Shockwave Therapy for Sciatica
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for sciatica, offering pain relief, reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue healing, and faster recovery.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and posture correction, it provides a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of sciatica.
This holistic treatment strategy helps clients recover more quickly and also reduces the risk of recurrence, enabling them to regain full function and improve their quality of life.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down the back of each leg. It typically occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, bone spur, spinal stenosis, or tight congested muscles. Sciatica can cause varying degrees of pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
If you think you have sciatica 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 Sciatica
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes tissue healing
- Reduces muscle tension and spasms
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 Sciatica
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy and physiotherapy for sciatica 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 Sciatica
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating sciatica, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimising the associated risks.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, allowing them to return to normal activities with reduced discomfort.
Enhanced Healing
By promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process, leading to faster recovery times compared to traditional treatments.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy can decrease the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, reducing potential side effects.
Improved Mobility and Function
As pain decreases and tissue health improves, clients regain better movement and strength in their lower back and legs, enabling them to return to normal activities.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating sciatica, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Sciatica
Fast recovery
If there is a need for quick recovery, such as an upcoming event, competition, or work-related requirement.
Contributory factors
In cases where sciatica is complicated by myofascial pain syndrome (pain from muscle tension or trigger points in the lower back or gluteal muscles).
Chronic inflammation
If there is chronic inflammation in the soft tissues surrounding the sciatic nerve, such as the piriformis muscle (in cases of piriformis syndrome).
No surgery or injections
For clients who wish to avoid surgical procedures, or are not candidates for surgery, or who prefer to avoid invasive treatments such as epidural steroid injections.
Persistent symptoms
If sciatica has persisted for more than three months and has not responded well to standard treatments.
Continued pain after surgery
For clients who continue to experience sciatic pain following spinal surgery (e.g., microdiscectomy, laminectomy).
Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy can alleviate pain and inflammation associated with sciatic nerve compression, promoting faster recovery and improving mobility and functional ability.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain and sciatica for years, and after trying countless treatments, I finally found real relief here. Nim has been fantastic from start to finish — professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. I recently had a series of shockwave therapy sessions combined with physiotherapy, and the results have been impressive. I’ve noticed a real reduction in pain and stiffness, and I’m finally able to move more freely again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with long-term back issues!
I can't recommend Nim enough - she isn't just a shockwave therapist (which is an amazing type of therapy in itself) but she's also a very practised and knowledgeable physiotherapist. I've been to conventional physio (both private and on the NHS) and nothing has looked at actually solving the problem that causes the pain, leading to a worsening condition of the joint itself and ever increasing pain. Nim has stopped all of that, and been able to use a holistic approach and combine it with shockwave and her specialist knowledge to treat the problem, not just the symptoms. I regret the years spent with other treatments and wish I had found her sooner!
I have known Nim now for two years and her treatment and expertise with her shock wave machine has been exceptionally good. First and foremost, Nim is very knowledgeable about her profession with vast experience in the areas of physiotherapy and shock wave treatment. More recently I have been treated with various problems on my legs mainly tendonopathy/tendonosis around my Achilles and hamstrings /thighs. The treatment is excellent, Nim explains the problems clearly and offers advice and consultation throughout the two months I’ve been seeing her. I’m very grateful as I have had pain for several years and can finally see a path forward without pain. I can highly recommend her and her treatment/facilities!! And thank you Nim!
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
My trigger finger bothered me so much that I could not use my right hand. After receiving treatment from Nim for just 5 times, I regained 90% of the function. Then I waited another month for it to recover, my hand is almost completely normal now.
