Radial Shockwave Therapy (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 regeneration.
RSWT is offered to patients with Achilles tendinopathy, patella tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis, who have not responded adequately to conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy, rest, injections, ice therapy and painkillers. It is a minimally invasive treatment that is carried out at our Cardiff clinic.
Shockwave therapy can be very successful in patients who have failed to respond to conservative treatment of tendon pain. The combination of shockwave therapy and a graded tendon re-loading rehab programme with our physiotherapists is recommended to give increased treatment benefits. You will usually require a course of up to six treatments, 7 to 10 days apart.
The treatment will be provided at our Cardiff Physiotherapy 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.
As Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is recommended by NICE, most private medical insurers will cover this treatment. However, it is essential that patients consult their insurance companies prior to their first appointment. Self-funding for Shockwave therapy is available at very competitive rates at our Cardiff Clinic.
