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.

Nim's magic machine (focused shockwave) is nothing less than miraculous. I first saw Nim 2 years ago with 3 lumbar herniated and degenerated discs, degenerated facets joints and invertebratal endplate degeneration (all confirmed by MRI). The only option I was being offered was spinal fusion once I was in a wheelchair. I had just 6 sessions and I was completely cured and returned to my weightlifting. 2 years later and an accident at work and unfortunately I had new sciatica pain and a new MRI. The MRI confirned a recurring disc protrusion pressing on a nerve and I was pretty much bedridden and in extreme pain. HOWEVER, the new MRI confirmed that one of discs Nim had previously treated was now perfect and rehydrated, the facet joints were normal, the stenosis was cured and the end plates were now only "mildly" degenerated (and the others were cured). To my mind this is absolute scientific, MRI proven testimony to the effectiveness of shockwave. Nim and I are now on our 5th session and I've gone from extreme pain, unable to even wash myself, and lying on the clinic floor crying out in agony (despite very strong painkillers), to being up and about and walking each day. I'm hoping to be back to normal after a few more sessions. For anyone with disc issues seeking to avoid surgery, I can't recommend Nim highly enough! Thanks Nim!
I just recently finished treatment with Nim after suffering with plantar fasciitis and then just as I was due to begin treatment, I unfortunately sprained my foot. Nim’s knowledge and guidance was invaluable and her focused shockwave machine, a godsend. Nim was so supportive and approachable for me in a time that I found difficult both physically and mentally and she was a wonder to work with! After extensive research into other, perhaps less costly options for plantar fasciitis, I decided to bite the bullet after seeing so many great reviews and I’m so glad that I did, I’d never look back now! The treatment has delivered results even better than I could have hoped! Thank you so much Nim !
I play semi-professional cricket and was struggling with a tennis elbow injury. At first, I wasn’t sure if treatment would work, but after receiving care from NIM, I’m genuinely impressed with the results. She guided me with confidence, which really helped boost my own belief in the recovery process.
After just four weeks, the improvement was remarkable. I’m now back playing cricket pain-free. I truly appreciate her support and expertise — highly recommended! Coming from Manchester every week definitely worth for me .
Thank you so much, NIM!
I've been struggling with quadricep tendinopathy for some time, and after receiving shockwave therapy from Nim, I’ve finally been cured! Her treatment was professional, effective, and tailored to my needs. I'm now pain-free, I highly recommend her expertise!
I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain and sciatica for years, and after trying countless treatments, I finally found real relief here. Nim has been fantastic from start to finish — professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. I recently had a series of shockwave therapy sessions combined with physiotherapy, and the results have been impressive. I’ve noticed a real reduction in pain and stiffness, and I’m finally able to move more freely again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with long-term back issues!