Shockwave Therapy in London
Shockwave Therapy For Selected Tendon And Musculoskeletal Problems, Combined With A Full 60-Minute Assessment And Rehabilitation Plan
We first assess your problem, understand what you have already tried and decide whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.
Where it is appropriate, Shockwave can then be combined with exercise rehabilitation and a wider plan to help you get back to the activities that matter to you.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right For Me?
- Tendon pain has continued for several weeks or months
- Pain is limiting walking, running, training or sport
- They have already tried exercises or other treatment without the progress they expected
- They have been diagnosed with a tendon problem
- They have plantar heel pain or plantar fasciitis that has persisted
- Symptoms improve temporarily but repeatedly return when activity increases
- Shockwave Therapy has been recommended by another healthcare professional
- They want to know whether Shockwave is appropriate before starting treatment
Shockwave is not automatically appropriate simply because an area has been painful for a long time.
We assess the problem first and recommend it only where we think it is a suitable part of your treatment plan.What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy uses a handheld device to deliver mechanical pressure waves to the area being treated.
At Fit2Function, we use radial Shockwave Therapy.
Treatment is delivered directly to the area being treated during your appointment.
Shockwave is generally used for selected persistent musculoskeletal problems, particularly certain tendon-related conditions.
It is not a replacement for assessment or rehabilitation.
What Conditions Do We Use Shockwave Therapy For?
Shockwave Therapy may be considered for selected persistent tendon and musculoskeletal problems.
Common examples include:Persistent pain underneath the heel that has not progressed as expected with appropriate management.
Persistent pain around the Achilles tendon where Shockwave may be considered alongside progressive rehabilitation.
Persistent tendon pain around the front of the knee, particularly in people involved in running, jumping or sport.
Persistent pain around the outside of the hip where a tendon-related problem has been identified.
Persistent pain around the outside of the elbow where the tendons are thought to be involved.
Shockwave may be considered for certain persistent shoulder tendon problems depending on the diagnosis and assessment findings.
Not every painful tendon needs Shockwave Therapy.
The decision depends on your symptoms, how long the problem has been present, what you have already tried and what we find during your assessment.What Happens At Your First Shockwave Therapy Appointment?
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes.
We do not recommend Shockwave simply because you selected it when booking.Understand Your Problem
We talk through your symptoms, how long they have been present, what activities aggravate them and what treatment or rehabilitation you have already tried.
Assess The Area
We assess the movement, strength and function relevant to your problem.
This helps us understand whether your symptoms appear consistent with a condition where Shockwave may be appropriate.
Explain What We Find
We explain what we think is happening and whether we believe Shockwave Therapy is a suitable option.
If we do not think Shockwave is the right treatment, we will tell you.
Start Treatment Where Appropriate
If Shockwave is appropriate and there is no reason not to use it, treatment may be started as part of your appointment.
Other treatment or rehabilitation may also be used depending on what we find.
Build Your Plan
Before you leave, we explain what we recommend next, what you should do between appointments and how Shockwave fits into your wider rehabilitation plan.
Why Don't We Start With Shockwave?
- What is causing the symptoms
- How long the problem has been present
- What you have already tried
- What activities are currently difficult
- Your movement and strength
- Whether Shockwave is appropriate for the problem
- What rehabilitation needs to happen alongside treatment
If Shockwave is appropriate, we can use it.
If it is not, we will explain what we recommend instead.Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
Shockwave can feel uncomfortable while it is being applied.
How it feels varies depending on the area being treated, the sensitivity of the area and the treatment settings being used.
Your practitioner can adjust the treatment according to how you respond.
You should tell your practitioner what you are feeling throughout the treatment rather than feeling that you need to tolerate excessive discomfort.
What Happens During Shockwave Treatment?
If Shockwave Therapy is appropriate, the practitioner identifies the area to be treated and applies the Shockwave device directly to the skin.
The treatment itself forms part of your appointment rather than replacing the rest of your assessment or rehabilitation.
The settings used depend on the problem being treated and how you respond.
After treatment, we can continue to work on the movement, strength and activity changes relevant to your problem.
Shockwave Therapy Works As Part Of A Wider Plan
Where Shockwave is appropriate, we generally want to combine treatment with rehabilitation rather than relying on the machine alone.
Your wider plan may involve:Managing Activity
Understanding which activities can continue and whether anything needs to be temporarily adjusted.
Building Strength
Progressively strengthening the muscles and tendons relevant to the problem.
Increasing What You Can Tolerate
Gradually increasing the amount of walking, running, lifting or training the area can manage.
Returning To Your Goal
Progressing towards the everyday activities, gym training, running or sport that matter to you.
The exact plan depends on the condition being treated and your starting point.
How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
There is no single number of Shockwave sessions that everybody needs.
The number and frequency of treatments depend on the condition being treated, how long symptoms have been present, your starting point and how you respond.
After assessing you, your practitioner can explain whether they recommend Shockwave Therapy and what the proposed treatment plan would involve.Who Should Not Have Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is not appropriate for everybody.
Before treatment, your practitioner will ask relevant health questions and assess whether there is any reason Shockwave should not be used.
If Shockwave is not suitable for you, we will explain why and discuss other appropriate options.
What If Shockwave Therapy Isn't Helping?
If your progress is not matching expectations, we reassess.
That may involve:- Reviewing how your symptoms and function have changed
- Retesting relevant movement and strength
- Reconsidering whether the original clinical explanation still fits
- Reviewing whether Shockwave Therapy remains appropriate
- Adjusting rehabilitation or activity
- Progressing your programme when appropriate
- Considering imaging if it is likely to change management
- Considering medical or specialist referral if the presentation warrants it
We do not want to simply repeat the same treatment indefinitely.
If the clinical picture changes, the plan should change too.Why Choose Fit2Function For Shockwave Therapy?
We do not recommend Shockwave simply because somebody books asking for it. We first assess whether it is appropriate.
There is time to assess the problem, provide treatment where appropriate and work on rehabilitation.
Shockwave can be combined with progressive exercise rather than being used as a standalone machine treatment.
If you are not progressing as expected, we reassess the problem and change the plan where needed.
Meet Our Multidisciplinary Team Behind Your Recovery
Radial shockwave therapy is performed by all our practitioners at our Covent Garden clinic. Each practitioner is fully trained on our Radial shockwave machine and has vast experience treating patients suffering with chronic pain & tendon injuries. Each treatment is customised to your condition and integrated into a wider rehabilitation & treatment plan.
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Is shockwave therapy painful?
You may feel a firm tapping sensation during the treatment session. However if it feels slightly uncomfortable, we can adjust the intensity to your comfort.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients benefit from 3 to 6 treatment sessions. Your Fit2Function practitioner will design a treatment plan, based on your injury and goals for recovery.
How long does each shockwave therapy session take?
Each session takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Normally we would combine this into a longer holistic appointment with our other advanced treatments.
Are there any side effects for shockwave therapy?
Mild redness, tenderness or soreness around the treatment area is normal and typically resolves within a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare.
How soon will I see results from shockwave therapy?
Many clients feel relief after just one or two sessions, but maximum benefits are typically seen over a few weeks as the area heals.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes, radial shockwave therapy is 100% safe when performed by trained professionals, such as our team at Fit2Function Oxford Circus and Covent Garden.