Radial Shockwave Therapy
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave therapy has been shown to be a non-invasive, safe and effective way to treat various long term joint and soft tissue complaints.
A handheld device generates a pulse of mechanical energy (known as a shockwave) into the part of the body that is damaged or injured. The shockwave passes into the tissue and initiates an inflammatory response in the area being treated, increasing metabolic activity, breaking down injured and calcified tissue, and encouraging the development and growth of new, healthy tissue. Most shockwave sessions take around 2000 pulses or approximately 10-20 minutes.
If you would like more information, including a PDF copy of our patient leaflet, please contact us.
"I began my Shockwave treatment unable to walk without being in severe pain. After six weeks treatment alongside other exercises recommended by Chris I am able to walk the dog relatively pain free and survive a day teaching. Thank You so much."
- Karen (Google review, Stafford Shockwave)
What Can It Help?
Radial Shockwave Therapy provides treatments to patients suffering from a range of chronic conditions that are notoriously difficult to resolve. Conditions most commonly treated with shockwave therapy include:
Foot and ankle pain (plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinopathy)
Shoulder pain (calcification; tendonitis; frozen shoulder)
Hip pain (bursitis, tendonitis)
Knee pain (patella tendonitis)
Elbow pain (tennis and golfers elbow)
Muscular pain (trigger points)
For more information, please visit http://www.electrotherapy.org
Does It Work?
The reported rate of clinical success is between 77 and 80 percent worldwide for most conditions, however some respond better than others (e.g. plantar fasciitis and heel spurs). Our assessments will also look to identify and address any underlying contributing causes of the problem to prevent a recurrence if possible. Treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after four to six weeks of sessions, with most benefits usually seen four to six weeks following care.
If you'd like to see an example of Shockwave in action as well as a follow up session, please see our videos section where we treat Matt (our massage therapist) for a long standing lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) problem.
"After 4 years of crippling pain and tears shockwave was suggested to me by a friend. I can honestly say Shockwave changed my life!! Pain free, back to running and wearing any type of shoe after 8-10 weeks. Amazing ⭐️ Chris and his team are extremely professional, helpful and friendly. The treatments have a slightly strange sensation but not painful. Affordable treatments too (but the relief is priceless!). I cannot recommend this service and treatment highly enough."
- Kerry (Google review, Stafford Shockwave)
What are the advantages/benefits?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment treatment with very few side effects or complications:
A safe procedure, confirmed by NICE* guidelines
Strong clinical results/evidence-based*
May prevent a need to have surgery
No need for anaesthesia
Short treatment sessions lasting just 10-20 minutes
* National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines IPG376, IPG313, IPG312, IPG311, and IPG21.
What are the disadvantages/risks?
There are very few disadvantages or side effects to treatment, however some of these may include:
Discomfort during treatment, however intensity of treatment is moderated for each client to minimise.
Pain or discomfort for a few days following treatment due to the body’s inflammatory response.
Results are cumulative and can take four to six weeks to obtain full effect.
Treatment may not always be successful, and in this case surgery or referral may be an option.
Who is not suitable for Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Treatment is normally suitable for most people, but not if any of the following apply:
Are pregnant
Have a tumour (at/near the site of treatment)
Have an infection at the site of treatment
Are undergoing anticoagulation therapy
Have a pacemaker fitted
Have had recent steroid injections (within the last 12 weeks)
Are under 18 years of age
*You must be assessed by one of our qualified chiropractors prior to a course of care to determine the site of injury and also examine any possible underlying causes*
A treatment plan will be recommended based on the findings, with most conditions requiring an average of between 3 and 6 weekly sessions. This can vary depending on the type of complaint and how long you have had it (please see below). A follow up phone call will then be arranged for 4-6 weeks later to check on progress.
You must be able to commit to at least 3-6 weeks of care to get the best results. Please ensure you can do this prior to booking.
First Appointment
For new and existing Shockwave clients
£75
including assessment and first treatment
Acute Plan
For acute injuries
£175
for 3 sessions (including initial appointment)
Chronic Plan
For chronic/long term injuries
£325
for 6 sessions (including initial appointment)
More Information
- First Appointment: All clients new to Shockwave must have an assessment. Your visit will include a full case history, examination, report of findings and first treatment (if applicable). This will be deducted from your recommended treatment plan (see below)
- Acute Condition (less than 3 months): Recommended for those with a shorter term condition. This will consist of your initial examination & treatment, 2 further treatment sessions (3 in total) and home exercises. A follow-up call will be arranged for 4 weeks following your plan.
- Chronic Condition (more than 3 months): Recommended for those with a long term condition. This will consist of your initial examination & treatment, 5 further treatment sessions (6 in total) and home exercises. A follow-up call will be arranged for 4 weeks following your plan.
- Further treatments: If required, your therapist may recommend additional packages of care to fully recover. These will be charged as above.
*Payment plans Terms and Conditions
- The Initial course of 3 or 6 treatments must be paid for in full at the first treatment of the series.
- If you have pre-paid for your first appointment online, this will be deducted from your recommended treatment plan.
- Any fee increase during the lifetime of an individual payment plan will not be applied.
- There is no refund for missed appointments or late cancellations.
You can book your treatment by calling our reception team at the relevant clinic on our contact page, or online if you are confident which type of appointment you require.
Other Services
For more information about the types of services we offer, please see What We Do, or our Contact page.