Low energy shock-wave-therapy (SWT)

What is SWT?

SWT (shock wave therapy) is a revolutionary non-invasive technology that we use to treat various tendon conditions. It involves mechanical shock waves being passed through the skin to the injured part of the patient’s body. Don’t worry, the shock waves are not usually painful and no anaesthetic is required.

SWT offers  a number of benefits as a treatment:

  • No need for an anaesthetic
  • Non-invasive procedure
  • No need for surgery or medication
  • Treatment sessions last for an average of only 20 minutes (not including assessment)
  • No hospital admission
  • Temporary pain-relieving effect after treatment
  • No lengthy rehabilitation, loss of mobility or time away from work
  • Fewer complications than surgery or injections
  • Strong clinical results

We have been using this treatment for 6 years and have found it to be an excellent and very effective treatment for a wide variety of tendon conditions that have proved resistant to other forms of treatment. Some of the patients that we have successfully treated were facing surgery until we offered them this revolutionary option.

Clinical trials have shown the Swiss DolorClast (the machine that we use) to be successful in treating a variety of painful tendinopathies and orthopaedic indications in the foot, ankle, knee and upper limbs.

What conditions that can be successfully treated with SWT ?

  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfers elbow
  • Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
  • Trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
  • Patella tendinopathy
  • Shin splints

The shockwaves are delivered by a handpiece.  When the handpiece is placed on the surface of the skin the impulses are delivered through the skin as a small shockwave that spreads inside the injured tissue. The shockwaves prompt the body to respond naturally by increasing blood circulation, the number of blood vessels and therefore metabolism in the injured tissue. This accelerates the body’s natural healing process by increasing new cell generation and dissolving calcium deposits.  Patients often notice an immediate pain relieving effect after the treatment.

A course of three treatments are required spaced apart by approximately a week.  Patients should not take anti-inflammatory medication for at least 10 days before the first treatment and throughout the course of treatment as these can interfere with the healing effects of the treatment.

Although many of the major medical insurance companies in the UK have approved the treatment method and will reimburse for some indications accordingly, patients are urged to check with their insurer before commencing treatment.

For those who are not insured, we offer a comprehensive and competitive self-pay package of treatment.