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 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!
