Shockwave Therapy for Ligament Sprains
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for ligament sprains, offering benefits such as pain relief, reduced inflammation, tissue regeneration, and accelerated healing.
It can be particularly useful for grade I or grade II sprains where traditional treatments may not provide sufficient relief or where a faster recovery is desired.
It is best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes rest, physiotherapy, and other supportive measures.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Are Ligament Sprains?
Ligament sprains are injuries to the ligaments, which are the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability to joints. Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched or torn due to trauma or excessive force.
Ligament sprains can range in severity:
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Grade I (Mild Sprain)
The ligament is stretched but not torn, causing mild pain and swelling.
Grade II (Moderate Sprain)
The ligament is partially torn, leading to more significant pain, swelling, and some loss of joint stability.
Grade III (Severe Sprain)
The ligament is completely torn, causing severe pain, swelling, and significant joint instability.
Common symptoms include:
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Pain
Especially when moving the affected joint.
Swelling and Bruising
Due to inflammation and bleeding within the tissue.
Joint Instability
In severe cases, the joint may feel unstable or give way.
If you think you have a ligament sprain 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 Ligament Sprains
- Provides pain relief
- Reduces inflammation
- Stimulates tissue healing
- Prevents chronic issues
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 Ligament Sprains
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for ligament sprains 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 Ligament Sprains
Pain Reduction
Many clients report a significant reduction in pain after a few sessions, with continued improvements over the course of treatment.
Accelerated Healing
Focused shockwave therapy promotes faster healing of the area, often reducing overall
recovery time compared to other treatments.
Improved Joint Stability
As the ligament heals and strengthens, joint stability improves, allowing a return to normal activities with less risk of re-injury.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating ligament sprain, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Ligament Sprains
Fast recovery
If you have a highly physically demanding lifestyle or job and cannot afford prolonged downtime due to a ligament injury.
Significant pain is limiting function
If the ligament sprain is causing significant pain that limits your ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, exercising, or work.
Recurrent condition
If you have a history of recurrent sprains, and symptoms persist or worsen, even after several weeks of treatment.
To avoid injections or surgery for grades I and II
If you prefer to avoid invasive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or surgical procedures, and are seeking a non-invasive option for grades I and II.
Joint instability
If your ligament sprain is associated with significant joint instability, posing a risk of further injury or chronic instability if untreated.
Traditional treatments ineffective
If you experience ongoing pain and discomfort despite weeks of traditional management, such as rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), or anti-inflammatory medications.
Standalone physiotherapy ineffective
If you have received standalone physiotherapy for 4 to 6 weeks but have seen minimal improvement in pain levels or joint stability.
Early use of shockwave therapy can accelerate ligament healing, reduce pain, and improve stability, potentially preventing long-term joint issues.
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.
