No referral is required. However, it is important to ensure that there is a clear diagnosis and that shock wave therapy is an appropriate treatment for your condition. We suggest booking a standard consultation with our osteopaths and they can determine if this is the right procedure for you. We do, however, accept referrals from other medical and allied health professionals.

• Your clinician will locate the area of pain through palpation. This area will then be marked, and some ultrasound gel will be applied.

• The shockwave impulses are delivered using a handpiece. It takes about five minutes to deliver a single treatment. This is generally said to be uncomfortable (rather than painful) and is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The dose/intensity of the shocks can be turned up or down to make the procedure more tolerable.

• This process is generally repeated a total of three times - with a week between treatments. Some patients note an immediate improvement in their pain; however, the best results occur 12 weeks after the initial treatment.

• Depending on the site and severity of your condition, shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable. However, almost everyone can tolerate the treatment.

Shockwave therapy treatments usually last between 3 to 5 minutes. If your Osteopath believes it is necessary, they may also add Osteopathic techniques into your treatment plan.

In some cases, e.g. those with Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis, shockwave is more effective than three months of traditional rehabilitation. Some patients note an immediate improvement in their pain; however, the best results occur 12 weeks after the initial treatment.

8 or 9 out of 10 patients will experience significant relief of symptoms within 3 – 5 treatments.

The procedure is generally said to be uncomfortable (rather than painful) and is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. However, in some situations, it can be quite unpleasant. Our team will work with you to try to minimise any pain or discomfort. Other than the pain felt during the procedure, the most common other side effect is local bruising or occasionally abrasions.

The short answer is- not much. It’s possible that you may feel some discomfort following the treatment. Simple strategies such as rest and paracetamol may be helpful. Do not take anti-inflammatories (such as Nurofen or Voltaren), as these may interfere with the healing process kickstarted by the Shockwave therapy. Similarly, avoid icing the area. It’s also advisable to rest from aggravating activities for 2-3 days following each session.

N‍ot all shockwave is the same

It is important to realise that not all shockwave machines are the same and that your treatment is conducted in line with international best practices. Our Swiss Dolorclast machines have robust clinical data to support their use.

A recent bench* test comparison study between the EMS DolorClast® Radial Shock Waves and the Storz MASTERPULS® 200 ultra demonstrates significant differences in energy output at higher frequency settings.

* Reinhardt N, Wegenaer J, de la Fuente M. Influence of the pulse repetition rate on the acoustic output of ballistic pressure wave devices. Sci Rep 2022;12(1):18060.

Shockwave cannot be used in the following groups of people:

• Pregnant women

• Children under the age of 18 years, except in the case of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease

• People with blood clotting disorders

• People on blood thinners

• Treatment of tissue with local tumours or local bacterial and/or viral infections

• Treatment of patients who have used cortisone within preceding six weeks

Yes, radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, particularly in cases where conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition characterized by pain, swelling, and impaired function of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can be classified into two types: insertional (affecting the tendon’s attachment to the heel bone) and mid-portion (affecting the tendon 2–6 cm above the heel).

RSWT is a non-invasive therapy that delivers acoustic shockwaves to the affected area, promoting tissue regeneration, enhancing blood flow, and reducing inflammation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that RSWT can lead to significant improvements in pain and function for patients with both insertional and mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. For instance, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that RSWT was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

At Movement Mechanics, we incorporate RSWT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs. This approach may include manual therapy, personalized exercise programs, and other modalities to address the underlying causes of tendon dysfunction and facilitate recovery.

If you’re experiencing persistent Achilles tendon pain, RSWT could be a beneficial component of your treatment strategy. We recommend consulting with our experienced practitioners to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific condition.

Yes, shock wave therapy has been shown to help relieve pain and improve function in people with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), especially when the condition is chronic and hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Shock wave therapy—also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)—works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area. This stimulates blood flow, promotes tendon healing, reduces inflammation, and can help break down scar tissue.

Clinical studies support its use. In a published studies patients with tennis elbow responded positively to shockwave therapy, reporting better pain relief and higher satisfaction. While results can vary, many patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms after a course of treatment.

Shock wave therapy is non-invasive, has minimal side effects, and is typically performed in multiple short sessions over a few weeks. It’s often recommended when rest, physiotherapy, or injections haven’t been effective.

If you’re dealing with persistent tennis elbow, shock wave therapy may be a worthwhile option to discuss with your healthcare provider.