Shockwave Therapy for Gout
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective treatment option for managing the pain and inflammation associated with gout, particularly in chronic cases or during flare-ups. It is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain, swelling, and redness.
Gout is characterised by:
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Sudden Onset of Severe Pain
Often in the big toe but it can affect other joints such as the ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows.
Swelling and Redness
The affected joint becomes swollen, warm, and red.
Tophi Formation
Chronic gout can lead to the development of tophi, which are hard lumps of uric acid crystals under the skin.
Recurring Attacks
Gout can recur if not properly managed, leading to long-term joint damage.
If you think you have gout 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 Gout
- Provides pain relief
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves blood flow
- Breaks down crystals and tophi
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 Gout
Typical Course
A course of focused shockwave therapy for gout 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 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 Gout
Pain Reduction
Clients will experience a reduction in pain associated with gout, particularly during flare-ups.
Improved Joint Function
Reduction in inflammation and pain leads to better joint function and mobility.
Longer Remission Periods
As shockwave therapy helps manage symptoms effectively, it can contribute to longer periods between gout attacks.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating Gout, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Gout
Fast pain relief
If gout is causing severe pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep, and faster pain relief is needed.
Contributory factors
If you have developed tophi (deposits of uric acid crystals in soft tissues) that are causing pain, swelling, or joint dysfunction, or if you have other conditions, such as tendinopathy or joint degeneration, that are exacerbating the symptoms of gout.
Chronic or persistent symptoms
If you have developed chronic joint damage due to recurrent gout attacks, leading to persistent inflammation and stiffness.
To avoid surgery or injections
If you prefer to avoid more invasive treatments such as corticosteroid injections or surgery to remove tophi or address joint damage.
Standard treatments ineffective
If you experience ongoing joint pain and inflammation despite using standard treatments such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or urate-lowering drugs.
To avoid or reduce medication
If you have been treated with traditional gout medications for several weeks or months but continue to experience significant pain and limitations in joint function.
Focused shockwave therapy may provide early pain relief and reduce inflammation in gout-affected joints, potentially improving mobility and quality of life.
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!
