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.
Received 6 weeks treat on shoulder and I was very pleased with the outcome, Nim gave me guidance on further work after treatment which to strengthen both shoulders next and hips.
Excellent!!!!
I first found Nim and her Shockwaves treatment in 2020 when I had severe Plantar Fasciitis in one foot - I couldn’t walk at all, it was horrendous. She had me back on my feet with Shockwaves treatment and specially made insoles.
Then last October I had a bad fall and broke two vertebrae in my upper back and damaged the surrounding muscles - I was in total agony. Thankfully I was able to see Nim, and after having Shockwaves treatment for a few weeks the pain was more or less gone. She also gave me stretching exercises etc.
I will always return to Nim whenever I need to. I say she has “magic hands” as she finds the problem immediately and her massages are second to none!
I highly recommend her as she’s also a really lovely person.
I am delighted with the results on my Dupuytren's nodule. After 5 sessions of shockwave therapy with Nim, the nodule in my hand has reduced to a fraction of its size, it is no longer painful and is not pulling my finger in. It was a massive relief to find a treatment that can be done early for this condition and without the need for invasive painful surgery, injections or radiation. Several weeks after the treatment finished it is still continuing to improve. Shockwave therapy does feels a bit strange and uncomfortable at first but you very quickly get used to it and I had no ill effects from the treatment. I can highly recommend Nim and shockwave therapy.
I’ve been seeing Nim since 2019 for various badminton-related injuries, and I can’t recommend her enough! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but she always takes the time to explain exactly what she’s doing and why. I really appreciate her approach—she believes that the more you know, the better you can take care of yourself, and I’ve learned so much from her over the years.
Nim is also a shockwave treatment specialist, and I’ve recommended her to many of my badminton colleagues, especially those who could benefit from this particular therapy. Her friendly demeanor combined with her expertise makes every session comfortable and effective. If you’re in need of physiotherapy or considering shockwave treatment, Nim is definitely the person to see!
My Morton's Neuroma : NHS cortisone injections made no difference to my painful stiff and inflamed foot pad. I did not want surgery so found Shockwave and Nim. She gave me a very thorough examination and identified issues with my spine and hips that did not help. After a series of Shockwave treatments and advice on stretching, my right foot improved becoming soft and much less painful. I decided to have a follow up series of treatment this summer. Although not cured, compared to 2 years ago when I could not walk for more than 10 minutes if at all, I can now be on my feet wslking for hours. Plus the stretching advice and motivation has helped with my hip mobility too.
