What is Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)?
Shockwave therapy is used to treat long standing tendon and muscle (myofascial) pain that is not getting better with traditional loading or exercise regimes.
Radial shockwave is the most common form of shockwave therapy and is used in the NHS. It is a high energy acoustic pressure wave treatment that is highly effective in treating tendon and muscle pain.
Common conditions it is used for include:
- Plantar fasciitis (sole of foot)
- Achilles tendinopathy (ankle)
- Patella tendinopathy (knee)
- Shoulder calcific tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
- Myofascial pain syndromes
How Does Radial Treatment Work?
How does Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) work?
Radial shockwaves are high-energy acoustic waves that spread out from the point of origin and disperse over a larger area. These shockwaves are generated by an electromagnetic or pneumatic device, and they spread through the skin and underlying tissues to reach the targeted area. Radial shockwaves are often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and shoulder pain.
Some of the ways that RSWT is thought to work include:
- Stimulating blood flow: The high-energy acoustic waves delivered during RSWT can stimulate blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow can help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration.
- Disrupting pain pathways: RSWT can help to disrupt pain pathways in the body by activating nerve fibres that inhibit pain signals. This can help to reduce pain and improve function.
- Promoting tissue regeneration: RSWT can stimulate the production of growth factors and other substances that promote tissue regeneration. This can help to repair damaged tissues and accelerate the healing process.
