Shockwave therapy (ESWT) has become one of the most effective treatments we offer at the Lower Limb Clinic in Belfast. If you're suffering from a chronic tendon or soft tissue injury that hasn't responded to other treatments, shockwave therapy could be the answer.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers focused acoustic pressure waves into damaged tissue. These waves stimulate your body's natural healing response by increasing blood flow, breaking down calcification, and triggering the release of growth factors.
Unlike pain medication, which masks symptoms, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying tissue damage.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
At our Belfast clinic, we use shockwave therapy for:
- Plantar fasciitis — 70-80% success rate in chronic cases
- Achilles tendinopathy — both insertional and mid-portion
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Heel spurs
- Morton's neuroma
- Calcific tendinitis
What Does a Session Feel Like?
We won't sugarcoat it — shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable during the 5-10 minute treatment session. Most patients describe it as a deep, tapping sensation. However, the intensity is always controlled and adjustable. Many patients are surprised at how manageable it is.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most conditions require 3-6 sessions, spaced one week apart. Many patients notice improvement after 2-3 sessions, with full results developing over the following 12 weeks as the tissue continues to heal.
What Does the Evidence Say?
Shockwave therapy is supported by extensive clinical research. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has reviewed the evidence and supports its use for chronic plantar fasciitis. Multiple systematic reviews confirm its effectiveness for tendon pathologies.
Why Choose the Lower Limb Clinic for Shockwave in Belfast?
- We use focused shockwave technology — the type used in clinical trials
- Treatment is always delivered alongside a comprehensive rehabilitation plan
- We use diagnostic ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis before treatment
- Our clinicians have specialist postgraduate training in shockwave therapy
Is Shockwave Right for You?
Shockwave therapy works best for chronic conditions (lasting more than 6 weeks) that haven't responded to other treatments. If that sounds like you, book a consultation at our Belfast clinic and we'll assess whether shockwave is the right option.
