Radial Shockwave Therapy

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

At The Podiatry Clinic, we use the STORZ MASTERPULS MP100 Radial Shockwave system.

The device generates mechanical pressure waves that travel from the applicator into the tissues.

With radial shockwave, the greatest energy is generated closer to the surface and spreads outwards as it travels through the tissues.

This makes it particularly useful for treating broader areas of superficial and moderately deep soft tissue, including tendons, muscles and areas of muscular tightness or tenderness.

How does radial shockwave work?

Radial shockwave creates controlled mechanical stimulation within the treated tissues.

This is thought to stimulate several biological responses involved in pain reduction, circulation, tissue repair and remodelling.

Depending on the condition being treated, these effects may include:

• stimulation of local cellular activity
• changes in local blood flow and tissue metabolism
• stimulation of processes involved in tissue repair and remodelling
• effects on pain-sensitive nerve endings and pain signalling
• reduction in muscular tension and trigger-point sensitivity; and
• mechanical stimulation of affected tendon and soft tissue.

The aim is not simply to temporarily mask pain. Treatment is intended to stimulate processes that may support recovery over the following weeks.

Why has radial shockwave been recommended?

Radial shockwave may be recommended for a range of persistent foot and ankle problems, including:

• plantar fasciopathy / persistent heel pain
• selected Achilles tendon problems
• other foot and ankle tendinopathies
• muscular pain and tightness
• trigger points
• calf and lower-leg muscular problems; and
• other persistent soft-tissue conditions where radial shockwave is considered appropriate.

Your podiatrist will have considered your diagnosis, clinical findings, how long you have had the problem, previous treatment and individual circumstances before recommending radial shockwave.

Radial or focused shockwave – what is the difference?

We offer both radial and focused shockwave therapy at The Podiatry Clinic.

Although both use mechanical energy to stimulate tissue, they deliver that energy differently.

Radial shockwave distributes energy over a broader area, with the greatest effect closer to the surface. It can therefore be particularly useful for larger areas of tendon, muscle and soft tissue.

Focused shockwave allows energy to be concentrated at a more specific location and selected depth.

One is not automatically "better" than the other.

Your podiatrist will select the type of shockwave therapy that is most appropriate for the tissue, location and condition being treated. In some treatment plans, both may have different roles.

What happens during treatment?

Your podiatrist will identify the area requiring treatment.

A coupling gel is applied to the skin and the radial shockwave applicator is moved over the treatment area.

A series of pressure waves is then delivered into the tissues.

The treatment intensity can be adjusted according to:

• the tissue being treated
• your condition
• the location of your symptoms
• your individual tolerance; and
• your response during treatment.

The applicator may also be moved around the surrounding tissues where appropriate rather than treating only the exact point where you feel pain.

Treatment itself normally takes a relatively short period and does not usually require local anaesthetic.

What does radial shockwave feel like?

You will normally feel rapid, repeated tapping or pulsing sensations.

Treatment can be uncomfortable, particularly over sensitive or painful tissue.

The intensity can be adjusted throughout the treatment according to your response.

Some discomfort is expected, but you should communicate with your podiatrist if treatment becomes excessively uncomfortable.

How many treatments will I need?

At The Podiatry Clinic, a typical radial shockwave programme consists of approximately:

4–6 treatment sessions

The exact number of treatments and interval between appointments will depend on your condition, its severity and your response to treatment.

Your podiatrist will review your progress during the course and adjust the treatment plan where appropriate.

Improvement does not necessarily occur immediately and treatment should not be judged solely by how you feel after the first session.

What results can I expect?

Radial shockwave has been widely studied and is an established treatment option for a number of persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

Clinical research supports its use particularly for conditions such as persistent plantar heel pain and selected tendon problems, with many patients experiencing meaningful improvements in pain and function.

The response varies depending on the condition being treated, how long the problem has been present, the severity of symptoms and individual factors.

Your podiatrist will explain what improvement is realistically expected for your particular condition.

Radial shockwave is not a guaranteed cure, but when appropriately selected and combined with rehabilitation, it can be a valuable treatment option for persistent musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

Shockwave works best as part of a treatment plan

Radial shockwave is usually not used in isolation.

For many tendon and plantar fascia conditions, progressive rehabilitation and appropriate loading remain an important part of recovery.

Your treatment plan may therefore also include:

• progressive strengthening and loading exercises
• mobility or flexibility work
• activity modification
• footwear advice
• taping
• orthotics where clinically appropriate
• gait or pressure analysis
• management of training or occupational load; and
• other treatments where appropriate.

Shockwave is designed to support your rehabilitation, rather than replace it.

