A revolutionary therapy is being offered in Newcastle thanks to an innovative partnership between physiotherapy practice, Physiotherapy Matters and chiropody and podiatry specialist Newcastle Foot Clinic.
The health specialists have joined forces to offer extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to a wide range of patients in the North East who suffer from chronic and painful musculoskeletal conditions. In the past this treatment has only been available to professional athletes.
ESWT is a non-invasive, specialist treatment that works by passing a very low energy shockwave through the affected area, helping to initiate a healing response. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has reviewed the evidence for this treatment and recommended it as an effective treatment option for a number of conditions including plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, tennis elbow and calcific shoulder tendinitis.
The ESWT is performed using the state-of-the-art Swiss Dolorcast Master – a radial shock wave therapy machine, on which the teams at both Physiotherapy Matters and Newcastle Foot Clinic are fully-trained. The treatment typically consists of 3-4 sessions and is routinely offered alongside a rehabilitation program.
The high-tech treatment is available at the Newcastle Foot Clinic at Saville Chambers, Newcastle.
The partnership combines the expertise of Newcastle Foot Clinic staff, who are specially trained to deal with podiatry and chiropody issues, and the experience of Physiotherapy Matters’ employees, who treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems. By working together, the two teams can treat a wider range of ailments using this technology than previously possible.
Launched in 2006, Physiotherapy Matters offers services to both private and NHS patients and also provides tailored corporate solutions across public sector organisations including a police force, a local authority and the NHS, as well as corporate clients such as Newcastle International Airport, DB Regio Tyne & Wear Limited and Virgin Money.
Physiotherapy Matters’ qualified industry professionals deliver pioneering physiotherapy, acupuncture and injection treatments across the full range of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, including sports injuries, arthritis and back injuries.
Established in 2003, Newcastle Foot Clinic specialises in chiropody and podiatry services such as orthotics and biomechanical assessments, treating a range of lower limb and foot ailments such as athlete’s foot, chill blains and Plantar Fasciitis.
All of the podiatrists at Newcastle Foot Clinic are qualified at degree level with honours, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and members of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
Neeraj Nayyar, managing director of Physiotherapy Matters, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Newcastle Foot Clinic, to give our patients access to this revolutionary technology.
“Utilising the strengths and expertise of both companies in this way is extremely beneficial and we feel that by pioneering this treatment in the North East, we can make a real difference to people suffering from many different ailments which can have a detrimental effect on their daily lives.”
Craig Burton, senior podiatrist at Newcastle Foot Clinic, said: “By investing in this high-tech equipment we are ensuring that Newcastle Foot Clinic stays at the forefront of technological innovation within our field, and are providing our customers with the best available treatments. Working with Physiotherapy Matters means that there are many more opportunities for the technology to be used to treat conditions and it’s fantastic to have partnered with specialists who can complement our capabilities.
“Both teams are fully trained in administering ESWT and we have already produced excellent results in alleviating pain and expediting the healing process in patients who have chronic conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments.”