MST and Neck/Shoulder Pain

Several studies have explored the effect of Magnetic Shockwave Therapy (MST) on people with this type of issue, and have found that it caused a significant reduction in their pain, as well as improving the range of movement available at their neck. One study compared MST to the popular TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy, and found that although TENS also had a significant effect on pain immediately after treatment, at one and three month follow ups this improvement had not lasted. The MST group, however, still showed significant improvements at both of these follow ups, indicating that the effect of MST is long lasting.

A study from 2020 explored the effect of using MST on people with neck/shoulder pain and migraines, and found that not only did their muscular pain improve, they also had reductions in the frequency and intensity of their migraines. This is a very exciting finding, as this is an incredibly common issue, and other treatment approaches (such as traditional shockwave therapy) are not suitable for use in this area due to the many sensitive structures nearby. The non-invasive nature of MST makes it perfect for this part of the body, and we believe that it has the potential to help a huge number of people.

What Does MST Involve?

During an MST treatment, a highly trained specialist will work with you to identify the specific areas where you feel the most tenderness, before targeting these directly with the magnetic coil. You will feel a painless twitch in the muscle for a few seconds, followed by a period of rest, which will then be repeated several times. The treatment will last for 20-30 minutes, and most people feel immediate improvements to their pain, range of movement and muscle tightness.

Your treatment will be delivered by one of our expert team, who will work with you to develop an individualised plan for your issue. Research suggests that combining MST with exercise can enhance the benefit of the treatment, so we may recommend some specific, simple movements for you to do if appropriate.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

There is not a rigid protocol for how many treatments you will require, with the number of sessions depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the treatment. Some people recover after 2-3 sessions, others require more. This can all be discussed with your therapist, who will take into account your personal requirements, as well as your availability, to come up with an individualised treatment plan that works for you.

To find out whether you might be suitable for MST, please contact our friendly team.