Cath Ferry

Cake eater with a running problem

[Helen How Edinburgh @HelenHowOsteo]

Bilateral Achilles tendinopathy in a 52-year-old runner — both sides, sudden onset. Treated together from 10 Sept 2025 with focused ESWT, EMTT and radial.

The mechanism, not the marketing. Focused shockwave is mechanotransduction: a steep acoustic pulse the tendon converts into biochemical signalling. It enables two things the Achilles does poorly on its own.

Angiogenesis — eNOS/NO and VEGF drive new blood supply into a hypovascular tendon.

Matrix repair — degradative MMP-1/13 fall while disorganised type III collagen is remodelled toward organised, load-bearing type I. EMTT runs alongside, enhancing collagen synthesis in degenerative tendon — useful in the older, degenerative Achilles.

Dose sits within a therapeutic window: focused ESWT ~4,000 impulses titrated 0.02–0.20 mJ/mm², EMTT ~6,000–10,000 impulses, every four weeks.

Crucially, trigger and result run on different clocks. Growth factors surge in week one, new vessels appear by ~week four, consolidation continues past twelve — the signal transient, the repair durable. That is precisely why tendons heal on a slower clock than critics assume, and why the schedule is spaced.

Outcome: back training in four weeks, racing throughout.

#ESWT #EMTT #Tendinopathy #Mechanotransduction

[Helen How Edinburgh @HelenHowOsteo]

This 56-year-old ultramarathon runner developed severe osteitis pubis after repeated ultra-endurance loading. What began as “groin pain” progressed into major functional limitation.

By the time he presented:
• Walking was limited to ~2 miles
• Coughing and sneezing caused sharp pubic/adductor pain
• Turning in bed was severely painful
• Getting in and out of the car hurt
• He had to physically hold his legs together to roll in bed
• He could not tolerate a simple adductor squeeze test
• Right leg strength and stability had significantly deteriorated

Despite months of physiotherapy elsewhere, symptoms continued to worsen.

Eventually, the patient self-referred for MRI himself.

Imaging confirmed osteitis pubis with associated right hip labral pathology.

After researching treatment options himself, he attended our clinic for combined Focused Shockwave Therapy (fESWT) and EMTT alongside progressive rehabilitation and strict load management.

Importantly, because of the significant delay in diagnosis, imaging and targeted treatment, this case required substantially more focused Shockwave and EMTT sessions than would normally be expected in earlier-stage presentations. By the time treatment began, the patient was already in a severe and highly irritable state with major functional limitation.

Seven months later:
• Pain-free coughing/sneezing
• Pain-free bed turning
• Pain-free car transfers
• Walking 12+ miles without after-effects
• Significant restoration of strength and function

Importantly — he has not rushed back to running. Recovery from bone-stress pathology requires patience, progressive loading and respect for tissue healing.

Cases like this highlight how easily osteitis pubis can be missed in endurance athletes when early imaging is delayed — and how prolonged diagnostic delay may significantly extend rehabilitation timelines.

Published with full informed patient consent.

#OsteitisPubis #Ultrarunning #ShockwaveTherapy #SportsMedicine #RunningInjury #GroinPain #ESWT #EMTT #BoneStress #Rehabilitation #Ultramarathon #SportsInjuries

[Helen How Edinburgh @HelenHowOsteo]

Shockwave therapy began with a strange aerospace discovery in Bavaria during the late 1960s, when engineers noticed microscopic shock waves damaging aircraft surfaces near the sound barrier. Researchers soon realised these waves could pass safely through soft tissue while affecting bone and calcified tissue. From kidney stone treatment in 1980 to modern sports medicine, ESWT is now one of the most researched non-invasive therapies in musculoskeletal care.

[Helen How Edinburgh @HelenHowOsteo]

Saving career Rare Stress Fracture Covid 2020 Dx “While you’re here — can you check my foot?” March 2020 Covid Lockdown Key Working Case

His first email March 2020 enquiry changed everything. Recommended by Morag MacLarty ( Dr + Athlete)

“I’m an 800/1500m runner. Right hamstring/glute. Seems more nerve than muscular. Eases on the track but aches on long runs and when sitting. Causing problems accelerating.”
He came in. We treated the hamstring. The gluteal pain disappeared with Focused ESWT + EMTT Nerve symptoms settling. He was returning to run.
Mid-treatment session he said casually —
“While I’m here — can you just check my foot?”

I applied the Storz Elrctromagenetic focused shockwave to his foot. stand 2 0.02 mj

Caused a huge Spike pain and sweating
That spike was the signal. Something was wrong. STORZ MEDICAL AG

This is why we trust Storz MedicalTechnology

He rushed to the foot surgeon. Rare stressMm fracture confirmed. Already healing — but racing the next day could have displaced it. Career over. Potentially worse.
Then the radiologist’s email arrived. Just in time.
He was so delighted he was going to do his return to race track and Field

He did not race.
MRI access was severely restricted. I was a key worker. EMTT + Focused + Radial Shockwave continued throughout the pandemic.

