Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, providing pain relief, promoting tendon healing, and improving overall function with faster recovery times.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and activity modification, it provides a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of Achilles tendinopathy.
Early treatment with fSWT can potentially prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is a condition characterised by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the body that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse, repetitive stress, biomechanical issues, or degenerative changes in the tendon can often cause an Achilles tendinopathy.
If you think you have an Achilles tendinopathy 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 Achilles Tendinopathy
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Breaks down fibrotic tissue and calcifications
- Improves tendon 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 Achilles Tendinopathy
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. 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 tendinopathy.
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 Achilles Tendinopathy
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
The therapy promotes faster healing of the Achilles tendon, often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.
Long Lasting Results
By addressing the root causes of Achilles tendinopathy, focused shockwave therapy combined with physiotherapy provides long-term relief and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating Achilles tendinopathy, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Quick return to active work or lifestyle
For individuals with a high level of physical activity who need to return to training or work quickly and the condition is interfering with their performance.
Condition rapidly worsening
If there are signs that the tendinopathy is worsening rapidly, such as increasing pain, swelling, or stiffness, despite initial treatment.
Severe pain is limiting activity
If the pain is severe enough to significantly limit daily activities and traditional treatments have not provided adequate relief after a few weeks.
History of chronic tendinopathy
For individuals with a history of chronic Achilles tendinopathy or multiple recurrences as they might be at higher risk for prolonged or repeated issues.
Degenerative changes or calcification
If imaging investigations (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) reveal degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon (tendinosis) or calcifications.
To avoid surgery
For clients who want to avoid surgery or are not candidates for surgical intervention.
Early use of focused shockwave therapy can reduce pain and stimulate tendon healing, preventing progression to chronic tendinopathy.
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.
