Do your patients feel discomfort after ESWT? 

Do you have any advice for physiotherapists so that they can help their patients to limit pain after each treatment session?

There are several simple and effective methods that can alleviate pain without necessarily involving the ingestion of drugs. Above all, it is important for physiotherapists to warn their patients to restrict and avoid as much as possible the use of the area that has just been treated. This will allow the muscle to rest completely and regenerate faster in an optimal way. Applying ice is also a very effective method in the short and medium-term to reduce the effects of the treatment. Be careful to mention that direct contact with the area can cause a cold burn, the use of a waterproof material in-between is highly recommended. The patient can also buy castor oil or arnica vegetable oil (preferably organic) to be placed on the treated tendon area in the morning and evening to limit inflammation. Small side-note: castor oil has a very thick and greasy texture. So, no need to put a lot, a few drops are enough. Finally, the patient can combine all of this with the application of a thick green clay poultice directly on the painful zone. This should be held under a bandage for about 30 minutes. This can be done several times during the day, at any time. They can buy the clay in a ready-made tube or prepare it themselves using fine clay powder and water. You should also know that castor or arnica oil, as well as the use of green clay, are contraindicated for pregnant women, so please be careful.