Shockwave Therapy in Essex
Specialist Shockwave Therapy in Billericay, Essex
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment used in the management of a range of persistent musculoskeletal conditions, particularly some tendon and soft-tissue problems.
At The Arthritis Clinic in Billericay, Essex, shockwave therapy is offered as part of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment and rehabilitation programme. Rather than simply treating the painful area, we first assess your symptoms, movement, strength and underlying condition to determine whether shockwave therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic energy delivered through the skin to the affected area. Depending on the condition being treated, different types and treatment parameters may be used.
The exact biological mechanisms behind shockwave therapy are still being investigated. Treatment may be used to help reduce pain and support rehabilitation in selected musculoskeletal conditions. NICE describes ESWT as a non-invasive procedure and notes that treatment protocols vary according to the type and energy of shockwave used.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave therapy is commonly considered for persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions where symptoms have not adequately responded to initial conservative management.
At The Arthritis Clinic, it may be considered for conditions including:
- Plantar fasciitis and persistent heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Other selected tendinopathies
- Certain chronic soft-tissue and musculoskeletal pain conditions
The suitability of shockwave therapy depends on the diagnosis, duration of symptoms and individual circumstances. It is not appropriate for every condition or every patient.
Shockwave Therapy for Tendon Problems
Tendinopathy can be persistent and frustrating, particularly when pain begins to interfere with walking, exercise, work or everyday activities.
Conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis may sometimes be considered for shockwave therapy when symptoms have persisted despite an appropriate programme of rehabilitation.
Importantly, shockwave therapy should not replace rehabilitation. Exercise-based rehabilitation and progressive loading are often important components of managing tendinopathy. Our approach is therefore to use shockwave therapy where appropriate alongside an individually tailored physiotherapy and exercise programme.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Persistent plantar heel pain can make walking, running and standing uncomfortable. Shockwave therapy is one treatment option that may be considered when symptoms have continued despite conservative treatment.
NICE describes ESWT as a non-invasive treatment for refractory plantar fasciitis, although evidence regarding its effectiveness has historically been mixed.
At The Arthritis Clinic, we assess the likely cause of your heel pain before recommending treatment. This is important because not all heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis.
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy can cause pain around the Achilles tendon and can significantly affect walking, running and sporting activity.
Shockwave therapy may be considered for selected patients with persistent Achilles tendinopathy. NICE reports that some studies have found improvements in pain and function, although it also notes that the evidence is not sufficiently clear to determine how well the procedure works overall.
For this reason, we consider shockwave therapy as one component of a wider rehabilitation strategy rather than promising a specific outcome.
Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral elbow tendinopathy, can cause pain when gripping, lifting or using the wrist and forearm.
Shockwave therapy may be considered in persistent cases, although the evidence for its effectiveness in refractory tennis elbow remains inconsistent. NICE recommends that patients should be appropriately informed about this uncertainty when ESWT is considered.
Our assessment will consider whether shockwave therapy is appropriate or whether another rehabilitation strategy would be more suitable.
What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?
Before treatment, we will assess your symptoms and establish the most likely diagnosis. Where appropriate, your assessment may be complemented by musculoskeletal ultrasound.
During treatment, a handheld applicator is placed against the skin over the affected area and acoustic shockwaves are delivered into the tissues.
Treatment can be uncomfortable, particularly over highly sensitive areas, but the intensity can be adjusted according to the individual and the condition being treated.
Treatment protocols vary depending on the diagnosis and the type of shockwave therapy being used.
Shockwave Therapy and Physiotherapy
At The Arthritis Clinic, we believe shockwave therapy works best when incorporated into a broader rehabilitation plan.
Your treatment may therefore include:
- Progressive strengthening exercises
- Tendon loading programmes
- Mobility exercises
- Movement retraining
- Education and self-management
- Activity modification
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Shockwave therapy
- Follow-up assessment and progression of rehabilitation
The aim is to help you improve your physical capacity and return to the activities that are important to you.
Why Choose The Arthritis Clinic for Shockwave Therapy in Essex?
The Arthritis Clinic combines specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy with advanced MSK assessment and treatment.
Rather than offering shockwave therapy as a generic treatment, we assess the underlying musculoskeletal problem and consider whether ESWT is appropriate alongside rehabilitation and other treatment options.
Our clinic in Billericay, Essex, provides access to specialist MSK physiotherapy, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and other non-surgical treatments under one clinical service.
Shockwave Therapy in Billericay, Basildon and Essex
If you are searching for shockwave therapy in Essex, shockwave therapy in Billericay, or treatment for persistent tendon or soft-tissue pain, The Arthritis Clinic can provide a specialist assessment and discuss whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for you.
We see patients from Billericay, Basildon, Wickford and surrounding areas of Essex.
Book a Shockwave Therapy Assessment
If you have persistent tendon, heel, elbow or other musculoskeletal pain that has not responded to initial treatment, an assessment can help determine the likely cause of your symptoms and whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.
The Arthritis Clinic Ltd – specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy and non-surgical MSK care in Billericay, Essex.
