What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a non-invasive treatment method favoured by athletes and non-athletes. This treatment uses pulse-like acoustic waves of energy that are delivered using a hand-held application device by a trained medical practitioner.
Despite its name, shockwave therapy does not deliver an electric, sharp or jarring shock. During the treatment, you will feel a pulse-like sensation in the treatment area. Shockwave Therapy is applied strategically to the injured areas of the body, focusing on the core area of pain. It can assist with pain management as well as help shorten healing time. Getting you back on your feet and feeling your best quicker.
Shockwave Therapy Limerick at Roxboro Medical Centre
At Roxboro Shockwave Therapy Limerick we offer patients solutions to chronic pain, injury and more.
Our specialist shockwave therapy consultants use a handheld device to target key areas. This device delivers the non-invasive treatment in small pulse-like waves. Roxboro Shockwave Therapy Limerick uses Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to help patients from every walk of life, including sports people.
Feel the benefits of Shockwave Therapy by booking an appointment with our specialist team today.
Shockwave Therapy Limerick – Commonly Asked Questions
What is shockwave therapy used for?
Shockwave therapy is used to treat both acute and chronic medical conditions and injuries. Shockwave therapy is used to reduce pain and stimulate the body’s recovery process.
People who can benefit from shockwave therapy include patients experiencing joint, soft tissue and muscle pain. Many patients use shockwave therapy in addition to physiotherapy treatment to aid recovery.
What are the advantages of shockwave therapy?
Aside from pain relief and faster healing, shockwave therapy is a popular choice as it is non-invasive. There are no injections involved, the skin is never punctured and there is no surgery. A treatment session is relatively quick (15 minutes) and allows you to continue with your day as normal.
The strength of shockwave therapy treatment can also be adapted to suit the patient. Unlike many other treatments, shockwave therapy allows adjustment for different pain thresholds without reducing effectiveness.
As therapy sessions are short, shockwave therapy is sometimes more convenient than many other treatments. Typically, you can expect to be in, treated, and on your way again in less than an hour.
Thanks to the pain-relieving qualities of shockwave therapy, you will also experience increased mobility following a session. Helping you get back to enjoying the things you did before suffering an injury.
Anecdotally, many of Roxboro’s shockwave therapy patients have also told us that they find the treatment less stressful than others.
What are the side effects of shockwave therapy?
Side-effects of shockwave therapy are slight. Following a session, you might experience a small amount of:
- Aching
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Redness
- Soreness
- Swelling
- Tingling skin
Does shockwave therapy really work?
There have been international studies that prove that radial shockwave therapy is beneficial. These studies involved the treatment of patients with a range of injuries, including joint pain and soft tissue injury. Results show a 60 – 80% success rate for relieving pain intensity and increasing the functionality and quality of life of patients.
At our Limerick clinic, we have successfully helped patients with various issues. These include heel pain (plantar fasciitis), knee pain, hip pain and back pain and more.
How long does it take for shockwave therapy to work?
Patient results can vary. For some, an immediate numbing of the pain is evident. Whereas, for others, it can be up to 12 – 16 weeks until they feel relief.
Shockwave therapy is designed to be a solution for long term relief and recovery from pain. The results are, in most cases, lasting. For chronic pain and some conditions, patients may require a follow up course of treatment following the initial 16 weeks.
What does a shockwave do to your body?
The way they are used in this type of therapy, shockwaves stimulate your body’s natural healing process. Once applied, shockwave therapy has three stages:
- First, the shockwaves used by shockwave therapy radiate through your body to carry soundwaves to the injured area.
- These soundwaves then stimulate recovery by increasing the flow of blood in the targeted area.
- This increased circulation of blood brings fresh oxygen and the nutrients needed for recovery and pain relief.
Between treatment sessions, your body will continue to heal. We recommend a maximum of one shockwave therapy session per week. Leaving time between sessions allows your body to recover.
How much does Shockwave Therapy cost in Ireland?
The cost of Shockwave therapy treatment sessions at Roxboro Medical Clinic starts at €60.00 per treatment. You can pay per session or block book a series of shockwave therapy treatments. For more details, please contact get in touch.
Shockwave Therapy sessions are covered or partially covered by some health insurers in Ireland. Contact your provider for details.
Why Use Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy has clinically proven that pressure waves when applied to injured tissues, stimulate metabolic reactions. Radial shockwave therapy assists with:
- A reduction of pain felt by nerve fibres
- An increase in blood circulation in surrounding soft tissues
- The beginning of the healing process triggered by stem cells activation
How does Shockwave therapy (ESWT) work?
During your shockwave therapy session, a gentle shockwave will be delivered to the tissue via a non-invasive hand tool. The shockwave radiates out and extends to the entire area where pain occurs. Usually, no more than three sessions are needed, and each session takes approximately 15 minutes.
Shockwave therapy works by creating inflammation around the injured, painful, site. This may seem contradictory to the aim of the therapy but in fact, creates a response that speeds healing. In response to the inflammation, your body’s efforts to repair the area will accelerate, blocking pain signals as a result.
This form of pain relief therapy also breaks down calcifications. Calcifications are calcium deposits that can build anywhere in the body. These calcium buildups are often caused by inflammation and are found in injured areas of the body. Calcium deposits can also grow on tendons, a condition called calcific tendonitis.
There is no anaesthetic or surgery required with shockwave therapy and you can continue your usual activities. Please note that it is recommended to avoid high impact and pain provoking exercise for 48 hours.
What Conditions Can Be Treated by Shockwave Therapy?
The following conditions can be treated by radial shock wave therapy:
- Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
- Achilles Tendinopathy pateller
- Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumpers knee)
- Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
- Greater Trochanteric pain syndrome (Trochanteric bursitis)
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow)
- Calcific Tendonitis of the shoulder
If you do not see your condition listed, please contact us for advice.
What Is The Success Rate For Shockwave Therapy?
There are documented results that show an overall result rate of 77%. These results are based on 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.
A review at 12 weeks of the healing process is recommended following your final treatment. If your symptoms persist at this stage, you will be advised of alternative therapies or surgery by your medical practitioner.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Shockwave therapy is non-invasive which means it is applied to the skin covering the area of injury. Some patients report feeling a dull pulse-like sensation, but pain during treatment is rare.
Following shockwave therapy, you might find the treated area to be a little tender but should experience no other types of pain from the treatment
We take every measure to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
At times, the treatment may be slightly uncomfortable, but most people can stand these few minutes without medication. Your therapist will ask you regularly throughout the treatment if it is uncomfortable. The intensity of the shockwave can be decreased if needed.
There can be residual low-level discomfort for the following 24hrs. You will be able to drive or go back to work after the treatment.
What Shall I Do If I Am In Pain After The Treatment?
ESWT initiates a pro-inflammatory condition in the tissue that is being treated. If necessary, you can use ordinary non-prescription painkillers. The use of anti-inflammatory medication is to be avoided, as it will interfere with the method of action of the treatment. Ask your Roxboro therapist for advice.
Are There Any Contraindications Or Precautions That I Should Be Aware Of?
Yes. Treatment may not be appropriate in some cases. Please inform us of the following when you book your appointment to avoid disappointment.
If you are on blood thinners or other medications.
- If you have a pacemaker.
- If you have an area of acute infection or inflammation in the treatment area.
- If you have been diagnosed with cancer or are pregnant.
- If you have had cortisone (steroid) injections administered within the last 11 weeks before shockwave treatment is due to begin.
Please note that ESWT is for the treatment of patients over 18 years of age only.
Shockwave Therapy Introduction Video
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