Podiatrist Tom Fox has over 20 years’ experience of helping people overcome pain and problems in their lower limbs and feet, including working with Champions League footballers and elite level athletes. Tom has a passion for helping people overcome pain and return to enjoying activity.
Having worked within the NHS, Tom has owned The Nantwich Clinic since 2004 and it has steadily developed into a 5-chair clinic. In recent years the clinic has become more orientated toward muscular skeletal issues with Tom having trained in tool assisted massage, mobilisation, manipulation and Fascia Manipulation with Ian Linane and Dr Antonio Stecco.
When did you start offering Shockwave Treatment?
The clinic started integrating Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) into treatments in 2017.
What were the main reasons for you adding Shockwave therapy to your practice?
I invested in ESWT as an adjunct treatment for patients with soft tissue pathologies. We wanted to improve patient outcomes and reduce pain and discomfort.
What made you choose the BTL device?
I was at the COP conference and had an interest in Shockwave. There were various stands offering different machines. I had done my research previously and had a fair idea of the key requirements.
The BTL machine is the strongest portable Shockwave on the market. I find that almost all our treatments start at around 3 bars of pressure so having a device that can be set up to 5 bars of pressure is fundamental to most treatments. The BTL machine can also run at 20Hz, which significantly improves the patients’ experience by reducing the likelihood of discomfort. It runs quietly and never drops in pressure. It is fully programable but also comes with a wide variety of pre-sets.
It is a truly portable Shockwave. It doesn’t take up much room in the clinic, it is simple to carry from room to room or transport in the car. The BTL machine is well priced. The cartridges have a huge number of shocks and are inexpensive to replace. BTL have provided training and updates to the training whist providing exceptional customer service.
THE BTL MACHINE IS THE STRONGEST PORTABLE SHOCKWAVE ON THE MARKET
What has been the clinical impact of adding Shockwave?
Shockwave has had a significant clinical impact. We are able to assess our patients and offer them a comprehensive treatment plan. We know that ESWT can reduce recovery time and improve symptoms. It has a role in diagnosis and can have a positive on the biopsychosocial aspect of treatment.
With appropriate framing, Shockwave can decatastrophise injuries. Patients can receive a treatment that immediately improves symptoms. As part of a rehabilitation programme, we find it increases patient compliance and delivers results with higher levels of patient satisfaction. The Shockwave machine is fairly simple to use. It can bring in new, different and challenging conditions that makes the working day more interesting, enjoyable and rewarding to the clinician/practitioner.
What conditions/injuries do you treat using Shockwave?
Shockwave is beneficial to soft tissue pathologies from fascia, through oedema, pain, inflammation, stiffness to tendon injuries.
Can you give an outline of your treatment protocols for Shockwave?
ESWT is a versatile tool. The most important things are the history of the patient and pathology. Each patient, pathology and course of rehab are different. They may follow largely similar treatment pathways, but the patient feedback that develops with Shockwave is an aid to developing and finessing treatments. It complements mobilisations, manipulations, myofascial work and tendon rehab.
We utilise pre and post treatment movement verification. Shockwave has been a fantastic addition to the services we offer our patients, giving them more choice and improved outcomes.
What has been the financial impact of offering Shockwave treatments? How long did it take to get a return on your investment?
ESWT has assisted the development of our business adding extra revenue streams and introducing new patients to the clinic. Within 7 months the machine had paid for itself. We used an interest free credit card to purchase it, but leasing is also an option.
WITHIN 7 MONTHS THE MACHINE HAD PAID FOR ITSELF
How do you attract new patients for Shockwave to your practice?
We have it on our website. All our practitioners are able to discuss it. It is included in certain treatment packages and where appropriate it can be included in treatments in order to demonstrate its efficacy.
How many Shockwave treatments on average do you carry out per month?
Currently, we are using Shockwave around 40 times in an average month. As our practice moves toward being primarily an MSK clinic our use of ESWT is increasing and we expect to be utilising the machine far more.
What is your treatment charge for Shockwave?
Patients may have a significant improvement in symptoms after a single treatment. Patients may also experience little benefit after a single treatment. We really want to help resolve our patient problems. Currently we are now using it around 10 times per week and charging £75 per treatment during a 30-minute consultation.
What advice would you give to fellow practitioners who are considering adding Shockwave Therapy to their practice?
If you have an MSK practice or you are looking to increase your volume of MSK work, purchasing a Shockwave would prove a wise investment. Look into it first. Identify how you are going to use it and how you intend to structure pricing. Loan machines are available. Try at least two. Identify patients that you think would benefit. Book them in back to back, but with a little extra time, so that you get used to operating the machine and have a certain amount of time for reflection. See for yourself, but do not hesitate. The sooner you have one, the sooner you can help your patients.
For further information about BTL Shockwave or to arrange a demonstration contact your Canonbury Business Development Manager
