Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Non-Union Fractures
Is your recovery from a fracture taking longer than expected? If your latest X-ray shows that your bone isn't healing, you may be dealing with a non-union.
Our specialist London clinic provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) for clients across London and nationwide, to restart the biological repair process in slow-healing fractures and stress injuries.
When a fracture fails to heal within the expected timeframe, it is classified as a delayed union or a non-union. This can often lead to suggestions of surgery or bone grafts.
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative that uses high-energy acoustic pulses to stimulate the bone-building cells at the fracture site.
Book your free phone consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is A Non-Union?
A non-union occurs when the body stops the repair process before the bone is fully bridged. This can happen due to poor blood supply, excessive movement at the site, or metabolic factors.
Non-union fractures are fractures that fail to heal properly after a significant amount of time, typically six to nine months. They may cause persistent pain, disability, and a significant reduction in the quality of life.
As bone tissue sits deep beneath layers of muscle, effective treatment relies on accurate energy delivery. Focused shockwave enables us to target the bone directly, stimulating the body’s natural regenerative response.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying the Cause of Bone Pain
When a bone is slow to heal or fails to unite, it’s important to rule out other conditions that may present in a similar way:
- Stress Fractures: Overuse injuries where the bone develops small cracks due to repeated loading, rather than a single traumatic break.
- Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause intense joint pain and swelling, sometimes mimicking a fracture - particularly in the foot or hand.
Not sure which condition is causing you pain and would like some advice?
Book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
See all conditions we treat to learn how fSWT can help.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Non-Union Fractures
- Stimulates bone healing
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Promotes bone formation
- Stimulates cellular repair
Learn more about shockwave therapy and the difference between focused and radial shockwave therapy.
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Non-Union Fractures
With many years experience in treating non-union fractures for clients in Richmond, across London, and nationwide, we personalise every treatment plan to align with your symptoms and outcome goals.
Typical Course
- Starts with 5–8 sessions, usually once per week.
- The exact number of sessions will depend on the severity of your condition and response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
- Shockwave intensity and frequency are adjusted to your pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
- Most clients can continue normal activities immediately.
- Reduction in high-impact activity is advised during the first few sessions of the treatment plan.
Post-Treatment Sensation
- Mild soreness or swelling may occur, usually resolving within a few days.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your condition. Learn more about what to expect from focused shockwave therapy and view a full breakdown of clinic fees on our prices page.
Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy for Non-Union Fractures
Surgical Alternative
Focused shockwave therapy has high success rates in treating non-unions, often removing the need for invasive surgery, metalwork, or bone grafts.
Effective for Stress Fractures
Highly successful in treating overuse stress fractures (common in runners' shins and feet) that have failed to settle with rest.
Non-Invasive
No incisions, no risk of hospital-acquired infections, and no need for general anaesthesia.
Precision Depth Control
We use specific technology to ensure the energy is focused exactly at the fracture site.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Non-Union Fractures
Delayed union
If your 3-month or 6-month X-ray shows little to no progress in bone bridging.
Persistent pain at fracture site
If you still experience a sharp, pinpoint ache when weight-bearing or touching the site of the fracture.
Chronic stress fractures
Especially in the metatarsals (foot) or tibia (shin) that keep recurring.
Post-surgical stagnation
If you have had internal fixation (pins/plates) but the bone hasn't yet knitted around the hardware.
Early use of shockwave therapy can stimulate bone growth, improve blood circulation, and enhance the activity of osteoblasts, promoting callus formation and ultimately accelerating the healing process to prevent the need for surgical intervention.
FAQs –Non-Union Fractures & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Can it really heal a bone that has stopped mending?
A: Yes. Clinical studies show that focused shockwave can have success rates comparable to surgery for certain types of non-unions (especially hypertrophic non-unions), as it provides the biological stimulus the bone needs to bridge the gap.
Q: Is it painful to have shockwave on a fracture?
A: Because we are dealing with a bone injury, you will feel a deep, pulsing sensation. We work closely with your feedback to ensure the energy is at a therapeutic level while remaining manageable for you.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Bone healing is a slower process than soft tissue repair. We typically recommend at least 5 to 8 sessions, usually spaced one week apart, with follow-up X-rays often suggested after the course is complete.
Q: Can I use it if I have metal plates or screws in my bone?
A: Yes. Focused shockwave can safely be used in the presence of metal hardware to help the bone heal around the fixations.
For more answers to common questions, see our FAQs page
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Our Specialist Focused Shockwave Clinic
Be Vibrant Physio is a leading UK provider of advanced Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (F-ESWT).
Based in Richmond, London, our clinic is a specialist hub equipped with world-class Storz Medical technology.
We routinely welcome clients from across Greater London, the UK, and international visitors seeking expert clinical protocols.
Situated a short walk from Richmond Station, we are easily accessible via the District Line, Overground, and National Rail, with 90 minutes of complimentary parking available nearby.
After 2.5 years of problems with my collarbone, the shockwaves helped me immensely. Nim was great and very professional throughout - before and after pics!
I was unable to play tennis due to hamstring tendinopathy for many months and it did not improve until I had a course of shockwave treatments which have been very successful. Nim is very pleasant and is genuinely interested and enthusiastic about seeing an improvement in your condition. She is very knowledgeable and information and advice she gives is always based on up to date research.
I was recommended focused shockwave therapy for a hamstring tendinopathy that had not been resolved through traditional physio. I found Nim, and her treatment has been excellent. After years of pain, I am delighted with the results. She is so knowledgeable and I've learnt a lot from her. How I approach sports training has changed forever for the good! She is also a lovely and interesting person to talk to: I always learned something new in each treatment session.
It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.
I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!
