Suffering from aches and pains can be debilitating and affect your enjoyment of everyday activities, such as walking, which can be frustrating.
Why you might need it
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is an exciting new non-invasive procedure for treatment of plantar fasciitis and tendon problems.
The sound waves promoted during the treatment stimulate healing for many physical disorders including plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and Achilles tendonitis.
What's the advantage of ESWT?
- No anaesthesia
- Non invasive
- No medication
- No surgery
- Fast treatment - 30 minutes per session, 3-4 sessions required
- Fewer complications
- Virtually painless after treatment
- Quick recovery and quick results
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
All of our specialists are of the highest standard and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our specialists often hold NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
The procedure
- A shockwave is generated in the hand piece
- The shockwave is delivered to the tissue via a compressed air impulse exerted by the hand piece
- The shockwave radiates out, extending to the entire area where pain occurs
- Usually no more than 3-4 sessions are needed
- Per session: approximately 2,000 impulses at 2.5 bars and 4000 impulses for trigger point treatment
- No anaesthetic is required
- No surgery or other therapy is required and treatment can usually start straight away
Aftercare
ESWT is carried out in an outpatient’s environment and requires no injections, medication or surgery; therefore you can expect to be home the same day. Patients often require one to three sessions at short intervals. However your consultant will advise you individually as per your case.
Most patients find considerable relief from shoulder pain, heel pain or Achilles tendon in just eight to ten days following the first application.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.