Introducing Focused Shockwave Therapy

What is Focused Shockwave Therapy? 

Shockwave Therapy targets tissues with high-energy sound waves. These promote healing, relieve pain, and encourage tissue regeneration. It’s a non-surgical and non-invasive technique that complements physiotherapy.

Two types of shockwave therapy exist: Focused and Radial. Radial is known for its ability to treat wider areas, whereas Focused penetrates deeper into the targeted area¹. 

We now offer Focused Shockwave Therapy at our Sheffield West clinic location. This new equipment enhances our patient offering and provides more treatment options, helping our patients live a pain-free life. 

How does Focused Shockwave Therapy work?

In the clinically proven procedure, sound waves of energy pass from a device to the injured part of the body, increasing blood flow and boosting the body’s natural healing process. 

A cylindrical coil generates the focused shockwaves. These precisely arranged crystals generate and focus energy waves that penetrate deep into the tissues. With a smaller focal point, the focused treatment provides greater accuracy and depth of up to 12cm. 

Focused Shockwave Therapy vs Radial Shockwave Therapy 

Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy are both clinically proven to reduce pain, increase blood flow, and promote tissue repair. 

Focused Shockwave Therapy is highly targeted and reaches deeper areas. The treatment is not painful or uncomfortable; patients only feel a sensation when the device moves to the affected area. 

Radial Shockwave Therapy is suitable for larger, superficial areas, as it disperses energy in a circular pattern. Some describe Radial Shockwave Therapy as mildly uncomfortable with a tapping sensation. 

What Conditions Does Focused Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Focused Shockwave Therapy treats several conditions, particularly when used in conjunction with physiotherapy.  

Stress fractures

Often caused by overuse, stress fractures are painful. Focused Shockwave Therapy has been successfully used to treat stress fractures. The treatment stimulates bone turnover and osteoblast stimulation to promote healing without invasive surgery². 

Hamstring tendinopathy

Overuse, repetitive strain, or injury can cause chronic hamstring tendinopathy. Focused Shockwave Therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation, breaks down scar tissue, and promotes healing and tissue regeneration³. 

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

GTPS is a condition that causes hip pain, which radiates into the buttock and down the leg. In a study, shockwave therapy resulted in lower pain scores compared to those who received other treatments. Shockwave Therapy promotes blood flow and helps regenerate collagen and tendons, decreasing pain levels in the affected area.

Carpal tunnel syndrome 

A pinching of the wrist’s median nerve may turn into carpal tunnel syndrome. When combined with conservative treatments, Focused Shockwave Therapy was found to improve symptoms, hand function, and nerve conduction compared with conservative treatment alone⁴.

Plantar fasciitis 

Research shows that plantar fasciitis patients respond well to Focused Shockwave Therapy. In one study, patients noted a reduction in pain following the treatment⁵. Patients may also try physiotherapy to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of future problems. 

Tennis elbow

Injury or overuse can cause tennis elbow. It’s a painful condition that can cause weakness or stiffness. Treatments include rest, ice, medication, support devices, physiotherapy, and Focused Shockwave Therapy. In a study, over 50% of patients who had Shockwave Therapy reported a reduction in pain after 3 months⁶. 

Jumper’s knee

Shockwave treatments have good results for treating jumper's knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy. The results have been similar to or better than surgery, with the added benefit of minimal side effects. To achieve the best outcomes, it is recommended to combine Focused Shockwave Treatment with physiotherapy. 

Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused Shockwave Therapy is a highly targeted solution to problems causing pain and inflammation. The benefits include:

• Non-surgical
• Non-invasive
• Pain reduction
• Accelerated healing
• High success rate 

How the White House Clinic can help 

At the White House Clinic, we know injuries can be frustrating. Whether they’re holding you back from sport or impacting your quality of life, you want to get treated quickly and with the best care. 

We invest in quality equipment and training. Our professionals are ready to assess your condition and advise on Focused Shockwave Therapy. If it’s a suitable treatment, your healthcare provider will tell you how many sessions you will need, and if you should have it in conjunction with other treatments such as injections and physiotherapy for the best chance of success. 

References

https://www.homerton.nhs.uk/shockwave-therapy

¹https://www.childrenshospital.org/treatments/shockwave-therapy 

²https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919115011292 

³https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20855554/ 

⁴https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10865893/ 

⁵https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6780733/ 

⁶https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg313/resources/treating-tennis-elbow-using-shockwave-therapy-pdf-312742909‍