Shockwave Therapy for Muscle Strains
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for grade I or grade II muscle strains, helping to accelerate healing, promote tissue repair, reduce pain, and restore muscle function.
When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physiotherapy, and gradual return to activity, it can lead to a faster recovery when compared with conventional treatments.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Are Muscle Strains?
Muscle strains, which occur when muscle fibres are overstretched or torn, are common injuries that can result from overuse, excessive force, or improper use of muscles.
Muscle strains vary in severity:
Collapsible content
Grade I (Mild)
A few muscle fibres are damaged, causing mild pain and minimal loss of function.
Grade II (Moderate)
More muscle fibres are damaged, leading to significant pain, swelling, and reduced function.
Grade III (Severe)
The muscle is completely torn, causing severe pain, swelling, and a complete loss of function.
Symptoms of muscle strains typically include:
Collapsible content
Sudden Pain
Occurs at the time of injury, often described as a "pull" or "tear."
Swelling and Bruising
The area may swell, and bruising can develop.
Stiffness and Weakness
The affected muscle may become stiff, and movement can be painful or limited.
Tenderness
The muscle is usually tender to the touch.
If you think you have a muscle strain 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 Muscle Strains
- Promotes muscle healing
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves muscle function
- Prevents development of 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 Muscle Strains
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for muscle strains 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 Muscle Strains
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 Function
With continued treatment and appropriate care, clients often regain full function of the affected muscle.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating muscle strain, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Muscle Strains
Fast recovery
If you have a physically demanding job or lifestyle, and extended downtime due to a muscle strain would be disruptive.
Significant pain is reducing function
If the muscle strain is causing significant pain, muscle weakness, or reduced range of motion, severely limiting ability to perform daily activities.
History of condition
If you have a history of repeated muscle strains or chronic pain due to incomplete healing, leading to recurring injuries.
Slow healing
If the muscle strain is healing more slowly than expected, and you are experiencing ongoing pain, weakness, or tightness in the affected muscle.
To avoid surgery or injections for grades I and II.
If you wish to avoid invasive treatments such as injections or surgical interventions and prefer a non-invasive approach to manage your grade I or II muscle strain.
Traditional treatments ineffective
If you continue to experience pain and discomfort despite using traditional treatments such as rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), or anti-inflammatory medications for several weeks.
Standalone physiotherapy ineffective
If you have undergone standalone physiotherapy for 4 to 6 weeks with minimal improvement in pain levels, strength, or flexibility.
Early use of shockwave therapy can accelerate tissue healing, reduce pain, break down scar tissue, and restore muscle function, thereby preventing the muscle strain from becoming a chronic issue and enabling faster recovery.
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.
