Shockwave Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT), also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment option for managing the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. By reducing pain, improving blood flow, and stimulating nerve regeneration, it can enhance the quality of life for clients suffering from this condition and lead to faster recovery.
It is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical management, lifestyle modifications, and physiotherapy.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) are damaged, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness, typically in the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, injury, infections, and exposure to toxins.
Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact a person's quality of life and may result from:
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Diabetes
One of the most common causes, leading to diabetic neuropathy.
Injury or Trauma
Direct damage to the nerves from accidents or surgery.
Infections
Such as shingles, Lyme disease, or HIV.
Toxins
Including alcohol, chemotherapy drugs, or heavy metals.
Autoimmune Disorders
Such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or lupus.
If you think you have a peripheral neuropathy 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 Peripheral Neuropathy
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Stimulates nerve regeneration
- Improves function and mobility
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 Peripheral Neuropathy
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for peripheral neuropathy 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 Peripheral Neuropathy
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
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.
Improvement in Nerve Function
With continued treatment, some clients may experience improvements in nerve function, including reduced numbness and improved strength and coordination.
Symptom Management
While shockwave therapy may not cure peripheral neuropathy, it can significantly reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating peripheral neuropathy, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy
Severe condition is reducing function
If the pain is severe and is impacting on ability to carry out daily tasks.
Persistent symptoms
If symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or burning pain, persist despite medication, standalone physiotherapy or other typical interventions.
Underlying conditions
If you have underlying conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease, which are worsening nerve function and not responding well to standard approaches.
Worsening function
If nerve conduction studies or clinical evaluations show worsening nerve function or progressive damage without response to other therapies.
Standard treatments unsuitable
If unable to tolerate conventional treatments due to side effects or contraindications.
Focused shockwave therapy can provide an alternative approach to help manage neuropathic pain and support nerve healing faster than other treatments.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.
I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!
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!
