RADIAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses radial pressure waves to stimulate healing in damaged or painful tissues. By increasing blood flow and triggering the body’s natural repair processes, Radial Shockwave Therapy can help to reduce pain and improve movement.
It is widely used in physiotherapy, podiatry, osteopathy, sports medicine and orthopaedics, and is supported by strong clinical evidence. Radial Shockwave Therapy is recognised by leading orthopaedic hospitals and is commonly used by professional sports organisations to aid recovery and return to activity.
Is Radial Shockwave Therapy painful?
Some discomfort can be expected during treatment, particularly when targeting sensitive or long-standing injuries. However, the level of discomfort should always be tolerable.
The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted at any time, and your therapist will regularly check in with you throughout the session. Many patients report an immediate reduction in pain following treatment due to the analgesic effect of Radial Shockwave Therapy.
Is Radial Shockwave Therapy safe?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a very safe treatment when delivered by a qualified therapist. It is supported by NICE guidance for a number of conditions and is routinely used within the NHS.
Side effects are minimal, and the treatment is considered low risk when appropriately assessed and applied.
What can Radial Shockwave Therapy be used to treat?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is particularly effective for persistent pain and long-standing tendon or soft tissue conditions, including:
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Patellar (Knee) Tendinopathy
• Gluteal Tendinopathy
• Adductor Tendinopathy
• Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
• Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow
• Distal Biceps Tendinopathy
• Calcific Tendinopathy
Your physiotherapist will assess whether Radial Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for your specific condition. To treat these kinds of conditions the research suggests that a series of 4-5 sessions is most effective. At Farr Physiotherapy we offer treatment packages that support these clinical findings. Your options will be discussed by your Therapist at your initial assessment.
Radial Shockwave Therapy is also known to provide benefits in treating muscular pain by targeting sensitive trigger points within tight or overloaded muscle tissue. The pressure waves help to improve local blood flow, reduce muscle tension and stimulate the body’s natural healing response, which can lead to a reduction in pain and stiffness. Shockwave Therapy may also help to desensitise irritated tissue, allowing muscles to relax and move more freely.
Is Radial Shockwave Therapy right for me?
When used alongside a tailored physiotherapy programme, Radial Shockwave therapy can support longer-term improvements in function and help patients return to normal daily activities with less discomfort. Radial Shockwave Therapy is often recommended when symptoms have not fully responded to exercise-based rehabilitation alone.
Radial Shockwave Therapy at Farr Physiotherapy
At Farr Physiotherapy we require all potential Radial Shockwave therapy patients to undergo an initial assessment. At this session we will discuss your injury and needs to establish whether Radial Shockwave in an appropriate treatment or whether alternative treatment options may be more suitable. If Radial Shockwave is recommended your Therapist will discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you which will include bespoke Radial Shockwave sessions alongside tailored rehabilitation exercises and additional hands on treatment if required.