SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN TOPSHAM – EXETER

Shockwave therapy is safe and effective. You may experience some pain/discomfort during the treatment, but the pain should always be bearable and you should always tell your clinicIain if this isn’t the case. The treatment is delivered according to your response; if you are unable to tolerate the pain levels, the settings will be adjusted in order to reduce the discomfort.

Following the treatment, you may initially experience more pain, redness, bruising, swelling and numbness to the area. These side effects should resolve within a day or two, before your next treatment.

Patients must not have ESWT if they:

-are pregnant
– are under the age of 18
– are taking antiplatelets (For example, clopidogrel) or anticoagulants (such as warfarin or rivaroxaban)
– have a history of latex allergy or allergy to coupling solution
– have a blood clotting disorder
– have a cardiac pacemaker
– have been diagnosed with bone cancer
– have cancer present in or near the treatment area
– have an infection in your foot, an open wound, skin rash, or swollen and inflamed treatment site
– have ischaemic tissues (vascular disease)
– have a history of rupture of the ligament or tendon to be treated
– have had a steroid injection into the affected area in the previous 12 weeks
– have neuropathy (This is particularly important in Diabetic patients)

The above will be discussed with you before you begin treatment and treatment will only be given if it is appropriate

After the treatment you will be able to carry on your day and continue with normal activities. We do, however, advise that you avoid any high impact, strenuous or pain provoking activity in the 48 hours after treatment.

If you do experience pain/discomfort following the shockwave treatment you can take over the counter painkillers (such as paracetamol) but do not take anti-inflammatory medication (such as Ibuprofen) and ice therapy, as these can interfere with the body’s healing process.