Following the exercise and loading programme recommended by your podiatrist is therefore an important part of treatment.

What happens after treatment?

Most patients can walk immediately and continue normal everyday activities following radial shockwave treatment.

The treated area may temporarily feel:

• tender
• sore or aching
• mildly swollen
• bruised; or
• more sensitive than usual.

Occasionally symptoms can temporarily increase following treatment before settling.

This does not necessarily mean that your condition has worsened.

Your podiatrist may advise temporary modification of strenuous or high-impact activity depending on the condition being treated.

When should I expect improvement?

Some patients notice changes during their treatment course, while for others improvement develops more gradually.

The response stimulated by shockwave continues after the treatment session.

It may therefore take several weeks after treatment before the full response can be assessed.

For longstanding tendon and soft-tissue conditions, rehabilitation also takes time.

Even if your symptoms improve quickly, continue the exercise and loading programme recommended by your podiatrist.

Anti-inflammatory medication

We generally advise avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac during your shockwave treatment course unless they have been medically prescribed or you have been specifically advised otherwise.

Do not stop medication prescribed by your GP or another healthcare professional without discussing this with them or your podiatrist first.

If you require pain relief, ask your podiatrist or pharmacist what is appropriate for you.

What are the potential benefits?

Potential benefits of radial shockwave include:

• non-invasive treatment
• no injection or surgical incision
• no local anaesthetic normally required
• treatment of broader areas of tendon, muscle and soft tissue
• short treatment sessions
• little or no downtime for most patients
• ability to combine treatment with rehabilitation
• potential improvement in pain and function; and
• an additional treatment option for persistent conditions that have not responded sufficiently to initial management.

What are the possible side effects and risks?

Radial shockwave is generally well tolerated when appropriately performed.

Common temporary effects may include:

• discomfort during treatment
• tenderness or aching afterwards
• redness
• mild swelling
• bruising; and
• temporary aggravation of symptoms.

Less commonly, patients may experience:

• more significant bruising
• temporary altered sensation or nerve irritation
• skin irritation; or
• a more prolonged increase in symptoms.

Serious complications are uncommon when treatment is appropriately selected and performed.

Your podiatrist will assess the treatment area and select treatment parameters appropriate for your condition.

Is radial shockwave suitable for everyone?

Radial shockwave is not appropriate for every patient or every condition.

Your podiatrist will consider your medical history, medication and the area being treated before recommending treatment.

Particular consideration may be required where there is:

• pregnancy
• a blood-clotting disorder
• anticoagulant medication
• significant neurological or vascular problems
• active infection in the treatment area
• malignancy within the treatment area
• an implanted electronic device where relevant
• recent injection or procedure
• recent surgery; or
• another medical condition that may affect treatment.

Please tell your podiatrist about any significant change in your health or medication during your treatment course.

What are the alternatives?

Your alternatives depend on the condition being treated.

These may include:

• continued rehabilitation and progressive loading
• activity modification
• footwear changes
• taping or bracing
• orthotics where appropriate
• focused shockwave therapy
• Class IV laser therapy
• injection therapy where clinically appropriate
• medication
• further imaging or specialist assessment; or
• continuing with conservative management without shockwave.

Your podiatrist can explain which alternatives are appropriate for your particular condition.

How much does Radial Shockwave Therapy cost?

Single treatment: £75

Course of 3 treatments: £210

Your podiatrist will recommend the most appropriate treatment course according to your condition and response.

When should I contact the clinic?

Temporary soreness or tenderness following treatment can be normal.

Please contact us if you experience:

• severe or unexpectedly increasing pain
• significant swelling or bruising
• persistent numbness or altered sensation
• sudden loss of function
• difficulty comfortably weight-bearing
• symptoms substantially different from your usual condition; or
• anything else that concerns you following treatment.

Your next step

If you have already booked your treatment

Please attend your appointment as arranged.

Continue any exercises, loading programme or other treatment recommended by your podiatrist unless you have been advised otherwise.

If there has been a significant change in your health, medication or symptoms, please tell your podiatrist before treatment.

If radial shockwave has been recommended but you have not yet booked

You can book your Radial Shockwave Therapy – Follow-Up appointment when you are ready to proceed.

£75 per treatment | Course of 3 treatments £210

Important information

This information sheet supports the discussion you have had with your podiatrist and is intended to help you make an informed decision about treatment. It does not replace individual clinical advice.

Radial shockwave is an established treatment option for selected persistent musculoskeletal conditions, and many patients experience meaningful improvements in pain and function.

Results vary between individuals and improvement cannot be guaranteed.

Before each treatment, your podiatrist will confirm that treatment remains appropriate and you will have an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns.

The Podiatry Clinic