Shockwave Therapy for Slipped Disc
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) offers a non-invasive treatment option for slipped disc (also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc), particularly in cases where clients are seeking a faster recovery time, or traditional treatments have not provided sufficient relief, or to avoid surgery if possible.
By reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and reducing muscle tension, shockwave therapy can help clients recover more quickly and return to their daily activities.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is a Slipped Disc?
A slipped disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the tougher outer layer, potentially causing pain, nerve compression, and other symptoms.
It can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine).
This condition can lead to:
Collapsible content
Localised Pain
Pain at the site of the herniation.
Radiating Pain
Pain radiating down the legs (sciatica) or arms, depending on the location of the herniation.
Nerve Symptoms
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs due to nerve compression.
Limited Mobility
Stiffness and reduced range of movement.
If you think you have a slipped disc 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 Slipped Disc
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Breaks down fibrotic tissue and calcifications
- Reduces muscle tension
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 Slipped Disc
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for a slipped disc 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 Slipped Disc
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.
Accelerated Healing
fSWT stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by enhancing blood flow and stimulating the release of growth factors.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that focused shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating a slipped disc, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Slipped Disc
Severe pain is impacting activity
If experiencing severe, unrelenting pain that significantly impacts ability to function, and conventional pain management strategies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants are insufficient.
Chronic pain/muscle spasm
In cases where the slipped disc is accompanied by chronic low back pain that involves significant muscular pain, spasm, or myofascial pain syndrome. This is particularly relevant if the pain is not solely due to nerve compression but also involves secondary muscle dysfunction.
Avoid surgery
For clients who wish to avoid or delay surgery and are looking for additional non-invasive treatment options.
If condition is not neurological
For those who do not exhibit severe neurological deficits (e.g. significant muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control) that would typically indicate the need for medical intervention.
Persistent symptoms
If standard treatments such as rest, pain medications, and epidural steroid injections have not provided sufficient
relief after several months.
Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation and improve circulation around the affected disc, relieving pain and promoting tissue recovery, potentially avoiding more invasive interventions.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Received 6 weeks treat on shoulder and I was very pleased with the outcome, Nim gave me guidance on further work after treatment which to strengthen both shoulders next and hips.
Excellent!!!!
I first found Nim and her Shockwaves treatment in 2020 when I had severe Plantar Fasciitis in one foot - I couldn’t walk at all, it was horrendous. She had me back on my feet with Shockwaves treatment and specially made insoles.
Then last October I had a bad fall and broke two vertebrae in my upper back and damaged the surrounding muscles - I was in total agony. Thankfully I was able to see Nim, and after having Shockwaves treatment for a few weeks the pain was more or less gone. She also gave me stretching exercises etc.
I will always return to Nim whenever I need to. I say she has “magic hands” as she finds the problem immediately and her massages are second to none!
I highly recommend her as she’s also a really lovely person.
I am delighted with the results on my Dupuytren's nodule. After 5 sessions of shockwave therapy with Nim, the nodule in my hand has reduced to a fraction of its size, it is no longer painful and is not pulling my finger in. It was a massive relief to find a treatment that can be done early for this condition and without the need for invasive painful surgery, injections or radiation. Several weeks after the treatment finished it is still continuing to improve. Shockwave therapy does feels a bit strange and uncomfortable at first but you very quickly get used to it and I had no ill effects from the treatment. I can highly recommend Nim and shockwave therapy.
I’ve been seeing Nim since 2019 for various badminton-related injuries, and I can’t recommend her enough! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but she always takes the time to explain exactly what she’s doing and why. I really appreciate her approach—she believes that the more you know, the better you can take care of yourself, and I’ve learned so much from her over the years.
Nim is also a shockwave treatment specialist, and I’ve recommended her to many of my badminton colleagues, especially those who could benefit from this particular therapy. Her friendly demeanor combined with her expertise makes every session comfortable and effective. If you’re in need of physiotherapy or considering shockwave treatment, Nim is definitely the person to see!
My Morton's Neuroma : NHS cortisone injections made no difference to my painful stiff and inflamed foot pad. I did not want surgery so found Shockwave and Nim. She gave me a very thorough examination and identified issues with my spine and hips that did not help. After a series of Shockwave treatments and advice on stretching, my right foot improved becoming soft and much less painful. I decided to have a follow up series of treatment this summer. Although not cured, compared to 2 years ago when I could not walk for more than 10 minutes if at all, I can now be on my feet wslking for hours. Plus the stretching advice and motivation has helped with my hip mobility too.