If you’re looking for Shockwave Therapy in Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh or the wider Hampshire area, you’re not alone. Many people come to goPhysio when they’ve been struggling with long-standing tendon, muscle or joint pain that just won’t go away. Shockwave Therapy is a safe, evidence-based treatment that can help speed up recovery and reduce pain – even when other treatments haven’t worked.
To help you understand exactly what’s involved, our expert team have answered the most common Shockwave Therapy questions we get asked in clinic. From how much it costs, to how many sessions you might need, this guide will help you decide whether Shockwave Therapy could be the right next step for your recovery.
Q: What is Shockwave Therapy?
A: Shockwave Therapy is a ‘non-invasive’ treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve function in musculoskeletal conditions. Radial
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (r-ESWT) is an evidence-based treatment that involves passing low energy pressure waves into damaged tissues to increase blood flow and stimulate repair whilst reducing pain and allowing your body to restart its own natural healing process.
Q: How does it work?
A: The shockwaves produced by the machine stimulate blood flow and cellular activity in the affected area, encouraging the body’s natural healing processes.
Q: What are radial shockwaves?
A: Shockwave therapy has been used since the 1980’s for the non-surgical treatment of kidney stones, fast forward 40 years and its now used to treat many areas of the body.
Radial shockwaves are low energy pressure waves that are delivered into damaged tissues such as tendons and muscle, this increases blood flow, has an analgesic (pain killing) effect and stimulates the body’s natural repair and regeneration processes.
Q: What conditions can Shockwave Therapy help with?
A: It is commonly used for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, calcific tendinitis, Achilles tendonopathies, and chronic muscle pain. It is particularly useful in treating, long term, stubborn injuries, often when other treatments haven’t worked or you are looking at facing an injection or surgery.
Q: Is this treatment suitable for my specific condition?
A: Each case is unique, and your clinician will assess whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate during your first appointment.
Q: Who uses Shockwave Therapy treatment?
This treatment is widely used in physiotherapy, podiatry, osteopathy, sports medicine and orthopaedics to provide fast pain relief and increased mobility. Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven, recognised by the top orthopaedic hospitals and used by high-profile professional sports bodies.
Q: What happens during a treatment session?
A: A gel is applied to the skin, and a handheld device delivers pulses of energy to the affected area. Sessions typically last 5–15 minutes. They will be combined with other treatments from your therapist such as exercises and tailored advice.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Most patients require 3–6 sessions, spaced one week apart, but this can vary depending on the condition. A minimum of 3 sessions is recommended.
Q: Why are a minimum of three sessions recommended for Shockwave Therapy?
A: Shockwave Therapy works by stimulating your body’s natural healing processes, but this healing takes time and consistent stimulation to achieve the best results. Here’s why three sessions are typically the minimum recommendation:
- Cumulative Effect: Each session builds on the progress of the last, gradually improving blood flow, reducing pain, and encouraging tissue repair.
- Optimal Healing Time: The body needs time to respond to the therapy. Spacing the sessions over several weeks allows your tissues to recover and regenerate effectively.
- Clinical Evidence: Studies have shown that three or more sessions are often required to achieve noticeable, lasting improvements for most conditions.
Some patients may need more sessions, depending on the severity of their condition, while others might feel relief sooner. Your clinician will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and adjust it if necessary.
Q: How successful is the treatment?
A: After only 2-3 sessions, many patients report complete pain relief or significant pain reduction. The therapy eliminates pain or restores mobility, thus improving your quality of life. In chronic conditions alone, an overall success rate ranges from 60-80% when other therapeutic treatments have been unsuccessful.
Q: Does the treatment hurt?
A: Some patients describe a mild discomfort during treatment, similar to a tapping sensation, but it is generally well tolerated and comfortable. It can also have a pain relieving effect, so your injury pain can be reduced after treatment. While some discomfort is normal, it’s generally tolerable and brief. Adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.
Q: Is there any downtime after treatment?
A: No, you can usually resume normal activities immediately, although you may experience slight soreness for a day or two in the treatment area.
Q: Is Shockwave Therapy safe?
A: Yes, Shockwave Therapy is a clinically proven, safe, and non-invasive treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions. It has NICE guidance for many conditions and is used within the NHS.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Common side effects include mild redness, swelling, or tenderness in the treated area, which usually subside within a few days.
Q: Can it cause more damage or pain?
A: When performed correctly, Shockwave Therapy does not cause further damage. Some discomfort is normal as the therapy stimulates healing.
Q: Who should not have Shockwave Therapy?
A: It is not recommended for pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders, or those with certain medical implants, such as pacemakers.
Q: What if I’ve already tried other treatments?
A: Shockwave Therapy is often effective for patients who have not responded to other treatments, making it an excellent option for long standing or stubborn conditions.
Q: How much does the treatment cost?
A: At goPhysio, we offer flexible Shockwave Therapy options so you can choose the level of support that best suits your needs and goals.
You can have a single Shockwave session or benefit from discounted packages of 3 or 6 treatments, depending on your recovery plan and clinician’s recommendation.
Prices vary slightly depending on which member of our clinical team delivers your treatment. We’ll always discuss this with you before starting so you can make an informed choice. Your clinician will recommend the most effective package for your condition to ensure you get the best results and value.
Q: Why is there an extra charge for Shockwave Therapy?
A: Shockwave Therapy is an advanced treatment that uses specialist medical technology and clinical expertise to achieve faster, longer-lasting results.
The additional cost reflects the value and precision of this therapy, including:
- Specialist Technology: We use state-of-the-art shockwave equipment designed to deliver focused energy waves that stimulate deep healing in stubborn injuries.
- Expert Clinicians: Our team have advanced training and experience in Shockwave Therapy to ensure safe, effective results tailored to you.
Enhanced Recovery: Shockwave Therapy is often introduced when standard treatments haven’t provided full recovery – helping you return to activity sooner and reduce the risk of recurrence.
You’ll have the flexibility to book a single session or choose a discounted course of 3 or 6 sessions, depending on what’s right for your condition and progress.
This additional treatment is a valuable investment in your recovery, often helping patients achieve results that other treatments alone couldn’t deliver.
Q: Is the treatment covered by insurance?
A: It depends on your provider and policy. Check with your insurer to confirm coverage for Shockwave Therapy.
Q: How do I book a session?
A: You can book online, call us directly, or schedule during your next visit.If you are already having treatment with us, please discuss Shockwave Therapy with your Therapist. If you are interested in seeing if Shockwave Therapy might help your pain or injury, the first step is to book an assessment with us.
Q: When will I start seeing results?
A: Many patients notice improvements after 1-2 sessions, but full benefits are typically seen after completing the recommended course of treatment. This is normally a minimum of 3, but it will really depend how long you have had your issue, how severe it is and if you are following other recommendations from your Therapist.
Q: Will the condition return after treatment?
A: Shockwave Therapy often provides long-term relief. However, it is crucial to address underlying factors, such as posture or activity, to prevent recurrence. This is an integral part of your treatment and care at goPhysio.
Q: What if the treatment doesn’t work for me?
A: While Shockwave Therapy has a high success rate, not all patients respond. If it’s ineffective, other treatment options can be explored.
Ready to Try Shockwave Therapy?
If you’re based in Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Southampton or nearby Hampshire areas and have been struggling with a stubborn injury, Shockwave Therapy could help you recover faster and avoid surgery or injections.
👉 Book your Shockwave Assessment today and take the first step towards lasting recovery with our expert team.
Book Online at goPhysio
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