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.
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.
