflammatory medications. Do not use ice. The pain should subside within 24 hours.

Even if it feels good, we recommend decreasing activity for 48 hours following the treatment.