What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a scientifically proven treatment for pain, acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
A shockwave is an acoustic wave, which carries high energy into injured areas.
The acoustic waves reduce pain, increase blood flow, stimulate new blood vessel formation, reverse chronic inflammation, stimulate collagen production and dissolve calcium deposits.
These processes collectively speed up the healing process of the injured area.
How does Shockwave Therapy actually work?
Pain reduction: Through the dispersal of a neurotransmitter called Substance P into the injured area, which modulates pain perception by altering cellular signalling pathways, resulting in an analgesic effect.
Increase in blood flow: Through Substance P, which stimulates the release of Nitric Oxide, which then causes the vasodilation of blood vessels.
New blood vessel formation: Through the micro rupture of capillaries, the expression and production of growth factors, the reformation of arterioles, and the enhanced blood supply and oxygenation.
Reversal of chronic inflammation: Through increased mast cell production, the subsequent production of chemokines and cytokines, and the restoration of normal proliferation and remodelling stages of healing.
Stimulation of collagen production: The synthesis of collagen Type III fibres is accelerated and the fibres are conformed into denser, firmer structures.
Dissolution of calcification: Calcium deposits in a tissue are broken down through dissolution. The granular remains are then removed via the lymphatic system.
Why is this beneficial?
Well, take a moment to think about what your pain is stopping you from doing.
With a course of shockwave therapy treatment, you can get you back to doing what you love to do significantly quicker than by having a course of physiotherapy treatment alone.
What can shockwave therapy be used for?
Here at Jonathan Clark Physiotherapy, we have successfully, and rapidly, helped clients to overcome the following conditions with a course of shockwave therapy: –
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Patella Tendinopathy
- Gluteal Tendinopathy (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome)
- Hamstring Tendinopathy
- Quadricep Tendinopathy
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
- All Other Types of Tendinopathy & Tendinitis
- Shin Splints
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Muscle Strains
- Ligament Sprains
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
Shockwave Therapy is a relatively new treatment approach, and as such, the vast majority of the emerging research has been focused on understanding the effects of Shockwave Therapy on the most common conditions listed above.
We have listed a few articles below, which illustrate the effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy for some of these most widely researched conditions: –
Plantar Fasciitis: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11999-013-3132-2 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10468604/
Achilles Tendinopathy: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11999-013-3132-2 and https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1071100712464354 and https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919115011164 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9382436/
Patella Tendinopathy: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/3/163.1.short and https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12891-018-2204-6
There is emerging evidence to support the effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy in the treatment of all the other conditions listed above too, and we have a 4 year track record of successful outcomes, however Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy and Patella Tendinopathy have been the most widely researched so far.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
The science recommends 6 treatments, spaced out at weekly intervals, in conjunction with a home exercise programme.
Testimonials
“I visited Jonathan Clark Physiotherapy with very painful Achille’s tendons. Amy worked miracles with the Shockwave treatment. After the sixth session, I am refereeing 6 games a week without pain. Very pleased with the outcome and care taken by the team throughout” Andy Sly
“Professional, Skilled, and got me to finish the LONDON MARATHON! Jonathan Clark Physiotherapy diagnosed me with Achilles Tendinitis, and helped me get back to fighting fit to finish the Virgin Money London Marathon 2019. His plan to get everything on track for me to finish was perfect. I would recommend Jonathan extremely highly to fix and advise any sports injury!” George Purchon
“Came to the Oxford Street physio as I was told by the team at Jubilee that I may benefit from shockwave therapy for a knee injury. Booking was easy, the clinic was very clean and Lois was brilliant. The shockwave therapy is a bit painful, but after a few weeks of following the strengthening exercises provided and the treatment I am back running!” Rebekah S
“Persistent tendon injury resolved. An Achilles heel injury sustained in February persisted until July and remained painful and a severe constraint on mobility and exercise. A series of appointments and Shockwave treatment concluded at the end of August and was completely successful. I am most grateful for the focused attention I received from Lois and others in the team, without which I’m sure I would still be suffering. I have no hesitation in recommending their services” Robert Llewellin
“Once again impressed with my treatment at Jonathan Clark Physiotherapy. Second time I have used their services and have been completely satisfied both times. This treatment was for a very painful elbow, which proved to be tendinitis. I was in considerable pain and did not want a lengthy wait for the NHS. After consultation and a treatment plan was agreed for 6 weeks involving exercise and shockwave therapy, the results have been excellent, my elbow is back to 100% and I am a very happy customer! Very happy to recommend to others, I will certainly use again if the need arises” Alan Roper
Prices
Our prices can be found here.
We offer single treatment prices, or a 6 treatment package, to help you save on the cost of your shockwave therapy course of treatment.
Shockwave therapy is more expensive than physiotherapy. Why? Because the machine itself is a £9,000 device and it results in quicker outcomes. You essentially pay a premium to access this service and to get better quicker.
How to Book
To book in, simply call our booking line on 02381300260 or book online today, selecting the ‘Shockwave Therapy – Initial Appointment – 50 Minutes’.
We look forward to helping you soon.
Jonathan Clark
