Royal Free London patients suffering chronic soft tissue pathologies, such as Achilles tendon, could be spared multiple hospital visits or even painful surgery after a machine that uses shockwaves to promote healing was donated to the trust by the Friends of Barnet Hospital.

The low energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy device delivers shockwaves to an affected area, increasing blood flow and metabolism and thereby accelerating the body’s natural healing process.
The machine can be used to treat conditions such as damaged foot tissue or Achilles tendon that have not responded to conventional therapies. Patients receiving the treatment will usually require three 30-minute sessions.

Mr Julian Livingstone, consultant podiatrist at Barnet Hospital, said: “In the group of patients we are treating with this machine, research shows that the treatment works around 80% of the time. These are patients who have previously had insoles, physiotherapy or steroid injections without success.”

“The idea with the shockwave treatment is that it will resolve long standing chronic conditions that have often troubled patients for years, by usingthe body’s own healing process to make the patient better.”

He added: “It is a very generous donation by the Friends of Barnet Hospital. The Friends is a wonderful organisation that has always provided great support to the hospital. We are very grateful and I’m sure the patients that benefit from this treatment will be too.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 020 7317 7740

Image 1: Mr Julian Livingstone and nurse Sean Angeles

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London.