Therapies at Glencairn House
Shockwave Therapy
Ease pain and sports related illness
How Shockwave works:
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment in which a device is used to pass acoustic shockwaves at a set frequency through the skin to the affected area. It is purely a mechanical wave – not an electric one. Shockwave is an accepted intervention in the UK and treatment may provide pain relief for chronic tendinopathies.
The treatment initiates a pro inflammatory response in the affected tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area which accelerates the body’s own healing processes. The shockwaves can break down injured tissues and calcifications.
Shockwave is delivered by locating the painful area by palpation. The treatment is delivered via a compressed air impulse through a hand held piece attached to the shockwave machine. The shockwave radiates out through the head into the affected area. Contact gel will be applied to the skin to improve the transmission of the shockwave.
Shockwave therapy stimulates and supports the body’s self-healing mechanisms. ESWT is a non-invasive treatment modality- there are no medications such as cortisone or surgery involved. There are no major safety concerns associated with ESWT. It is included in the NICE guidelines for the management of refractory (chronic) tendinopathies involving conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow but can be used for most common tendinopathies.
The ESWT application lasts about 5 minutes and you must attend for 3 sessions over 3 consecutive weeks.
Carolyn Humphrey
Grad Dip Phys MCSP MAACF HCPC.reg
It works by delivering impulses of energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon. The shockwaves are mechanical, not electric, and work by increasing blood flow to the injured area. This accelerates the body’s healing process. The ESWT application lasts about 5 minutes to deliver the shockwave energy and you must attend for 3 sessions over 3 consecutive weeks.
Originally this treatment was only available through an orthopaedic consultant and was extraordinarily expensive. Now it is performed by many physiotherapists around the country who wish to be able to help their patients directly.
ESWT is now available at Glencairn House for self paying, and insured patients. The treatment package cost £338 which includes a full patient assessment and three treatments. For further enquiries or to make an appointment please contact the Clinic.
Andy Marsh
BSc (hons) MSc MCSP HCPC.reg.
Sports Injury and Orthopaedic Specialist
Andy qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist from the University of Birmingham in 1997 and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
He has over 25 years’ experience specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and orthopaedics in a variety of fields including the NHS, industry, professional sport and private practice and has a special interest in lower limb conditions. Alongside a wealth of experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation he also has a special interest in shockwave treatment for musculoskeletal problems.
Andy also offers Hyaluronic acid injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is similar to a substance that occurs naturally in the joints. The injection works by acting like a lubricant and shock absorber, by replacing lost joint fluid to lubricate the knee, absorb the shock and reduce the pain. For further information please click here.
Alongside private practice, Andy also works in a specialist orthopaedic service and has close links with Orthopaedic Consultants and Physiotherapy teams across the county. Andy gained a master’s degree in 2016 and enjoys keeping fit, playing squash and family life in Somerset.