2024 — Haglund’s. Surgery recommended again. After 6 x Feswt + EMTT rehab on Smiths Machine Isometric holds 45 sec X 2 week
No surgery. Again.

he goes onto countless track and field events and here is his latest time aged 43 just loves track and field

January 2026. Emirates Arena, Glasgow. 800m — 1:59. 1500m — 4:12.
Six years. Two surgeries avoided. Still competing at elite level.

Patient consent obtained. Full case publication 2026.
#EMTT #ESWT #ShockwaveTherapy #EliteAthlete #SportsMedicine #NoSurgery #StressFracture #CareerSaved

[Helen How Edinburgh @HelenHowOsteo]

Shockwave therapy has been transforming athlete recovery for 30 years — and the science has never been stronger. 💥

500+ studies. Six clinical disciplines. From tendons and bones to nerves and the heart — the evidence base is extraordinary.

We’ve just compiled the most comprehensive ESWT / EMTT Research Bibliography to date and the results speak for themselves. Faster recovery, better outcomes, and three decades of research backing every single treatment.

This is why we trust it. This is why our athletes do too. 🙌

#ShockwaveTherapy #ESWT #AthleteRecovery #SportsRehab #ElitePerformance #EvidenceBasedMedicine #EMTT #InjuryRecovery #ReturnToPlay

[Scott Hastings @ScottHastings13]

In 1975 I attended my 1st Calcutta Cup game & my ticket cost 30p. 11years later I scored my 1st try for @Scotlandteam in a record 33-6 win & now in 2026, I get to commentate with @ITVRugby @andNickMullins @davidflatman #6Nations #SCOTvENG KO4.40pm bring it on!

[Helen How Edinburgh @HelenHowOsteo]

Dr Nakasato explaining here on the excellent video clip ESWT plus PRP or MSC s both why injections articular and intraosseous into the bone SUBCHONDRAL + Another source of bone pain in osteoarthritis of the knee

https://t.co/UAidF5XBr2

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@OvensDavid Hope you avoided the pot holes…!!!

[Chris Powell @RealChrisPowell]

Something amazing is happening.
A few months ago I received a stem cell treatment and it completely opened my eyes to the power of this new kind of therapy - helping to relieve nearly 20 years of chronic back pain.

In the process I became friends with met the CEO of @mythrivelab - the company that administered he treatment - and when he told me his mission was to improve one million lives, I stopped him right there and smiled… because that’s been my mission since 2008. I even have it tattooed down my side as a promise to myself.

We have been talking nearly every day since.
And now, I’m beyond excited to share that I’ve officially joined the Thrive Lab team as Chief Transformation Officer.

Together, we’re creating tools, programs, products, and services to help people live stronger, healthier, more vibrant lives - from hormone and peptide therapy to regenerative medicine and beyond.

Same mission. Same heart. Just a bigger team working toward the same goal - to help you THRIVE. Stay tuned…we’re creating something amazing for you! 💙💪
@thrivelab_men @thrivelab_women @joshua.host

[Scott Hastings @ScottHastings13]

Iain Sinclair will swim the Caledonia Canal from Corpach to Clachnaharry His Sea2SeaChallenge is a world 1st & in memory of Colin Maguire & Jenny Hastings. Follow his journey, 60 miles, 4 lochs & 29 canal locks on instagram, fb & TikTok Sea2SeaChallenge
https://t.co/KTkY2Yl63k

[Katie Dunlop @scarykt]

Sometimes a small act can make a big difference. Can't think of a more fitting way to remember Jenny ❤️ #WMHD #BeKind @WMHDay

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@ScottHastings13 @WMHDay Sending you so much love and hugs, Scott! We still have the rock from Jenny that she gave us for #justasportsquiz and it is most treasured ❤️

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@ScottHastings13 @RugbyCanada It’s been a brilliant opening weekend and it’s just going to get better when the athletics start. LOVE the Olympics!

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@ScottHastings13 @JennyHastings17 Where’s the chips????

[Scott Hastings @ScottHastings13]

SINFIELD is SENSATIONAL ❗️. The MND community needs all support that you can give!
THANK-YOU @MNDoddie5 @mndassoc @DarbyRimmerMND @Rob7Burrow
https://t.co/KC9IicNyYP

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@Edinburgh_CC Why don’t you just stop cutting them all down in favour of unnecessary developments?

[Scott Hastings @ScottHastings13]

1st run in 2 months. ❤️ JennyHastings17 for getting me through my health issues whilst suffering her own MH demons! During RWC I got COVID for the 5th time Antivirals, 2 lots of antibiotics & 8 sessions of oxygen therapy https://t.co/7OwEsMgfnT I’m back. Time to support my Jenny!

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@OvensDavid @scotathletics @leslie_roy1 The 1500 would’ve been a lot more enjoyable had it just been laps of the home straight

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@ScottHastings13 @JennyHastings17 @KAHastings1996 @ZamCHart17 Did ye no’ just “Ken” it wid be a crackin’ day oot?

[Cath Ferry @katierun]

@TaritTweets @HarmenyAC @CraSte73 It was great to see everyone - these iconic races (and pineapples) have certainly been missed 🍍🏃‍♀️👟😃