FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR MSK CONDITIONS
At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide focused shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions using advanced STORZ shockwave technology. Focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers targeted acoustic energy to specific areas of pain or tissue dysfunction.
It may be considered for a range of persistent tendon, muscle and other musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when symptoms have not improved sufficiently with conventional treatment. Following a clinical assessment, our clinicians can determine whether focused shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition and discuss what you can expect from treatment.
What Is Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Focused shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to deliver energy to a targeted area of the body. Focused shockwaves can be directed towards a specific depth and location.
This makes focused shockwave therapy particularly useful when the clinician needs to target a deeper or more precisely defined area of musculoskeletal pain.
At Alton Pain Clinic, we use STORZ Medical technology to deliver focused shockwave treatment. Treatment parameters can be adjusted according to the condition being treated and your individual response.
What Conditions Can Focused Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Depending on your assessment, conditions that may be considered include:
- Tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calcific tendinopathy
- Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
- Chronic tendon pain
- Certain persistent muscle and soft-tissue conditions
Not every MSK condition responds to shockwave therapy, and treatment is not appropriate for everyone. A clinical assessment is important to establish the likely cause of your symptoms and whether focused shockwave therapy is suitable.
How Does Focused Shockwave Therapy Work?
Focused shockwave therapy delivers acoustic energy into the affected tissues. The treatment is intended to stimulate a biological response within the targeted area.
Depending on the condition, this may help support the body’s natural tissue-healing processes, influence pain signalling and improve the function of affected tissues.
The exact response varies depending on the condition being treated, how long you have had symptoms and individual factors.
Why Does Alton Pain Clinic Use STORZ Shockwave Technology?
Alton Pain Clinic uses STORZ shockwave technology for focused shockwave treatments.
The equipment allows the clinician to deliver focused acoustic energy to the selected treatment area and adjust treatment parameters according to the individual and the condition being treated.
Our approach is centred on clinical assessment and targeted treatment. Rather than using the same treatment protocol for every patient, your clinician will consider your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment goals when planning your care.
Focused Shockwave Therapy Price
The cost of focused shockwave therapy at Alton Pain Clinic depends on your individual treatment plan and the number of sessions recommended.
Following your clinical assessment, your clinician will discuss the recommended course of treatment and confirm the associated costs before you proceed.
Focused Shockwave Therapy: £250 per session
For further information about treatment costs or to arrange an assessment, contact Alton Pain Clinic.
What Happens During Focused Shockwave Treatment?
Before treatment, you will have a clinical assessment to establish the likely cause of your symptoms and determine whether focused shockwave therapy is appropriate.
During the treatment:
- You will be positioned comfortably so that the affected area can be accessed.
- The treatment area will be identified and prepared.
- The shockwave applicator will be placed against the skin.
- Focused acoustic waves will be delivered to the selected area.
- Treatment settings can be adjusted according to your condition and tolerance.
You may feel pressure, tapping or discomfort during treatment. The intensity can be adjusted where appropriate to make the treatment as comfortable as possible while maintaining an appropriate treatment level.
The length and number of sessions will depend on your condition and individual treatment plan.
How Many Focused Shockwave Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments required varies depending on the condition being treated and how you respond.
A course of treatment may involve several sessions rather than a single treatment. Your clinician will discuss the recommended treatment schedule with you following your assessment.
What Are the Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Depending on the condition being treated, potential benefits may include:
- A non-invasive treatment option for persistent MSK pain
- Targeted delivery of acoustic energy
- The ability to treat certain deeper tissues
- Potential improvement in pain and function
- No surgical incision or general anaesthetic
Results vary between individuals, and focused shockwave therapy does not guarantee pain relief or recovery.
What Happens After Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Most patients can return to their usual activities after treatment, although this can depend on the condition being treated and the treatment intensity used.
You may experience temporary tenderness or soreness in the treated area. Your clinician will advise you about activity levels and any exercises that may be appropriate.
If you experience unexpected or significant symptoms following treatment, contact your clinician for advice.
Is Focused Shockwave Therapy Suitable for Everyone?
Focused shockwave therapy is not suitable for every patient or every type of MSK pain.
Your clinician will consider factors such as:
- The underlying cause of your symptoms
- The location and depth of the affected tissue
- How long you have had the condition
- Previous treatments
- Your general health and medical history
- Any factors that may make shockwave treatment unsuitable
A clinical assessment allows your clinician to determine whether focused shockwave therapy is an appropriate option for you.
What Our Patients Say
Your Care Pathway with us
- To book an appointment you can call our normal reception line, 0142084487, email direct to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or click the button given below.
- Complete MSK Examination and testing.
- Detailed MSK ultrasound scan.
- Discussion of your treatment plan; Treatment Plans can include Arthrosamid Injections, Cortisone Injection and Hyaluronic acid injection.
Focused Shockwave Therapy at Alton Pain Clinic
Our treatment begins with a clinical assessment rather than simply treating the location of your pain. This helps us understand the likely underlying problem and determine whether focused shockwave therapy is an appropriate option.
If you have persistent tendon, muscle or other musculoskeletal pain and would like to find out whether focused shockwave therapy could be suitable for you, contact Alton Pain Clinic to arrange an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is focused shockwave therapy?
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic energy to treat selected musculoskeletal conditions. The energy can be directed towards a specific area and depth within the affected tissue.
What is focused shockwave therapy used for?
It may be used for selected persistent tendon and musculoskeletal conditions, including certain cases of Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, calcific tendinopathy and other chronic soft-tissue problems.
What shockwave machine does Alton Pain Clinic use?
Alton Pain Clinic uses STORZ shockwave technology for focused shockwave treatments.
How long does a focused shockwave session take?
Treatment time varies depending on the condition and area being treated. Your clinician will explain the expected duration and treatment schedule during your assessment.
Does focused shockwave therapy work for chronic tendon pain?
Focused shockwave therapy may be considered for some persistent tendon conditions. Whether it is appropriate depends on the underlying diagnosis, severity and duration of your symptoms.