Shockwave Therapy2024-01-09T20:23:06+00:00

Shockwave Therapy

A non-invasive solution to musculoskeletal pains

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive solution to musculoskeletal pains such as Plantar fasciitis, and Achilles heel pain.

A Steroid Injections alternative, frequently used in physiotherapy, podiatry, orthopaedics and sports medicine, which at SO Podiatry we believe, gives in offering the best treatment using the most innovative, and pain free treatment for your heel, ankle or foot pain.

At its core, Shockwave Therapy involves delivering sound waves to the injured area through a probe and ultrasound gel. These sound waves are non-invasive and lead to several benefits, including accelerated healing, reduced pain, and improved injury recovery.

A revolutionary new treatment

Radial Shockwave Therapy is a revolutionary new treatment which uses a series of high frequency shockwaves (acoustic wave therapy) which initiates an inflammation-like condition in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impacted area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications.

Here’s a bit more detail on the changes that can occur:

  • Stimulation of Collagen Production: Collagen is essential for building healthy tendons and fascia.
  • Reversal of Chronic Inflammation: Shockwaves trigger the release of mast cells, crucial for healing.
  • Formation of New Blood Vessels: This ensures more nutrients reach the injured tissue.
  • Exhaustion of Substance P: This feels like a numbing sensation, as it depletes the neuropeptide.
  • Breakup of Calcified Fibroblasts: Eliminating poorly repaired scar-like tissue to foster healthy tissue growth.
  • Release of Myofascial Trigger Points: These are tight “knots” in the muscles surrounding an injury.

Shockwave treatment to help you recover.

If you are suffering from any pain or degenerated tissue e.g. tendons of the Knee, Achilles heel pain (tendonitis) or plantar fasciitis, SO Podiatry’s Worcester based clinic can offer shockwave treatment to help you recover.

Shockwave Therapy FAQ’s

What are Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis?2023-12-14T15:28:18+00:00

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness to the Achilles tendon, which attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. It is thought to be caused by repeated small injuries to the tendon that do not heal and build up over time.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation or pain of the plantar fascia. This is a thick fibrous band of tissue at the bottom of your foot that lies between your toes and your heel. Repeated small injuries to the plantar fascia are believed to be the cause of the inflammation. People experience pain on their heel/s when they stand up.

Shockwave therapy can be used on many parts of the body but at SO Podiatry we mainly focus on Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis.

What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?2023-12-14T15:29:48+00:00

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a procedure where shockwaves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the foot, using a special device. Extracorporeal means outside of the body. The shockwaves are mechanical and not electric; they are audible, low energy sound waves, which work by increasing blood flow to the injured area. This accelerates the body’s healing process.

You will usually require a course of three treatments, one week apart.

Why should I have ESWT?2023-12-14T15:31:51+00:00

ESWT is offered to patients with Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis, who have not responded adequately to conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy, rest, ice therapy and painkillers. It is a minimally invasive treatment that is carried in the clinic which allows you to can go home the same day. As part of a treatment plan, ESWT can offer relief from pain and other symptoms.

What are the risks/side effects of ESWT?2023-12-14T15:33:20+00:00

You will experience some mild pain or discomfort during the treatment, but you should be able to tolerate this. Following the treatment, you may experience redness, bruising, swelling and numbness to the area. These side effects should resolve within a week, before your next treatment. Every patient will be monitored before and after the treatments to discover how successful the outcome is.

You must not have ESWT if you:2023-12-14T15:35:53+00:00
  • Are pregnant
  • Are taking antiplatelets (for example, aspirin or clopidigrel) or anticoagulants (such as warfarin or rivaroxaban)
  • Have a blood clotting disorder
  • Are under the age of 18
  • Have been diagnosed with bone cancer
  • Have a cardiac pacemaker or other cardiac device
  • Have an infection in your foot or a history of tendon or ligament rupture
  • Have had any steroid injections in the previous 12 weeks

These will be discussed with you by your healthcare professional when the treatment is offered. SO Podiatry will discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you in more detail.

How can I prepare for ESWT?2022-10-20T14:06:48+00:00

You will need to ensure that you are available for the full course of your treatment. You should refrain from taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (for example ibuprofen, aspirin) for two weeks before your first procedure and throughout your treatment. You can eat and drink normally before your treatment. Please wear comfortable clothes as you will be lying on your front for the treatment.

What happens during ESWT?2022-10-20T14:07:03+00:00

You will be asked to lie on your front with your legs supported by a pillow. The podiatrist carrying out the treatment will put some ultrasound gel on the injured area and then place the hand piece of the device over the surface of the skin and the gel. The ESWT is delivered using this hand piece – it delivers compressed air impulses through the ultrasound gel. Each treatment will take approximately 15 minutes.

Will I feel any pain during ESWT?2022-10-20T14:07:20+00:00

Most patients do experience some pain or discomfort during the procedure. You will be asked how much pain you are experiencing during the treatment and we will attempt to adjust the treatment to help manage this. The pain will stop at the end of your procedure.

