Radial Shockwave Therapy
About Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is commonly used to treat a variety of Musculoskeletal conditions; most commonly - soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and tendon disorders.
RSWT works by distributing high-energy acoustic sound waves (a form of shockwave) to the target tissue. The machine’s hand-held probe component is applied directly to, and around, the area of pain with a gel on the skin to enhance the wave transmission. The waves spread outward through the underlying tissues from the direct point of contact with the skin.
The machine delivers radial waves – which are not focused shockwaves. This means that the radial wave energy spreads out and reaches a larger area. RSWT is a less intense treatment, in direct comparison to other forms of Shockwave Therapy.
✔ Increases blood flow, circulation and metabolic activity
✔ Promotes collagen production and tissue healing
✔ Stimulates the regeneration of damaged tissues and triggers the body’s natural healing response
✔ Can break down scar tissue
✔ Reduces pain and provides an analgesic effect by desensitising the nerve endings within the tissue
✔ In bone stress injuries – can stimulate bone healing, regeneration and overall strength by increasing blood flow, and activating and increasing the activity of bone building cells (called osteoblasts), which in turn build new bone tissue.
How Can It Help You?
What Is The Process & What Can It Treat?
Treatment sessions are typically around 10-15 minutes long, and usually 3-6 sessions are required.
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Plantar Fasciitis, Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis), Jumper’s Knee (Patella Tendonitis), De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
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Achilles Tendinopathy, Patellar Tendinopathy, Gluteal Tendinopathy, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathies
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Where there are calcium deposits in tendons (such as the shoulder) - RSWT can encourage the break down of calcifications and reduce pain.
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Stimulates quicker recovery and healing in muscular or soft tissue strains, tears, or injuries.
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Can be used in chronic pain conditions where other treatments have failed, i.e. in cases of chronic back or neck pain caused by muscular and/or tendon dysfunctions.
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Releases painful muscle tension and knots
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Shoulder and Hip (Trochanteric) Bursitis – can helps by releasing tight tissues around the area to relieve pressure on the bursa, and by aiding in the recovery of any co-existing neighbouring tendinopathies/tendinitis’ that may be contributing to the bursitis.
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Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome), stress fractures, delayed union fractures.
Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy
✔ Non-invasive
✔ Has an analgesic effect - can help to reduce pain and inflammation
✔ Improves circulation and blood flow
✔ Stimulates tissue regeneration and kick-starts the body’s natural healing process, leading to a faster recovery
✔ Short recovery time post treatment – no down time required post treatment (your Physiotherapist will provide specific rehab advice based on your injury and lifestyle).
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Redness or skin irritation
At the area of treatment
Swelling
Or mild inflammation at the treatment area
Soreness or tenderness
Similar to post-workout muscle ache
Bruising
Especially in areas with thin skin or if you are generally prone to bruising
Numbness or tingling
(in rare cases)
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Neurological conditions
i.e. epilepsy
Acute inflammation
Or recent injury
Severe Bone Diseases
i.e. Osteoporosis
In advanced cases of osteoporosis and other bone conditions with key characteristics of reduced bone strength and density, RSWT could exacerbate the fragility of bones and lead to further bone injury.
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1. Pregnant Individuals
RSWT has not been well researched or tested on pregnant women – so the effect on foetal development and the pregnancy process is unknown. It is safest to avoid during pregnancy!
2. Pacemakers & Implanted Devices
RSWT can disrupt the functioning of electrical devices including pacemakers, defibrillators and other implanted devices
3. Blood Clotting Disorders (i.e. Haemophilia), Vascular Disorders, High Doses of Anti-Coagulants (Blood Thinners)
RSWT causes tissue microtrauma and increases blood circulation, which lead to increased bleeding and bruising.
4. Cancer patients (in or near the treatment area)
RSWT increases circulation and blood flow and could stimulate cell activity – therefore increase distribution and spreading of cancer cells.
5. Open Wounds (i.e. wound, broken skin – cuts, abrasions, open sores) or Skin Lesions at the treatment site
Could cause infection or slow the healing of an open wound.
5. Acute (Fresh) Infections (i.e. Skin Infections, Bone Infections such as Osteomyelitis)
Could aggravate any existing infection due to direct stimulation and increased blood flow to the area.
6. Pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices
Shockwaves could potentially interfere with device function, especially if treating near the chest or upper back.
7. Children and adolescents (in growth plate areas)
RSWT is generally avoided in active growth plates unless specifically advised by a specialist.
8. Severe Circulatory Disorders (i.e. Deep Vein Thrombosis)
RSWT increases blood circulation – we don’t want to dislodge any existing clots by increasing blood flow.
9. Fresh Fractures, Recent Surgical Procedures
RSWT could disrupt the body’s initial natural healing of a fracture and introduce additional trauma to the area.
10. Uncontrolled Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes often included poor circulation and reduced healing capabilities, which will limit the body’s response to RSWT.
Additionally, sensation perception is also compromised, which can affect the individual’s pain or discomfort assessment during RSWT.
10. Severe Neurological Disorders (i.e. Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, or Severe Neuropathy)
Why? Sensation perception and motor control are often compromised with Severe Neurological Disorders, and the individual may not be able to assess pain or discomfort during RSWT. There is additional risk of complications due to loss of protective responses (including reflexes).
⚠️ Things to Know about Radial Shockwave Therapy
Before starting any Shockwave Therapy treatment, our Physiotherapists will carefully review your health history to ensure the service is suitable for you. However, if you have any existing medical conditions that could be contraindicated or require special precautions, we strongly advise consulting your doctor or healthcare provider before booking. This helps ensure that Shockwave Therapy is both safe and appropriate for your specific health needs. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.