Shockwave Therapy for Non-Union Fractures
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive option for treating non-union fractures, offering benefits such as enhanced bone healing, reduced pain, and potentially avoiding more invasive surgical procedures.
By stimulating bone regeneration, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy can significantly improve outcomes for clients struggling with non-union fractures. It is most effective when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the client’s specific needs and condition.
While shockwave therapy is effective for many non-union fractures, it may not work for all cases, especially in cases where there is a large gap between the bone fragments or severe infection.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is A Non-Union Fracture?
Non-union fractures are fractures that fail to heal properly after a significant amount of time, typically six to nine months. They may cause persistent pain, disability, and a significant reduction in the quality of life.
Several factors can contribute to this condition:
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Poor Blood Supply
Insufficient blood flow to the fracture site can impede healing.
Infection
An infection at the fracture site can prevent proper healing.
Insufficient Stabilisation
Lack of proper immobilisation or excessive movement can hinder the healing process.
Smoking
Smoking negatively impacts blood flow and can impair bone healing.
Co-morbidities
Conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis can delay or prevent healing.
If you think you have a non-union fracture 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 Non-Union Fractures
- Stimulates bone healing
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Promotes bone formation
- Stimulates cells
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 Non-Union Fractures
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for non-union fractures 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 Non-Union Fractures
Accelerated Healing
Many clients experience significant improvements in bone healing, with X-rays showing callus formation and eventual union of the fracture.
Pain Reduction
Clients often report reduced pain after a few sessions, which can improve mobility and quality of life.
Avoidance of Surgery
Focused shockwave therapy can reduce the need for surgical intervention, such as bone grafting or internal fixation, which are common treatments for non-union fractures.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating non-union fractures, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Non-Union Fractures
Persistent pain is reducing mobility
If experiencing persistent pain or limited function that affects daily activities, or if prolonged immobilisation is not advisable or practical.
Risk factors
If you have risk factors such as poor circulation, smoking, diabetes, or osteoporosis that increase the likelihood of non-union.
Slow healing
If imaging shows that the fracture fragments are well-aligned but there are no clear signs of healing progression, or if the fracture exhibits minimal callus formation or delayed healing signs within the initial weeks.
Early use of shockwave therapy can stimulate bone growth, improve blood circulation, and enhance the activity of osteoblasts, promoting callus formation and ultimately accelerating the healing process to prevent the need for surgical intervention.
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!
