Radial Shockwave Therapy

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)?

RSWT is a procedure where shock waves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the body being treated, using our Swiss Dolorclast® Shockwave Unit. The shockwaves are mechanical and not electric. They are audible, low energy sound waves, which work by increasing blood flow to the injured area. This initiates an inflammation-like response in the injured tissue, accelerating the body’s healing process by increasing cell generation and dissolving calcium deposits.

How successful is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

After only 3 or 4 treatments with shock wave, over 80% of patients report a reduction of pain and regaining of normal function. Research is steadily growing for this cutting edge technology, and the latest reports are bony conditions like heel spurs.

When investing in advanced technology like Shockwave Therapy, it is important to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the equipment, as well having the backing of evidenced based research. Swiss Dolorcast Shockwave Unit are well known for their high standards of medical equipment and are leaders in the field of Shockwave Therapy. The combination of shockwave therapy and a structured strength and conditioning tendon re-loading rehab programme with our highly experienced physiotherapists is recommended to give increased treatment benefits. You will usually require a course 3-6 treatments, at weekly intervals.

Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) has been shown to be effective for the following conditions:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer's elbow
• Plantar fasciitis, including heel spurs
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Calcified tendon issues of the shoulder
• Lateral hip pain, (greater trochanteric bursitis)
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
• Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
• Trigger point treatment (in muscles)
• Pseudoarthrosis (non-union)

What happens during Radial Shockwave Therapy ?

The youtube video on this page provides an overview of what happens during one of the sessions. The work will initially be available from our West Cross Clinic.

The Shockwave therapy is delivered using the hand piece and it delivers compressed air impulses through the ultrasound gel. Each treatment will take approximately 15 minutes.

Most patients do experience some pain during the procedure. You will be asked how much pain you are experiencing during the treatment and we will adjust the treatment accordingly to help manage this. The pain will stop at the end of your procedure.