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:
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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:
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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.
I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain and sciatica for years, and after trying countless treatments, I finally found real relief here. Nim has been fantastic from start to finish — professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. I recently had a series of shockwave therapy sessions combined with physiotherapy, and the results have been impressive. I’ve noticed a real reduction in pain and stiffness, and I’m finally able to move more freely again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with long-term back issues!
I can't recommend Nim enough - she isn't just a shockwave therapist (which is an amazing type of therapy in itself) but she's also a very practised and knowledgeable physiotherapist. I've been to conventional physio (both private and on the NHS) and nothing has looked at actually solving the problem that causes the pain, leading to a worsening condition of the joint itself and ever increasing pain. Nim has stopped all of that, and been able to use a holistic approach and combine it with shockwave and her specialist knowledge to treat the problem, not just the symptoms. I regret the years spent with other treatments and wish I had found her sooner!
I have known Nim now for two years and her treatment and expertise with her shock wave machine has been exceptionally good. First and foremost, Nim is very knowledgeable about her profession with vast experience in the areas of physiotherapy and shock wave treatment. More recently I have been treated with various problems on my legs mainly tendonopathy/tendonosis around my Achilles and hamstrings /thighs. The treatment is excellent, Nim explains the problems clearly and offers advice and consultation throughout the two months I’ve been seeing her. I’m very grateful as I have had pain for several years and can finally see a path forward without pain. I can highly recommend her and her treatment/facilities!! And thank you Nim!
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
