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Shockwave Therapy Limerick

Mid West Physiotherapy, Castletroy, provides advanced shockwave therapy in Limerick.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses acoustic waves (shockwaves) to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain, inflammation, or soft tissue injuries.

The treatment involves a device called a shockwave machine. The physiotherapist carefully calibrates the machine to suit the specific injury. They then press the machine’s applicator against the skin, directing the shockwaves throughout affected area.

Shockwave therapy is clinically proven to be an excellent treatment option for many common painful conditions, helping to alleviate pain and speed up recovery.

Common Shockwave Uses

  • Soft tissue injuries (e.g. strains, sprains, tears)
  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Shin splints
  • Hip bursiitis
  • Trigger points
  • Scar tissue
  • Non-healing fractures
  • And more…

Latest Shockwave Technology

Our shockwave machine, purchased in 2024, features the most up-to-date radial shockwave technology for optimum power and results. It is faster and more comfortable than older models, thereby enhancing the treatment experience for patients.

Our physiotherapists are trained and skilled shockwave practitioners, and they take great care in tailoring the shockwave treatment precisely to your injury and comfort requirements.

We have outlined the most common questions in our FAQ section below, but if you have any other queries we would be delighted to answer them for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shockwave therapy?

“Radial shockwave therapy” is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses acoustic waves (shockwaves) to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain, inflammation, or soft tissue injuries.

Radial shockwave therapy is primarily used for pain relief and to stimulate healing in conditions involving tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.

The treatment involves a device called a shockwave machine. The physiotherapist carefully calibrates the machine to suit the specific injury. They then press the machine’s applicator against the skin, directing healing ‘shockwaves’ throughout affected area.

Shockwaves are high-energy sound waves that are generated outside the body and directed into the affected area. These waves create micro-trauma, which stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by increasing blood circulation, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation. The treatment also helps in breaking down calcified tissues and increasing cellular activity.

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?

Radial shockwave therapy is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain, inflammation, or soft tissue injuries.

Examples include:

  • Tendinopathies:  Like tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and patellar tendonitis.
  • Plantar fasciitis:  Heel pain caused by inflammation of the fascia tissue under the foot.
  • Shin splints: Pain along the shin bone, often due to stress or overuse.
  • Hip bursitis:  Inflammation of the bursae around the hip joint.
  • Calcific tendonitis:  Calcium deposits in tendons, particularly in the shoulder, causing pain and limited mobility.
  • Trigger points:  Irritable spots or “knots” in muscles that cause pain.
  • Scar tissue:  Lumpy, tight or slow-healing adhesions from injuries or surgeries.
  • Non-healing fractures:  Some types of bone fractures that don’t heal on their own.
Who is shockwave therapy suitable for?

Radial shockwave therapy is suitable for people with various chronic musculoskeletal conditions, especially those who haven’t responded well to other physiotherapy interventions, or prescribed medications and rest.

It is a non-invasive treatment that can speed up healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Typical patients in our clinic include:

    1. Athletes with recurrent or prolonged injuries
    2. People living with chronic pain due to underlying musculoskeletal issues
    3. People with soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tears)
    4. People who are post-surgery and are seeking to alleviate scar tissue or improve mobility
    5. Older adults with persistent musculoskeletal discomfort or mobility issues
Who is shockwave therapy not suitable for?

Radial shockwave therapy is generally safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Certain individuals or conditions may require caution or exclusion from treatment due to potential risks or complications:

  1. Pregnancy:  The effects of shockwave therapy on pregnancy are not well-studied, so it’s generally avoided during pregnancy.
  2. People with blood clotting disorders:  Those with conditions like hemophilia or those taking anticoagulant medications (e.g. blood thinners) may be at risk of excessive bruising or bleeding.
  3. Individuals with active infections or open wounds:  Shockwave therapy should not be applied to areas with infections, open wounds, or skin lesions, as it can worsen the condition.
  4. Patients with malignant tumours in the treatment area:  Shockwave should strictly be avoided.
  5. People with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices:  Shockwave therapy may interfere with the functioning of devices like pacemakers or other electrical implants.
  6. Children and young adolescents:  Since their bones and tissues are still developing, shockwave therapy might not be suitable for younger patients, especially for growth plate areas in bones.
  7. Those with acute inflammation or acute injuries:  Shockwave therapy is more suitable for chronic conditions. Applying it to acute (fresh) injuries can exacerbate pain or swelling.
  8. Individuals with nerve or circulation disorders:  If someone has impaired sensation, poor circulation, or nerve damage in the area to be treated, shockwave therapy might not be appropriate.

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition to determine whether shockwave therapy is a safe and suitable treatment option for you.

What does a shockwave treatment feel like?

During a radial shockwave therapy session, the sensations experienced can vary from person to person, depending on factors like pain tolerance and the condition being treated.

Here’s what most people describe feeling:

  1. Pulsing or tapping:  The shockwave device delivers rapid pulses of energy to the affected area. This often feels like a rapid rhythmic tapping or vibrating against the skin and underlying tissue.
  2. Mild to moderate discomfort:  Some individuals may experience mild to moderate discomfort, especially when treating areas with existing pain or inflammation, like the heel for plantar fasciitis or an injured tendon. The level of discomfort typically decreases as the treatment progresses, as shockwave therapy often desensitises the area.
  3. Pressure or tightness:  As the sound waves penetrate the tissue, a sense of pressure or tightness may be felt around the treatment site, but this is usually tolerable.

What to expect after the treatment:

  • Warmth or redness:  There might be temporary redness or a feeling of warmth in the treated area due to increased blood flow.
  • Pain relief:  Some people experience immediate pain relief, while for others, it may take a few sessions to notice improvement.
  • Mild soreness:  Mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area is common after a session, similar to post-exercise soreness. This usually fades within a few days.

Shockwave therapy is generally well tolerated, and any discomfort is typically brief and manageable. The intensity of the treatment can often be adjusted by the physiotherapist to suit the patient’s comfort level.

How long does a shockwave treatment take?

A typical shockwave treatment takes around 15 minutes. The exact duration depends on the specific condition being treated, the size of the treatment area, and the intensity of the therapy.

Breakdown of the session:

  • Preparation:  The practitioner locates the treatment area and applies a gel to improve contact between the device and the skin.
  • Treatment:  The shockwave device is applied to the targeted area, delivering pulses. This typically lasts around 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the area and severity of the condition.
  • Post-treatment:  Aftercare, such as gentle massage or advice on stretching or icing the area, may follow.

Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions over several weeks for optimal results.

When should I expect to feel results?

Results from radial shockwave therapy can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated, but most people begin to notice improvements within a few weeks. Here’s a general timeline for what to expect:

Immediate to short-term:

  • After the first session:  Some people may feel mild pain relief or reduced discomfort right away, but this is not typical for everyone.
  • After 2-3 sessions:  Most people start noticing significant improvements in pain, mobility, and function around this point. In some cases, pain may temporarily increase before it improves due to the body’s healing response.

Long-term:

  • After 4-6 weeks:  Many people experience substantial pain relief and healing benefits by this time, with continued improvement even after the treatment sessions have ended.
  • Full benefits:  For some, complete healing and maximum results may take 8-12 weeks as the body continues to repair tissues after the treatment is completed.

Radial shockwave therapy works by stimulating long-term healing, so results often build up gradually with multiple sessions.

How much does it cost?

There is no additional charge for shockwave therapy when it is incorporated into a standard physiotherapy appointment.

 

Stand-alone appointments for shockwave therapy are charged at €50.00 per session.