Shockwave Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), particularly for clients seeking a faster recovery, or who have not found relief with other treatments.
By reducing pain, improving blood flow, and stimulating tissue healing, shockwave therapy can significantly improve symptoms and enhance quality of life for those suffering from MPS.
It is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and other supportive measures.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterised by the presence of trigger points (tight, sensitive knots) in the muscles that can cause pain in other parts of the body (referred pain). MPS is often related to muscle overuse, injury, or stress, leading to pain and discomfort that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Symptoms of MPS include: persistent or worsening muscle pain, tenderness in the muscles, limited range of motion, stiffness or weakness, or sleep disturbance due to pain.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome involves:
Collapsible content
Trigger Points
These are hyper-irritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibres.
Referred Pain
The pain can radiate from trigger points to other areas of the body.
If you think you have MPS 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 Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Provides pain relief
- Improves blood flow
- Stimulates tissue healing
- Restores muscle function
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 Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for MPS 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 Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions, improving their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Accelerated Healing
Shockwave therapy promotes faster healing, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.
Improved Muscle Function
Restoration of muscle function and range of motion is a common outcome, allowing clients to return to normal activities with less discomfort.
Long Term Relief
Regular sessions can lead to long-term relief from the chronic pain associated with MPS, reducing the need for other pain management strategies.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating MPS, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Collapsible content
Severe pain is restricting function
If MPS is causing severe pain, muscle tightness, or restricted movement, significantly impacting your ability to perform everyday activities or work.
Contributory factors
If you have other musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., neck or back pain) that are making MPS worse, leading to more severe or persistent symptoms.
Slow recovery
If recovery from MPS is progressing more slowly than expected, and there is ongoing muscle discomfort or restricted movement.
To avoid injections
If you prefer to avoid invasive treatments such as trigger point injections and are seeking a non-invasive approach.
Recurrent condition
If you have experienced recurrent or long-term MPS, with symptoms returning despite previous treatment efforts.
Traditional treatments ineffective
If you continue to experience ongoing muscle pain and discomfort despite using typical treatments such as rest, stretching, massage, dry needling, standalone physiotherapy or anti-inflammatory medications for several weeks.
Early intervention with shockwave therapy can accelerate healing by reducing pain, breaking down trigger points, and improving blood flow, thereby preventing the condition from becoming chronic and leading to more complex issues.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
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!
Nim's magic machine (focused shockwave) is nothing less than miraculous. I first saw Nim 2 years ago with 3 lumbar herniated and degenerated discs, degenerated facets joints and invertebratal endplate degeneration (all confirmed by MRI). The only option I was being offered was spinal fusion once I was in a wheelchair. I had just 6 sessions and I was completely cured and returned to my weightlifting. 2 years later and an accident at work and unfortunately I had new sciatica pain and a new MRI. The MRI confirned a recurring disc protrusion pressing on a nerve and I was pretty much bedridden and in extreme pain. HOWEVER, the new MRI confirmed that one of discs Nim had previously treated was now perfect and rehydrated, the facet joints were normal, the stenosis was cured and the end plates were now only "mildly" degenerated (and the others were cured). To my mind this is absolute scientific, MRI proven testimony to the effectiveness of shockwave. Nim and I are now on our 5th session and I've gone from extreme pain, unable to even wash myself, and lying on the clinic floor crying out in agony (despite very strong painkillers), to being up and about and walking each day. I'm hoping to be back to normal after a few more sessions. For anyone with disc issues seeking to avoid surgery, I can't recommend Nim highly enough! Thanks Nim!
I just recently finished treatment with Nim after suffering with plantar fasciitis and then just as I was due to begin treatment, I unfortunately sprained my foot. Nim’s knowledge and guidance was invaluable and her focused shockwave machine, a godsend. Nim was so supportive and approachable for me in a time that I found difficult both physically and mentally and she was a wonder to work with! After extensive research into other, perhaps less costly options for plantar fasciitis, I decided to bite the bullet after seeing so many great reviews and I’m so glad that I did, I’d never look back now! The treatment has delivered results even better than I could have hoped! Thank you so much Nim !
