Read how new shockwave therapy can help those stubborn tendon problems and more!
Here at Physio on the River, we are always working to ensure we deliver the most up to date evidence based therapies to our clients.
We are very pleased to now offer Shockwave therapy . This is a very effective therapy for many chronic painful musculoskeletal problems, examples of which are: Plantar Fasciitis of the foot, Achilles Tendonopathy, Tennis Elbow and Calcific Tendonitis of the shoulder.
sourced from Complete Pain Care
This type of treatment is now recommended by the majority of Consultant Orthopaedic surgeons when muscular, connective tissue (the web of connecting tissue between structures) and tendon problems become chronic (i.e. lasting longer than 3 months).
What is shockwave therapy?
There are many different types of machines that use varying physical mechanisms to produce shockwaves. The machine manipulates these shockwaves to deliver the appropriate dosage to bodily tissues to achieve a therapeutic response.
The most recent mode of doing this is electromagnetic pulse shockwaves. Here at Physio on the River, we are excited that we can offer this type of shockwave therapy. It uses rapid electromagnetic pulses to create precise, low amplitude shockwaves directly to tissues. The major benefit of this is that it is far less painful than many other forms of shockwave production and delivery, for example compressed air.
Can it do any harm?
As well as having a large body of academic evidence for the positive outcomes of this type of therapy (e.g. Legat 2014; Loska 2017; Moya et al 2015), it has the added benefit of having very few risk factors or contra-indications.
The National Institute of Clinical Effectiveness (NICE) guidelines have been produced for the use of shockwave therapy for many common musculoskeletal conditions including: plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy and trochanteric (hip) pain syndrome. As you may have read in the press NICE are a hard nut to crack and endorsement from this organisation carries weight.
At initial assessment, if shockwave is for some reason not the best clinical option for you, the physiotherapist will discuss alternative options either at Physio on the River or referring you to a different healthcare provider, as appropriate.
What does the treatment involve?
The package of care for shockwave therapy will involve an initial Physiotherapy assessment followed by a package of as many treatments as required. The number of treatments required on average vary between 4 and 10, depending on area to be treated and the reaction to treatment.
The machine has a small hand-held device through which the shockwaves are given. The treatment is quite noisy and can sometimes feel uncomfortable but is only given in short bursts of time. We only treat to a person’s tolerance!
How much does it cost?
Sessions of Shockwave are typically charged at £150 -£200 per session throughout the clinics in London that provide it. We are offering outstanding value – a block of 4 Shockwave treatments (typically 4-10 sessions are required) for only £300 – meaning a potential saving of up to £500!
Some health insurance companies, including Bupa, are now offering cover for this treatment so if you hold a policy it is worth checking with your company first.
If you would like to book an appointment:
Call the clinic on 020 8876 5690
Book online by clicking here.
Contact us by email here.
Or pop into the clinic in person – we’d love to have a chat!
Without addressing these longer term issues elbow pain very often recurs so there are no short cuts to getting it completely resolved. Clients have a tendency to tail off their rehab once the pain is more under control. But the really important part is addressing the weaknesses and restrictions through the body that set professionals apart from amateurs. So completing a full rehab programme is essential. Our Physiotherapists will complete a thorough assessment of your body as a whole. They will then tailor your programme specifically to address the imbalances they find.