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.
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.
