The Shocking Truth – How Shockwave Therapy Can Help You Reduce Pain and Recover from Injury with Regener8 Healthcare

Whether you’re training hard for your next event, doing some intense weekend gardening, or spending
too much time hunched over a laptop, muscle pain is something most of us experience from time to
time. With so many variations of discomfort, it’s no surprise that there are numerous treatments
available—from traditional remedies like massage and saunas to alternative therapies such as
acupuncture and reflexology, and even more extreme options like cryogenics. When it comes to pain
relief, having options is crucial. If something works for you, we say, go for it!
One treatment for pain relief that you might not be familiar with is Shockwave Therapy. Despite its
intense-sounding name, it’s a non-invasive treatment that has proven effective for a wide range of
conditions, from chronic pain to tennis elbow. In this post, Regener8 Healthcare will explain what
Shockwave Therapy is, how it works, and help you determine whether it could be the right treatment for you.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Let’s set the record straight—no one is getting electrocuted here! Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) as it’s officially known, involves sending high-energy sound waves into an
area of injury or discomfort. It’s completely non-invasive and can precisely target specific areas of the
body. Studies have shown it to be effective for treating conditions such as whiplash, tendinopathy, and
even bone stress injuries.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave Therapy essentially helps the body kickstart its own healing process. The energy pulses
delivered to the affected area stimulate an acute inflammation response, similar to how your body
naturally reacts to an injury. This increased inflammation encourages blood flow to the area, delivering
more oxygen and healing agents like collagen. Additionally, the sound waves can help break down
calcified tissue or ‘knots,’ as they’re commonly referred to in massage therapy.
A typical shockwave therapy session lasts about 5–10 minutes. A therapist will apply a special gel to the
affected area to aid in the conduction of sound waves, then gently press the device against your skin.
You may feel some discomfort as the energy pulses through the area, and the machine can be a bit
noisy, but the treatment is simple and non-invasive. Most conditions require around 5 sessions, though
many patients notice improvements after just one.

Who Benefits from Shockwave Therapy?

Due to its targeted nature, Shockwave Therapy is suitable for a wide range of conditions, including
plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, bone stress injuries, and more. If you’re dealing with pain, it’s definitely
worth considering.
However, at Regener8 Healthcare, we recommend using Shockwave Therapy in combination with other
treatments and physiotherapy programs. While Shockwave Therapy can reduce pain, it doesn’t address
the underlying cause of the injury as effectively as a comprehensive physiotherapy program might.

It’s also important to note that Shockwave Therapy is not suitable for everyone. It’s generally not
recommended for pregnant women, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, or those who have
received a steroid injection within the last six weeks. Anyone with serious injuries or underlying health
conditions should consult with a therapist before beginning treatment.

To Shock or Not to Shock?

With growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy, we at Regener8 Healthcare
definitely recommend giving it a try as an alternative method for relieving pain. It may not be the
perfect solution for everyone, but anything that helps you feel better and stay active is worth
considering.
To learn more about Shockwave Therapy, download our free informational leaflets here. If you’re
interested in finding out how Shockwave Therapy might fit into your exercise or rehabilitation program,
or if you need recommendations for providers in your area, feel free to give us a call at 0121 820 5197 or
email us at info@regener8healthcare.co.uk. We’re here to help you take the next step in your recovery
journey!

Neil Sullivan
MSc BSc (Hons) MCSP MSST
Chartered Physiotherapist