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Shockwave Therapy

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What is Shockwave Therapy?

Recommended in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, Shockwave Therapy is a sonic mechanical energy that can be used to create a huge impact.  It was initially used to treat kidney stones, but has more recently been developed to treat muscle, tendon and bone.

How does it work?

We have chosen the Zimmer enPuls Shockwave machine – this uses electromagnets in the handpiece to accelerate a heavy projectile. The projectile hits an applicator and creates a unique radial wave which penetrates the tissue. This shockwave causes a cavitation effect to promote regeneration and repair of bone, tendons and muscle. The exact physiological mechanism is not entirely understood, however research suggests that through a combination of increased circulation, microtrauma and endorphin release the healing process in maximized.

What can it treat?

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment with very few side effects and it is reported to accelerate healing times and reduce pain. It is recommended by the NICE guidelines in the treatment of many tendon injuries, which are listed on the left below. Most health insurance companies (including BUPA) will pay for Shockwave Therapy for these conditions.
All the following conditions have good clinical evidence to show the effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy in their management:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Shoulder Calcific tendonitis
  • Trochanteric pain syndrome
  • Hamstring tendinopathy
  • Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow)
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Osgood – Schlatter’s disease
  • Medial Tibial Stress syndrome (Shin splints)
  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Carpal Tunnel syndrome

Are there any risks/side effects?

Shockwave Therapy has very few side effects. In some cases treatment may cause localised redness to the skin, minor bruising and swelling, but these should settle within a week. The procedure only takes about 10 minutes but can be uncomfortable, but in most cases it causes an analgesic effect after treatment which can last for a few days.

Can anyone have Shockwave Therapy?
Some medical conditions mean that you should not have shockwave treatment, such as pregnancy, cancer or vascular disease. Other contra-indications to treatment are medications such as anti-coagulants (Warfarin), anti-inflammatories, if you have a pacemaker fitted, an infection at the site of treatment or had a steroid injection recently.

How many treatments will I need?
Evidence shows that most conditions require 3 to 6 treatments and that the best results are achieved if these appointments are weekly. We offer a discount for sessions purchased in bundles of 3.

How do I get treatment?

Our Chartered Physios, Lynne and Kerensa and our Podiatrist, Andrea have completed the Shockwave Therapy training. As professionals we would need to do a full assessment of you and your condition, especially as many of the conditions that respond well to Shockwave Therapy also resolve with simpler and cheaper treatments. If your movement patterns and biomechanics are the root cause we will need to work with you to improve those first, but this may mean we get you better without needing Shockwave Therapy!

If you have already seen a Physio or Podiatrist for your problem and it has failed to resolve, we do accept direct referrals from other practitioners which saves you the cost of another assessment.

Talk to our team to find out more and to book an appointment at our clinic in Todmorden or call us on 01706438386.

Which Physiotherapist Is Right for Me?

Which Physiotherapist Is Right for Me?

At Physio & Therapies, all of our physiotherapists are highly experienced and work closely together. If you’re unsure who to book with, don’t worry – our reception team will be happy to guide you to the clinician who is best suited to your problem.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Lynne Midwinter

Musculo-Skeletal Physiotherapist, Headaches & Migraines Specialist 
  • You've had pain for months or even years.
  • You've tried treatment elsewhere without lasting success.
  • You experience headaches that seem to come from your neck.
  • You're looking for an experienced spinal specialist.
  • You have a complex problem involving several joints or areas of your body.
  • You want to understand *why* your pain keeps returning, not just treat the symptoms.

Karen Hull

Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
  • You have a long-term neurological condition.
  • You're finding everyday mobility more difficult.
  • You'd like to improve walking, strength and balance.
  • You're looking for supportive, goal-focused neurological rehabilitation.
  • You want to maintain your independence and quality of life.

Katy Winters

Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
  • You're pregnant or have recently had a baby.
  • You're experiencing bladder or bowel symptoms.
  • You have pelvic pain or discomfort during sex or otherwise
  • You're looking for specialist pelvic health assessment.
  • You'd prefer to see someone with advanced training in pelvic health physiotherapy.
  • You also have neck, back or joint pain alongside your pelvic symptoms.
  • You need a Mummy MOT/Menopause MOT
  • You would like to be fitted for a Pessary
  • You want to optimise your Pelvic health

Kerensa McKie

Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
  • You enjoy running, cycling, hiking or other outdoor activities.
  • You're recovering from an operation or sporting injury.
  • You want to improve movement as well as reduce pain.
  • You're looking for rehabilitation that gets you back to doing what you love.
  • You've had pain for months or even years.
  • You've tried treatment elsewhere without lasting success.

Robbie Kershaw

Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist
  • You're recovering following a stroke.
  • You have a neurological condition affecting your movement..
  • You've noticed your balance or walking has changed.
  • You want to improve confidence and independence.
  • You're looking for specialist neurological rehabilitation tailored to your goals.

John Greenacre

Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
  • You've recently injured yourself.
  • You're recovering after surgery.
  • You'd like a combination of hands-on treatment and rehabilitation.
  • You enjoy keeping active and want to return to sport safely.
  • You're struggling with joint or muscle pain that's affecting everyday life.

Dalton Howe

Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
  • You've picked up an injury through work, hobbies, sport or exercise.
  • You're recovering after surgery.
  • You want a structured rehabilitation programme alongside manual therapy
  • You'd like to improve strength, movement and performance while reducing the risk of future injury.