If you’re struggling with knee pain, stiffness or reduced mobility caused by osteoarthritis, shockwave therapy may help.
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of persistent knee pain. Many people find that simple activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair or exercising become increasingly difficult as symptoms progress.
At Sussex Physical Therapy, Dwaine Ford combines shockwave therapy with osteopathy and rehabilitation exercises to help people manage knee osteoarthritis, improve mobility and remain as active as possible.
With over 18 years of clinical experience, Dwaine has helped a wide range of people recover from musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries and long-standing pain problems. Treatment is always tailored to the individual and their specific goals.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, improve mobility or reduce knee pain, treatment suitability is always assessed on an individual basis.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects the knee joint.
Over time, changes can occur within the joint structures, including the cartilage that helps cushion and protect the bones. As these changes develop, some people experience pain, stiffness and reduced movement within the knee.
Osteoarthritis is often described as “wear and tear”, although the condition is more complex than that. Factors such as age, previous injuries, activity levels, genetics and overall joint health can all play a role.
Not everyone with osteoarthritis experiences symptoms to the same degree. Some people have mild discomfort, while others find their symptoms significantly affect daily life.
Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis can cause a variety of symptoms that often develop gradually over time.
Pain During Walking
Many people experience knee pain during walking, particularly over longer distances. Symptoms may worsen after prolonged activity.
Stiffness After Rest
The knee can often feel stiff after sitting for extended periods or when first getting up in the morning.
Difficulty Climbing Stairs
Climbing stairs, walking uphill or getting up from low chairs may become increasingly uncomfortable as symptoms progress.
Reduced Mobility & Activity Levels
As pain and stiffness increase, some people begin avoiding activities they previously enjoyed, which can affect overall fitness, confidence and quality of life.
How Can Shockwave Therapy Help Knee Osteoarthritis?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing responses.
During treatment, controlled pressure waves are delivered into the affected area. Research suggests shockwave therapy may help improve function, reduce pain and support mobility in some people with knee osteoarthritis.
Shockwave therapy may help:
- Reduce pain
- Improve joint function
- Support mobility
- Encourage local healing responses
- Help people remain active
While no treatment can reverse osteoarthritis, shockwave therapy may form part of a wider management plan designed to improve comfort and quality of life.
Treatment suitability is always assessed during your consultation.
Can Shockwave Therapy Help Avoid Knee Surgery?
Many people diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis are concerned about the possibility of requiring knee replacement surgery in the future.
While shockwave therapy is not a replacement for surgery when surgery is clinically necessary, it may help some people manage symptoms more effectively and remain active for longer.
For some individuals, improving pain levels, mobility and function may reduce the immediate need to consider more invasive treatment options.
Every case is different, which is why a thorough assessment is important before treatment begins.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
Shockwave therapy has become increasingly popular because it offers a non-surgical approach to managing persistent knee pain.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Shockwave therapy does not involve surgery, injections or medication. Treatment is delivered externally through the skin.
Encourages Natural Healing Responses
The treatment aims to stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms and support local tissue healing processes.
Minimal Downtime
Most people are able to continue with normal daily activities throughout treatment.
Supports Mobility & Function
Improving mobility and helping people remain active is often an important part of managing knee osteoarthritis effectively.
Why Choose Dwaine Ford for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment?
Choosing the right practitioner is just as important as choosing the right treatment.
With over 18 years of experience, Dwaine Ford has helped people recover from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries and persistent pain problems.
As a fully qualified osteopath and member of the Institute of Osteopathy, he takes a thorough and patient-focused approach to assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Over the years, Dwaine has worked with everyone from recreational exercisers and active individuals through to professional athletes. Regardless of your activity level, treatment is always tailored to your specific condition, goals and lifestyle.
Learn more about Dwaine Ford and his approach to treatment →
Shockwave Therapy, Osteopathy & Rehabilitation
One of the key advantages of treatment at Sussex Physical Therapy is that shockwave therapy is not used in isolation.
Knee osteoarthritis often affects movement patterns, mobility, strength and overall function. Simply focusing on pain alone does not always address the factors contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Where appropriate, Dwaine combines shockwave therapy with osteopathic treatment and personalised rehabilitation exercises to help improve movement, mobility and joint function.
Rehabilitation exercises are often provided during the first appointment and monitored throughout treatment to help support continued progress.
This integrated approach helps create a treatment plan tailored to the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your First Appointment
Your initial appointment lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Dwaine will begin by taking a detailed case history and discussing your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals. This is followed by a thorough assessment and examination to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.
Treatment is usually provided during the same appointment and, where appropriate, personalised rehabilitation exercises will also be prescribed.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments typically last around 30 minutes.
At each session, Dwaine will review your progress, discuss any changes in symptoms and carry out any necessary reassessment before treatment. This allows your treatment plan to be adjusted where needed and ensures recovery continues moving in the right direction.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Research suggests that many people experience improvement within 3–5 shockwave therapy sessions. However, the exact number of sessions required will depend on the severity of your symptoms, how long the condition has been present and how your body responds to treatment.
Treatment recommendations are always tailored to the individual.
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Fees
Initial Consultation & Shockwave Therapy
£70 (up to 45 minutes)
Follow-Up Shockwave Therapy Appointments
£60
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Knee Osteoarthritis?
Research suggests that shockwave therapy may help some people with knee osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving function. Treatment suitability will depend on your individual circumstances.
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
Some people experience mild discomfort during treatment, particularly when the area being treated is sensitive. However, treatment is generally well tolerated and settings can be adjusted where necessary.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most people require between 3 and 5 sessions, although this varies depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Can Shockwave Therapy Cure Knee Osteoarthritis?
No. Shockwave therapy does not cure osteoarthritis. However, it may help manage symptoms, improve mobility and support quality of life as part of a wider treatment plan.
Can I Continue Exercising During Treatment?
In many cases, yes. Appropriate exercise is often an important part of managing knee osteoarthritis. Dwaine can advise on suitable activity levels and rehabilitation exercises during treatment.
Do I Need a Referral?
No. Most people can book directly without a referral.
Looking for more answers? View our Osteopathy & Shockwave Therapy FAQs.
Book Your Knee Osteoarthritis Assessment
If you’re struggling with knee pain, stiffness or reduced mobility caused by osteoarthritis, shockwave therapy may help.
Appointments are available in Heathfield, Haywards Heath and Horam.
Or if you’d prefer to ask a question first, please call 07772 005779 or email .
You can also view more of the conditions commonly treated at Sussex Physical Therapy.
To learn more about shockwave therapy and how it may help a range of persistent musculoskeletal conditions, visit our Shockwave Therapy for Pain & Injuries page.
Read some of our successful patient stories to see how we’ve helped people with similar conditions.