What happens after ESWT?2022-10-20T14:08:02+00:00

After the treatment you will be able to get up and walk straight away. If you do experience discomfort following the shockwave treatment you can take over the counter painkillers (such as paracetamol) but you should avoid anti-inflammatory medication (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) and ice therapy, as these can interfere with the body’s healing process. As part of the treatment plan we may also recommend specific exercises and/or orthotics to help with shock absorption or any underlying biomechanical complaint.

What do I need to do after I go home?2022-10-20T14:08:21+00:00

You will be able to return to your usual activities straight away and can return to work immediately. However we advise you not to undertake any strenuous, pain-provoking activity or high impact exercise for 48 hours following the procedure. If you experience a sudden onset of pain to the area or any loss of function, please contact your GP or go to your nearest A&E department.

What are the costs for this procedure?2023-12-14T15:44:39+00:00

Please see our pricing page for costs. Please note all shockwave treatment patients need to attend for a biomechanical assessment to establish this course of treatment will suit your needs. Get in touch for further details.

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Testimonials

I have seen Steph over the last nine months with a variety of foot ailments and found her to be very professional and approachable. However, most importantly, she has managed to cure my various problems – ingrowing toe nail, verrucae, biomechanics and corn under nail! I have no hesitation in recommending her.

Cliff

My 11-year-old daughter had multiple warts on her hands and multiple verruca on her feet. She was embarrassed and had low confidence due to these embarrassing skin lesions. We had tried helping her with over-the-counter remedies and nothing made a difference. We had read about swift microwave therapy and its success rate, so we booked an appointment to speak with Steph at SO Podiatry to see if this treatment would be successful. Swift microwave therapy was the treatment of choice and after two sessions the Veruca and warts have totally gone. Our daughter is now back to her cheerleading and rock climbing activities which she loves, and we’re pleased to say she is now a much happier and more confident girl.

J. King, Worcester

I used to suffer with incredible knee pain, it was a stabbing sensation that would stop me taking another step. It could be very painful, even at night so I took painkillers every morning and evening for it. Not any more. I just want to say thank you so much as can honestly say I haven’t had any pain in my knee since having MLS Laser treatment at SO Podiatry. I have since stopped taking all painkillers and I am using both legs as evenly as each other, it really is just amazing. At one point I thought I would need a knee replacement and now I’ve even thought about booking a cycling holiday.

Vanessa, Worcester

Knowing how Stephanie had helped a friend to be able to continue her professional dancing career, I knew I was seeing the right person for my injury. My expectations were more than satisfied in just three weeks and I have been able to walk pain-free after two sessions, the third visit just a check up. The healing and comfort level in my foot continues. Initially fearing I might be virtually house-bound and hobbling to get anywhere, I am able to forget any injury and lead my usual busy life with great joy … and I mean it!! I think everyone should see you Steph!

Mrs A Suganami

I can certainly rate Stephanie. My painful verrucae have totally gone, It is such a relief to be able to be on my feet without any pain after all these years.

A A, Worcester

I found the service I got from Stephanie of SO Podiatry was excellent. She was very professional, knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely care about getting a good outcome. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and using her again.

S Gray, Worcester

After two treatments by Stephanie it was gone! No sign of the verruca on my heel at all. Everybody asks does it hurt. Yes, it does for a very short time. Pay affects people in different ways, for me it was so worthwhile that if I had another verrucae, I would be straight in to see Stephanie. The Swift microwave therapy causes a very short burst of pain, which makes one jump, but is over in seconds. It is no worse than needling. As the treatment progresses the discomfort level decreases to the point where at the end, I could hardly feel it. It really is no big deal ad I would recommend SO Podiatry and the Swift microwave treatment to anyone.

JRW

My 13yr old son first saw Stephanie for a biomechanics appointment. He had frequent calf strains/pulls, and had been injured for 8 weeks. As well as prescribing some insoles, Stephanie recommended specific strengthening exercises. He is now back to playing football 4 times a week, stronger than ever!

Mrs N Parkin

Six months ago I visited So Podiatry and Steph was absolutely amazing in assessing my stance, posture, walking and running gait and then arranging for my custom orthotic insoles to be made by a leading UK supplier. She was informative, knowledgeable and communicative throughout, and I felt that the service was excellent value for money. The orthotics are amazingly comfortable and it took no time at all to get used to wearing them. I recently ran my first marathon, Steph’s advice, treatment and the custom made orthotics made all the difference.

Neil Dixon, Worcester

I’ve been coming to Steph for over a year now for toenail reconstruction and I can’t thank her enough for giving me my confidence back. My toenails have been damaged for years and I’ve always hidden my feet and felt self conscious about them but she’s made it possible for me to have them on show again and I’m so happy.

Miss C Parker

28 Foregate Street Worcester WR1 1DS

Contact us to discuss treatments and appointments. Booking is advisable but short notice appointments may be available.
Appointments that are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, or if you fail to attend, the standard fees will be charged.

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