Shockwave Therapy for Tailbone Pain
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for tailbone pain. It addresses pain, inflammation, and muscle tension around the coccyx, and can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. It is an excellent option for clients seeking a faster recovery time, or to avoid surgery, or who have not found relief through other traditional treatments.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, and stretch programs, it can provide a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia)?
Tailbone pain, also known as Coccydynia, is characterised by pain in the coccyx (tailbone) area, which can be triggered or exacerbated by trauma, prolonged sitting, or activities that put pressure on the tailbone.
Coccydynia can result from several causes, including:
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Trauma
Injury from falls or direct impact to the tailbone.
Prolonged Sitting
Sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods can strain the tailbone.
Childbirth
Pressure on the coccyx during childbirth can lead to injury and subsequent pain.
Degenerative Changes
Aging can lead to wear and tear on the coccyx, causing pain.
Infections or Tumours
Infections or tumours in the area can cause pain.
If you think you have tailbone pain 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 Tailbone Pain
- Promotes healing
- Promotes tissue regeneration
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- 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 Tailbone Pain
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for tailbone pain 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 Tailbone Pain
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
The therapy promotes faster healing of the tissue surrounding the coccyx, often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.
Long Lasting Results
By addressing the root cause of tailbone pain, focused shockwave therapy can provide long-term relief.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating tailbone pain, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Tailbone Pain
Severe pain is affecting function
If experiencing severe tailbone pain that significantly affects daily activities, such as sitting, standing, or walking.
Myofascial components
If the pain is suspected to have a significant myofascial component (trigger points, muscle tension). Tailbone pain often involves surrounding soft tissues, including muscles and ligaments, which can become inflamed or tense.
Avoid surgery
For clients who wish to avoid invasive procedures like surgical removal of the coccyx (coccygectomy) or those who are not good candidates for surgery.
Calcific deposits
If imaging investigations (e.g., X-rays, MRI) show calcifications or tendinopathies in the area surrounding the coccyx.
Persistent pain
If tailbone pain persists for more than three months despite conservative treatments (like oral pain medications, ergonomic modifications, coccyx cushions, and local injections).
Focused shockwave therapy may provide early relief from pain and promote healing of the soft tissues around the coccyx, improving comfort and function.
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!
