Shockwave Therapy with Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment
At Gecko we are committed to providing modern, evidence-based treatment options to help you recover from persistent tendon, muscle and soft tissue injuries.
We are proud to offer radial shockwave therapy using the advanced Storz Medical Masterpuls Ultra+ system – one of the leading shockwave technologies used in sports medicine, physiotherapy and orthopaedics worldwide.
What makes our service different is that shockwave therapy is not used as a “one-size-fits-all” treatment. At Gecko Clinic, shockwave therapy is never used as a generic add-on. Every patient undergoes a detailed physiotherapy and diagnostic ultrasound assessment to confirm the diagnosis, determine whether shockwave is appropriate, and guide a personalised rehabilitation programme.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic waves into injured tissue.These pressure waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response and can help to:
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- – Reduce pain
- – Improve tendon healing
- – Stimulate blood flow and tissue regeneration
- – Improve mobility and function
- – Reduce chronic inflammation in stubborn soft tissue injuries
Shockwave therapy is commonly used when symptoms have persisted for several months and have not fully responded to rest, exercise or standard physiotherapy alone.
Treatment is delivered in clinic by HCPC registered physiotherapists.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Shockwave therapy may be beneficial for a range of chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions, including:
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- – Plantar fasciopathy / plantar fasciitis
- – Achilles tendinopathy
- – Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- – Gluteal tendinopathy
- – Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- – Tennis elbow
- – Golfer’s elbow
- – Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- – Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
- – Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- – Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
- – Certain chronic myofascial pain presentations
Not all conditions are suitable for shockwave therapy, which is why accurate assessment is essential before treatment begins
Our Unique Approach – Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment
One of the key advantages of our service is the use of high-frequency diagnostic ultrasound during the initial assessment, alongside clinical examination. This is performed by our senior clinician and MSK Sonographer Kadi Pariis.
Ultrasound imaging allows us to:
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- – Confirm or refine the diagnosis
- – Assess tendon structure and tissue quality
- – Identify calcification, tears or bursitis
- – Determine the depth and location of injured tissue
- – Assess whether shockwave therapy is likely to be appropriate
Importantly, some conditions can be aggravated by shockwave treatment if used incorrectly or at the wrong stage of healing. Diagnostic ultrasound helps improve clinical decision-making and ensures treatment is targeted safely and effectively.
Shockwave + Rehabilitation = Better Outcomes
Shockwave therapy should not be viewed as a standalone “quick fix”.
At Gecko, we combine shockwave therapy with expert physiotherapy rehabilitation to help address:
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- – Strength deficits
- – Tendon loading capacity
- – Biomechanical factors
- – Movement control
- – Return-to-sport or activity planning
Current evidence suggests that combining shockwave therapy with a structured rehabilitation programme often leads to better long-term outcomes than passive treatment alone.
What to Expect
Initial Shockwave Assessment BOOK HERE
Your first 45-minute appointment includes:
- – Comprehensive clinical physiotherapy assessment
- – Review of symptoms and training/activity history
- – Diagnostic ultrasound assessment
- – Discussion regarding suitability for shockwave therapy
- – Your first radial shockwave treatment
- – Cost £150
Please note that this service does not include a written examination report. If a formal report is required, this can be provided for an additional fee.
Follow-Up Shockwave Sessions BOOK HERE
Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and include:
- – Progress review
- – Radial extracorporeal shockwave treatment
- – Ongoing rehabilitation progression and advice under the care of experienced clinicians.
- – Cost £80/session
Most evidence based treatment programmes typically involve minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 sessions depending on the condition, symptom duration and response to treatment.
Treatment
Shockwave treatment itself typically last 10 minutes as part of a wider physiotherapy session. Some discomfort during treatment is normal, particularly in sensitive tendons, but intensity is adjusted to remain tolerable. Some patients report immediate improvement to their symptoms of pain. However for more chronic tendon conditions we anticipate change to symptoms following the third treatment.
Majority of patients notice gradual improvements over time, with the full benefits often developing several weeks after the final session.
Completing the recommended course of treatment gives the best opportunity for meaningful tissue adaptation and symptom improvement.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave therapy is considered a safe and well-researched treatment when delivered by appropriately trained clinicians.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Shockwave treatment is generally avoided in cases involving:
- – Acute injuries
- – Certain tendon tears
- – Active infections
- – Pregnancy
- – Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant concerns
- – Certain nerve or vascular conditions
This is why thorough assessment and clinical reasoning are essential before commencing treatment.
What You May Experience After Treatment
It is normal to experience some temporary symptoms following shockwave therapy, including:
- – Mild soreness or aching
- – Temporary increase in pain for 24-72 hours
- – Redness or warmth in the treated area
- – Mild bruising or skin sensitivity
- – Temporary heaviness or fatigue in the limb
These reactions are usually a normal part of the healing response.
Why Choose Gecko Clinic?
- 1. Evidence-based shockwave therapy using the advanced Storz Medical Masterpuls Ultra+
- 2. Expert musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment
- 3. Diagnostic ultrasound imaging for improved diagnostic certainty
- 4. Individualised rehabilitation programmes
- 5. Focus on long-term recovery, not just symptom relief
- 6. Experienced clinicians with expertise in tendon rehabilitation and sports injuries
