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.
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!
I can't recommend Nim enough - she isn't just a shockwave therapist (which is an amazing type of therapy in itself) but she's also a very practised and knowledgeable physiotherapist. I've been to conventional physio (both private and on the NHS) and nothing has looked at actually solving the problem that causes the pain, leading to a worsening condition of the joint itself and ever increasing pain. Nim has stopped all of that, and been able to use a holistic approach and combine it with shockwave and her specialist knowledge to treat the problem, not just the symptoms. I regret the years spent with other treatments and wish I had found her sooner!
I have known Nim now for two years and her treatment and expertise with her shock wave machine has been exceptionally good. First and foremost, Nim is very knowledgeable about her profession with vast experience in the areas of physiotherapy and shock wave treatment. More recently I have been treated with various problems on my legs mainly tendonopathy/tendonosis around my Achilles and hamstrings /thighs. The treatment is excellent, Nim explains the problems clearly and offers advice and consultation throughout the two months I’ve been seeing her. I’m very grateful as I have had pain for several years and can finally see a path forward without pain. I can highly recommend her and her treatment/facilities!! And thank you Nim!
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
