Shockwave Therapy for Triceps Tendinopathy
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT), also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment option for triceps tendinopathy, helping to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, promote tendon healing, and restore function.
It is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physiotherapy and activity modification that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition leading to a faster recovery.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Triceps Tendinopathy?
Triceps tendinopathy involves inflammation, degeneration, or micro tears of the triceps tendons that connect the triceps muscle to the shoulder and the elbow. This condition often results from overuse, repetitive strain, or acute injury and can lead to pain, weakness, and decreased function of the arm. It can occur either at the shoulder (proximal triceps tendinopathy) or the elbow (distal triceps tendinopathy).
This condition is typically presents with:
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Pain
Localised at the back of the elbow, especially during activities involving elbow extension (e.g., pushing or throwing motions).
Swelling
Mild swelling around the affected tendon may be present.
Weakness
Difficulty or weakness in extending the elbow or pushing objects.
If you think you have a triceps tendinopathy 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 Triceps Tendinopathy
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces fibrotic tissue and calcifications
- Improves tendon 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 Triceps Tendinopathy
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for triceps tendinopathy 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 tendinopathy.
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 Triceps Tendinopathy
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
Shockwave therapy promotes faster healing of the triceps tendon, often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.
Long Lasting Results
By addressing the root causes of triceps tendinopathy, focused shockwave therapy provides long-term relief and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating triceps tendinopathy, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Triceps Tendinopathy
Severe pain is limiting activity
If the pain is severe and significantly impacts daily activities, work or otherwise.
High functional demands
For those who have high functional demands, eg athletes or manual labourers.
Avoid or reduce medication
For those who wish to avoid or minimise the use of medications, such as anti-inflammatories or corticosteroid injections, due to potential side effects.
Calcium deposits
If imaging investigations (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound) show calcium deposits in the tendons (calcific tendonitis), fSWT is effective in breaking down these calcifications, which can reduce pain and improve function.
Tendon degeneration
If there is significant tendon degeneration, suggesting that the tendinopathy is unlikely to
resolve quickly with traditional measures alone.
Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in the triceps tendon, potentially preventing long-term damage or functional loss.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
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!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
