Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of knee pain and reduced mobility for adults in Derbyshire, including those in Buxton, Bakewell and the surrounding towns. If you’ve been struggling with persistent knee pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced activity, understanding your condition and the latest, evidence-based treatment options, such as Focused Shockwave Therapy, can make a real difference.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explain what knee osteoarthritis is, why it causes pain, how it is diagnosed, and how non-surgical treatments like Focused Shockwave Therapy are helping patients get back to everyday life with less pain and more movement.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the protective cartilage that covers the ends of your bones wears away over time. This cartilage normally acts as a shock absorber, helping your knee move smoothly. As it deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other, which leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
OA is sometimes called “wear and tear” arthritis, but it’s more than simple wear as it involves joint inflammation, changes to bone under the cartilage, and alterations in joint mechanics.
Common Risk Factors
People are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis if they:
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Are aged over 50
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Carry extra weight (which increases joint stress)
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Have a history of knee injuries
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Have jobs or hobbies involving repetitive knee bending
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Have genetic or family factors linked to joint degeneration
These factors can magnify joint breakdown and make pain more likely over time.
Conventional Treatment Options
Knee osteoarthritis treatment usually begins with conservative measures designed to reduce pain and improve joint function, such as:
Lifestyle Modifications
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Weight management to ease pressure on the knees
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Low-impact exercise and strengthening programmes
Physical Therapy
Guided exercises help improve muscle strength around the knee, which stabilises the joint and reduces pain.
Medications and Injections
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Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs
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Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections for temporary relief
Surgical Options
When conservative care fails, joint surgery (including knee replacement) may be considered. Surgery does carry risks and requires downtime for recovery.
Introducing Focused Shockwave Therapy. A Modern Non-Surgical Option
One of the most exciting developments in knee OA care is Focused Shockwave Therapy, an innovative, non-invasive treatment that targets the underlying pain mechanisms of osteoarthritis and supports natural healing processes.
What Is Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic pressure waves delivered through a handheld device onto the affected knee. The focused (or f-ESWT) version delivers concentrated, deeper-penetrating waves that reach structures within and around the joint, including cartilage, subchondral bone and soft tissues.
This differs from traditional radial shockwave (which spreads energy more broadly and superficially) focused shockwave can reach deeper tissues with greater precision.
How Focused Shockwave Helps Knee Osteoarthritis
Emerging research supports the use of focused shockwave therapy for knee OA, with studies showing improvements in pain relief, joint function, and mobility.
Here’s how focused shockwave can help:
1. Pain Reduction
Shockwave therapy modulates pain signals and stimulates healing processes, helping reduce chronic knee pain.
2. Improved Function and Mobility
Studies comparing focused shockwave to other modalities have found greater improvements in functional scores and walking ability — making everyday activities easier.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Shockwaves can help attenuate chronic inflammation in and around the arthritic knee, calming synovial inflammation and nerve irritation that fuels pain.
4. Encourages Tissue Repair
Focused shockwave may promote cellular responses that support cartilage health and joint mechanics — potentially slowing further degeneration.
5. Non-Invasive and Well-Tolerated
Unlike injections or surgery, focused shockwave requires no incisions and commonly involves minimal discomfort during and after treatment.
Evidence Supporting Shockwave for Knee Osteoarthritis
Multiple clinical studies and reviews have found that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — particularly focused shockwave — is effective for reducing pain and improving knee joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Key findings include:
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Improved pain and physical function with ESWT compared with placebo sham treatments.
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Focused ESWT shows greater benefits than radial shockwave in pain reduction and functional improvement.
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ESWT is a safe, non-surgical option with few side effects and a good tolerance profile.
While research is ongoing, and optimisation of treatment protocols continues, the evidence so far supports focused shockwave as a powerful tool in the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis.
What to Expect During a Focused Shockwave Session
At your appointment:
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A gel applicator is placed on the knee to enhance wave transmission.
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The focused shockwave device emits controlled acoustic waves to targeted areas.
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Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes, with most patients receiving a course of multiple treatments over several weeks.
Many people experience noticeable reductions in pain and improvements in mobility after a few treatments, with continued gains over the full course.
Why Choose Focused Shockwave at Buxton & Bakewell Osteopathy
At our clinic serving Buxton, Bakewell and Derbyshire, we blend clinical expertise with the latest evidence-based therapies, including focused shockwave therapy, to manage knee osteoarthritis and restore quality of life.
Benefits of choosing us include:
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Local, trusted osteopathic care backed by years of experience
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Personalised treatment plans integrating manual therapy, exercise and shockwave therapy
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Non-surgical, conservative options tailored to your goals
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Support for activity, mobility and long-term joint health
Combining Shockwave with Other Therapies
Focused shockwave can be used alongside:
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Physio-led exercise and muscle strengthening
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Weight-management advice
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Manual osteopathic techniques
This integrated approach helps support structural function, alleviates pain, and improves day-to-day activities.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Focused shockwave therapy may be suitable for adults with:
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Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
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Persistent knee pain that interferes with daily life
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Not yet requiring (or wishing to avoid) surgical options
A clinical assessment by our osteopaths will help determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your unique presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does focused shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, but this is typically well-tolerated and short-lived.
How many sessions are needed?
Treatment plans vary based on severity and goals, but many patients benefit from several sessions over a few weeks for optimal results.
Are the effects long-lasting?
Focused shockwave aims to reduce pain and improve function; maintenance exercises and holistic care can help prolong benefits.
Get Started with a Knee Assessment in Buxton or Bakewell
If knee pain from osteoarthritis is holding you back, you don’t need to accept it as “just getting older.” With expert assessment and modern, evidence-based treatments like focused shockwave therapy, you can regain pain-free activity and enjoy life again.
Book a consultation at Buxton & Bakewell Osteopathy Clinic today to explore how we can help you take control of your knee pain and improve mobility.
