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.
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.
I tore my rotator cuff several years ago and despite all the physio the hospital gave me and pain injections I was still left sore and frustrated. It never seemed to heal properly and exercise aggravated it. My Osteopath recommended Shock Wave Therapy.
I can safely say (without exaggeration!) that the treatment with Nim has changed my life! I booked a course and Nim explained everything really clearly, I was skeptical because nothing else had worked. I’m so grateful to Nim because I can now move freely and get back to proper exercise!
I would highly recommend Nim and the Shock Wave Therapy treatment .
I had a bad run in with sciatica earlier this year and I cannot recommend Nim enough. I couldn't sit upright or walk for more than a few minutes at a time before the pain would make me have to lie flat again, so I booked here because it was close enough to my flat that I felt like I could probably hobble over.
I'm glad I did, because Nim was fantastic. I've seen a couple of other physios a few years ago for a hamstring issue and they'd usually do a couple of sessions of massage, recommend a couple of stretches and send me off. Nim preferred to try and work out the root of my problem from the first session and came up with a treatment plan that has worked fantastically and fixed a couple of other issues that weren't bad enough for me to seek treatment. I went from bedbound with pain to being able to do normal activities pain-free, which has been a huge relief.
Thank you Nim!
As a keen tennis player, I had been suffering from painful Achilles tendinopathy with bursitis for several frustrating months.
I had spent lots of money with many physios and tried numerous treatments without much success. I was running out of ideas!
Nim’s approach to my condition was very positive, knowledgeable and caring. She explained in detail the cause of my injury and we agreed a course of treatment.
After one or two sessions with Nim’s superb Focused Shockwave Therapy machine and physio the pain had dramatically reduced.
I am now on a programme of treatments and exercises with full recovery, at last, in sight.
For Focused Shockwave Therapy and physiotherapy, I highly recommend Nim. Thank you Nim!
