Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) in Colchester, Essex 

At Bodyworks Physiotherapy, RSWT in Colchester, Essex could be the solution you've been searching for. If you're one of the millions of people that suffers from pain then we're here to help. Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment designed to target specific damaged tissues in the treatment of various sporting injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.  
 
The shockwave is delivered to the tissue via a compressed air impulse exerted by the hand piece of the machine. Radial shockwave therapy works by delivering impulses of energy to injured tissues which spread as an aspherical radial wave. 
RSWT is effective for many musculo-skeletal problems even when other therapies have proved ineffective. 
 
 
The treatment then initiates an inflammation-like process in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism at the treatment area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. This increase in the blood flow within the affected area, stimulates cell regeneration and healing, and decreases local factors which can cause pain. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications. 
 
 

Radial Shockwave Therapy in Colchester, Essex 

Typically, most patients require 3 to 6 sessions of radial shockwave therapy in Colchester, Essex to maximise the benefits and is said to be up to 80% effective. Our RSWT is highly effective in treating a whole range of conditions, from tennis and golfer's elbow to lateral hip pain and plantar fasciitis. Get in touch with the team at Bodyworks Physiotherapy to schedule your full body assessment where your physiotherapist will identify the painful points and advise the best course of action for your treatment. 
 
We pride ourselves on being able to alleviate all types of pain with our RSWT in Colchester, Essex - get in touch to see how we can help you! 
 
 
 
 
Conditions it is used for: 
 
Radial Shockwave Therapy treatment is a highly effective treatment available for patients with: 
 
• Tennis elbow 
• Calcified tendon issues of the shoulder 
• Golfer's elbow 
• Trigger point treatment (in muscles) 
• Lateral hip pain, (greater trochanteric bursitis) 
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) 
• Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) 
• Plantar fasciitis, including heel spurs 
• Achilles tendinopathy 
RSWT offers several advantages over more interventional procedures: 
 
• No anaesthesia is required and you can continue usual activities. Although you may  
need to refrain from sports activities whilst having treatment 
• RSWT is non-invasive - no surgery is required 
• Fast treatment - 3-6 sessions required 
• Fewer complications post treatment 
• Reported side effects are minimal 
• Significant clinical benefit can often be seen 6-8 weeks after treatment 
• In NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) 
• It is well tolerated by most patients and is a useful option to delay or avoid need for  
surgery in some cases 
 
What does the RSWT treatment involve? 
 
Before shockwave therapy is considered you will have a full clinical assessment. 
 
Contraindications or precautions to be aware of: 
 
• If you have a cardiac pacemaker please tell us prior to treatment as shockwave  
therapy may interfere with this 
• Cortisone injections should not be administered within 6 weeks prior to shockwave  
treatment 
• Please tell us if you are on Warfarin or other blood thinning therapy, as shockwave  
therapy can cause some local bruising and bleeding in the treated tissues 
• If you have been diagnosed with cancer you should notify your clinician as RSWT  
treatment may not be appropriate 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What happens during shockwave therapy? 
 
The physiotherapist determines the location of the pain by undertaking an indepth and thorough examination.  
 
The area to be treated may be marked for accuracy, and a gel is applied to the skin, this improves the contact between the skin and the hand piece to allow the shockwaves to penetrate the body properly. 
 
The hand piece is placed on the painful area and shockwaves are released. In general, this is perceived as ‘unpleasant’ but can be painful.  
 
In a number of cases the physiotherapist will use a different treatment head. This combination of shockwaves and vibrations is also used for muscular disorders. 
Typically your first treatment will start with a low level of intensity and increase this to a point where you feel some discomfort. Shock-wave therapy treatments are usually performed at weekly intervals. Each treatment session takes about 30 minutes and you may need between 3 and 6 treatment sessions (possibly more for resistant problems). 
What should I expect after the treatment? 
 
You will normally experience a reduced level of pain or no pain at all immediately after the treatment but a mild and diffuse pain can occur a few hours later. This dull pain can last for a day or two. Shockwave therapy initiates a pro-inflammatory condition in the tissue that is being treated. If necessary you may take non-prescription pain killers such as paracetemol and/or use ice on the treated area, but do not take anti-inflammatory medication as these interfere with the body’s self healing abilities. 
 
It is important to highlight that we would expect positive clinical outcomes following treatment, however there is a chance that RSWT treatment may not improve your symptoms. 
 
If you would like to speak to any of us about the treatment then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01206 844410 
""Just had a course of 3 shockwave treatments for my plantar fasciitis - which had become quite debilitating. As the owner of a very active dog I do not have the luxury of resting up. The results from this treatment were fantastic, I'm delighted to be pain free after many months" 
 
Jay 
"For four months I suffered with Plantar Fasciitis. I was unable to walk very far in my home yet alone outside without excruciating pain, I found this very depressing and frustrating, I came to Bodyworks and had Shockwave Therapy treatment and am now pain-free and able to take up my life again" 
 
FC 
"I have been suffering with a painful heel for months now. I have had an injection from my GP with very little relief and have also tried inserts into my shoes. I heard about shockwave from a friend of mine who had treatment on her elbow with great results. I was a little unsure to start with not knowing anything about this treatment. The physio explained everything to me and I decided to embark on a course of treatment over 5 weeks. The results are superb I cannot recommend it high enough" 
 
Michael 
"I have had a course of shockwave therapy for my tennis elbow. The treatment along with the advice and exercises has been very successful. Brilliant!" 
 
Margaret Jones