Prior to the commencement of treatment, you will be asked a series of questions about your health and the particular condition for treatment to make sure that you are suitable. After that your therapist will request your consent.
The usual treatment regime involves 3-4 sessions spaced at weekly intervals.
Your Woodside Clinic therapist will adjust the settings on the Shockwave Therapy machine for your particular condition. This setting is adjusted over the course of the treatment, A gel is applied to the skin around the affected area and then the Shockwave therapy probe is used to direct the waves to the affected region. This therapy can be noisy and around sensitive areas, may be temporarily uncomfortable.
How long does each session last?
Each therapy session lasts between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the disorder being treated.
Is Shockwave painful?
You may experience some discomfort during treatment but the pain should be tolerable. Due to the analgesic effect of Shockwave Therapy many patients report immediate pain relief following treatment.
If you experience pain after treatment you may use ordinary non-prescription painkillers such as paracetamol. Do not use anti-inflammatory medication or Ibuprofen as both may interfere with the body’s self-healing process.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of treatment sessions will vary dependant on the type of shockwave used and conditions being treated. As a general rule Woodside Clinic recommend 3 – 6 treatment sessions is advised. As this is encouraging the body to heal itself your body will progress in the healing process even 2-3 months after treatment has stopped.
Is Shockwave Therapy safe?
Yes. It has NICE guidance for a large number of indications and is used within the NHS.
Shockwave Therapy performed by qualified therapists is largely risk-free.
How long before I feel an improvement?
After only 1 to 2 sessions, many of the Woodside Clinic patients report complete pain relief or significant pain reduction. The therapy eliminates pain or restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life.
How successful is the treatment?
Statistics vary based on the condition being treated – varying from 60-90% success rate. Studies have shown 90% of patients with Achilles Tendonitis (Heel pain) will experience a full recovery or significant reduction in their pain and injury.
Can Shockwave treat old/persistant injuries?
Shockwaves can treat both long-term chronic conditions and newer injuries. There is a great deal of evidence to show that Shockwave Therapy can achieve great results even with historical conditions.
What are shockwaves?
Shockwaves are high-energy sound waves which are transmitted to the affected area to accelerate healing. The treatment increases blood flow, decreases localised pain and stimulates cell regeneration – this encourages the body to repair itself. Shockwaves also break down injured tissue and calcifications.
Does my private health insurance cover it?
Most private health insurance providers have cover for Shockwave therapy – please ask your provider for more details. Please note there may be an excess to pay.
How much does it cost?
Please check here for fees.