Shockwave Therapy for a Meniscus Tear
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an a non-invasive treatment option for meniscus tears, particularly in cases where clients are seeking a faster recovery time, or to avoid surgery if possible, or if traditional treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
By promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain, shockwave therapy can help clients recover more quickly and return to their daily activities.
While shockwave therapy may be effective for smaller, less severe tears, larger or more complex tears (e.g., those involving significant displacement of the meniscus) might still require surgical intervention.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is a Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). Symptoms of a meniscus tear include: Pain, particularly when twisting or rotating the knee, swelling, stiffness, difficulty fully extending the knee, or a popping sensation at the time of injury.
A tear in the meniscus is a common injury and can occur due to:
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Trauma
Involving a high impact injury directly to the knee.
Sudden Twisting Movements
Often seen with a planted foot.
Degeneration
Wear and tear over time, leading to a more gradual onset of pain.
If you think you have a meniscus tear and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats a Meniscus Tear
- Promotes healing and tissues repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Breaks down fibrotic tissue
- Improves function and mobility
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 a Meniscus Tear
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for a meniscus tear usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for a Meniscus Tear
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions, improving their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Accelerated Healing
Shockwave therapy promotes faster healing, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments like surgery in some cases.
Improved Functionality
Many clients experience improved knee function and a return to normal activities
with less discomfort.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating a meniscus tear, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for a Meniscus Tear
Fast recovery
For those who want a faster recovery time to enable returning to their activities quicker.
Degenerative or osteoarthritis
In cases of degenerative meniscus tears often seen in older adults or individuals with osteoarthritis.
Contributory factors
If the meniscus tear is accompanied by issues such as tendinopathy, muscle strain, or myofascial pain around the knee joint.
To avoid surgery
For clients who wish to avoid additional surgical procedures or are not candidates for surgery due to medical reasons.
Persistent symptoms
If a meniscus tear leads to chronic pain or persistent symptoms that have not improved after several months of traditional treatment (e.g., rest, anti-inflammatory medications).
After surgery
After meniscus surgery (e.g., partial meniscectomy or meniscus repair), fSWT can be considered during rehabilitation to enhance recovery.
Focused shockwave therapy applied early can stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in and around the meniscus, helping to manage pain and support recovery.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
