From wearable tech to shockwave devices, advances in technology are transforming physiotherapy, offering more effective pain relief and faster recovery. Cheltenham-based Pea Green Physio is at the forefront of this shift, investing in cutting-edge treatments to support its patients.
SoGlos speaks to Pea Green Physio’s clinical lead in medical technology, Helen Walsh, about her work with BioWave — a drug-free pain relief solution she’s helping to roll out across the UK and globally — and how this innovative device is improving the management of pain.
Tell us about your career so far, Helen.
I’ve been a physiotherapist for 17 years, specialising in medical technology. I started my career in the NHS, working in hospitals and community rehab settings, before moving into elite sport, particularly rugby. Later, I spent time in the Canadian Rockies, before returning to work for an orthopaedic company; this led to consulting with solicitors and case managers to assess and treat patients recovering from major trauma incidents, before I specialised in med-tech devices for the past 11 years.
A key focus of my career has been assessing and integrating the latest technology into rehabilitation practices. I’ve always been fascinated by tech-driven solutions and how they can enhance patient outcomes.
In 2015, I took on a clinical lead role, introducing an innovative treatment called INDIBA (TECAR therapy) — a form of radiofrequency technology that accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammation — to the UK. I worked extensively with physiotherapists in premiership football teams developing treatment protocols with this technology and also launched its use in the UK equine sector to support racehorses and sports horses.
Seeking an effective wearable pain management solution that reduces reliance on medication, I discovered BioWave was launching in the UK. It works by directly targeting nerves to alleviate pain. I’ve been involved with BioWave for the past three years, training clinicians and supporting its introduction into clinics across the UK, Europe and Asia, while still actively treating patients as a hands-on physiotherapist here in the UK.
How would you define chronic or persistent pain as a physiotherapist?
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than three months, meaning many people with back pain or knee osteoarthritis, for example, fall into this category.
The term ‘chronic pain’ can have different meanings depending on the professional using it. It’s important to have a proper diagnosis from a doctor or physiotherapist as there may be an underlying condition that explains the pain. For instance, osteoarthritis can cause persistent pain, but we typically refer to it as ‘osteoarthritis pain’ rather than ‘chronic pain.’
Pain science is complex, we don’t always have all the answers. But we don’t need all the answers to facilitate environments, contexts and understanding to provide someone with new opportunities to adapt positively and gain control.
How do you approach pain management?
My approach is holistic. Pain doesn’t exist in isolation, so I take time to listen and understand the patient’s life as a whole. I ask about their work, stress levels, home environment and lifestyle. I also assess mental health factors such as anxiety and depression, as these can influence how a person experiences pain.
One of the most important aspects of pain management is education. I explain to my patients what pain is and why we feel it. Sometimes, the brain misinterprets signals from the body, amplifying pain and making people afraid to move, which can create a cycle where inactivity worsens their symptoms.
However, I always make it clear that pain isn’t ‘just in their head’ when no specific cause can be found. Pain can persist long after the initial damage and repair has finished. The experience is very real, the body’s warning system is over-sensitised producing the feeling of pain. It’s similar to how people with amputations still feel sensations in a missing limb — illustrating how the brain shapes our experience.
With education and understanding, patients can engage more with their rehabilitation and movement becomes the key to their recovery.
How can BioWave help with pain management?
BioWave is a non-invasive neuromodulation device that delivers patented high-frequency electrical signals through the skin to target nerves directly. Unlike traditional TENS machines, which mainly stimulate the surface nerves, BioWave penetrates deeper into tissues, making it very effective for pain conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back pain.
What makes BioWave stand out is its speed and duration. Within just five minutes of use, patients often feel noticeable pain relief. They may come in reporting an eight-out-of-10 pain level — and as soon as BioWave starts working, you can see the change. They relax, move more freely and start saying things like, ‘Oh, that feels so much better.’ That moment is when I know it’s making a real difference.
BioWave lasts on average for seven to eight hours after one 30-minute dose. Once we establish it works for a patient they then typically go onto a home programme to use it three times a day, in conjunction with movement.
Once pain is reduced, patients can properly engage in movement, which is crucial for long-term relief and improved function. Often, pain prevents people from moving, which weakens their muscles and worsens the problem. By breaking that cycle with BioWave, they can regain strength and mobility. Their life can completely change because you've reduced their pain.
What is TECAR and how does it complement pain management?
TECAR is a radiofrequency-based treatment that enhances tissue repair and reduces inflammation. It works by increasing circulation and promoting deep tissue healing, which makes it beneficial for conditions like sports injuries, post-surgical recovery and chronic inflammation.
Unlike standard heat-based therapies, TECAR works at a cellular level, helping to stimulate tissue regeneration and accelerate recovery. When combined with treatments like BioWave, it creates a powerful, multifaceted approach to pain management.
Is BioWave painful?
Not at all. Patients typically describe the sensation as a mild tingling or a deep massage-like feeling. I encourage patients to relax during treatment — I’ll even make them a cup of tea while it’s working, before we start adding movement in other sessions.
What kind of conditions have you been able to treat with BioWave?
I’ve used it extensively for lower back pain, helping patients who previously found it difficult to engage in rehab because of their pain levels. I’ve also seen great success in treating joint hypermobility syndrome, where patients struggle with widespread joint pain. BioWaveGo, the portable version of the device, is perfect for them as it allows them to manage flare-ups at home.
We can use it for chronic pelvic pain, including conditions like endometriosis or period-related lower back pain. As long as a gynaecologist has ruled out any other serious underlying conditions, BioWave can be a game-changer for these patients.
One such patient had severe nerve pain after endometriosis surgery. After introducing BioWave treatment and rehab, she has been able to get back in the gym and with strengthening, she has been able to manage the pain more effectively.
Will BioWave become more wideley used in the UK?
BioWave is still relatively new in the UK, but it’s gaining traction. I work closely with a leading pain consultant, Dr Arun Bhaskar in London, who assesses more complex cases and determines if BioWave is suitable or if other interventions are needed.
I’m passionate about BioWave because I’ve seen the difference it makes, but it's not a magic wand — patients need to be assessed to see if they are suitable and are psychologically ready, or whether other approaches may be more appropriate.
If it’s not the right fit, there are plenty of other effective treatments I can offer at Pea Green Physio to help manage pain and support recovery.
To book in with Helen for a chronic pain consultation, visit peagreenphysio.janeapp.co.uk.
