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Shockwave therapy
- 97% of our orthopaedic patients rated their care as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’
- Appointment confirmed within 24 hours
- No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care
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SHOCKWAVE THERAPY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we have access to the latest diagnostic technology, so we can quickly and accurately diagnose your condition. Our expert orthopaedic team comprises musculoskeletal and orthopaedic consultants from across 10 specialist fields, who’ll tailor treatment to your specific needs.
We offer shockwave therapy for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and calcific shoulder tendinopathy. Your treatment will be carried out in our state-of-the-art facilities and you’ll also have access to our highly skilled physiotherapists as part of your rehabilitation.
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is an evidence-based treatment that is used to treat chronic tendon and soft tissue disorders.
A special device is used to deliver high-energy sound waves to the affected area. These sound waves stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation and promote the body’s natural healing response. This helps to break down scar tissue, reduce pain and improve mobility.
Shockwave therapy is used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
You’ll be asked to lay on a couch for the treatment and you’ll need to expose the area to be treated, so it’s a good idea to come wearing either loose-fitting or sports clothing.
As shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment, you can eat and drink as normal beforehand.
Many patients experience an anaesthetic-like feeling in the area for a few hours immediately after treatment. However, for the therapy to work you’ll need to attend three or more sessions, as it takes several weeks to feel the full benefits.
Your specialist may also want you to see a physiotherapist or osteopath as part of your personalised rehabilitation programme.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
Multidisciplinary teams
expert treatment with specialist care for complex cases
SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
What to expect
From the moment you step through the door, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQs section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQs section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred to us or have a referral from your GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our shockwave specialists.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of the area that’s causing you pain and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of the area that’s causing you pain and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s more comprehensive private diagnostics network. Your consultant may arrange for you to have an ultrasound or an MRI scan. These will let your consultant view the affected area in more detail so they can make a diagnosis.
They’ll discuss your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your condition, including how many sessions of shockwave therapy you’ll need. Most patients have three or more sessions.
03
Shockwave therapy
The treatment session typically takes around 10-15 minutes. A gel will be applied to the area that is going to be treated. The treatment is delivered directly to the area using a pneumatic device, which can be noisy. Some patients do find the therapy a little uncomfortable, comparing it to a very firm massage.
04
Post therapy
The full effects of shockwave treatment take several weeks to occur, so it’s not an instant fix, although many patients will experience an anesthetic-like feeling in the area for a few hours after the treatment. It’s important that you also follow your recommended course of rehabilitation to correct any underlying biomechanical issues.
Your consultant may recommend that you have follow-up physiotherapy or osteopathy sessions to complete your rehabilitation.
Locations
Choose from our state-of-the-art facilities in London and Manchester for your shockwave therapy. Our private hospitals have a higher proportion of 'Outstanding' ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) than any other private healthcare group in the UK.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
Golders Green Outpatients
Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Shockwave therapy FAQs
Most patients require a course of three to five sessions, usually spaced one week apart. The exact number of sessions will depend on the condition being treated and your individual response to the therapy.
Patients sometimes experience mild discomfort during the procedure, similar to a deep tissue massage. However, the intensity can be adjusted to ensure it remains tolerable to you. Most patients find that any discomfort subsides shortly after treatment.
Some patients notice pain relief after the first session, while others experience improvement after a few weeks as the healing process progresses. The full benefits of shockwave therapy usually become evident within six to 12 weeks.
Yes, there are a few side effects to shockwave therapy but they’re usually mild and temporary. They include:
- A slight redness or swelling in the treated area
- Mild bruising or tenderness
- Temporary increase in pain, which usually resolves within a few days
Shockwave therapy is administered by one of our experienced physiotherapists, sports medicine specialists or orthopaedic consultants, who are trained in this technique.
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It may not be recommended for:
- Pregnant women
- Those with blood clotting disorders or who are taking anticoagulants
- Patients with tumours in the treatment area
- Individuals with infections or open wounds in the affected region
In many cases, shockwave therapy is combined with physiotherapy, stretching exercises or orthotics to optimise your recovery. Your specialist will advise on the best approach based on your condition.
Our patients’ stories
Back on track: How surgery helped a visitor from America get free from pain
Brandon Zuck had just arrived in the UK from America. It was the beginning of a holiday he’d been looking forward to, a chance to catch up with friends, a little sightseeing. Needless to say, a complex surgical procedure was not on the must-do list.
Getting back to normal after spinal surgery: Ruth’s story
When consultant spinal surgeon Mr Robert Lee first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take.
Bode's successful spinal surgery at just 14
Bode's (14) surgery fitted her with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. Comparing the before and after X-Rays, they managed to make her spine perfectly straight which Bode says, "was incredible.” She’s now reassuring other young patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.
“He was so impressed with my progress. I could get my arm above my head sooner than he expected, and rehab just went so well.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.