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.
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!
