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:
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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
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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.
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.
