Tackling Fungal Nails with Swift Microwave Therapy: A Modern Solution at Reid Podiatry

Fungal nail infections—medically known as onychomycosis—are more than just a cosmetic concern. They can cause thickened, brittle, discoloured nails that may lead to discomfort, embarrassment, and even difficulty walking. At Reid Podiatry, we’re proud to offer a cutting-edge solution: Swift Microwave Therapy, a revolutionary treatment that’s changing the way we approach fungal nail care.

🔬 What Is Swift Microwave Therapy?

Swift is a medical device that uses targeted microwave energy to treat infected nail tissue. Unlike topical creams or oral antifungals, Swift works by heating the water molecules within the tissue, triggering an immune response that helps the body fight off the fungal infection from within. The microwaves pass harmlessly through the nail plate, reaching the nail bed where the fungus resides.

✅ The Pros of Swift Microwave Therapy

•         Non-invasive & Needle-Free

No injections, no scalpels—just a quick, clean application of microwave energy.

•         Minimal Discomfort

Most patients report only a mild warming sensation during treatment, although some report discomfort or pain. No anaesthetic is needed.

•         No Downtime

You can walk out of the clinic and go about your day—no bandages, no recovery period.

•         Immune Activation

Swift doesn’t just kill fungus—it alerts your immune system to fight back, reducing recurrence.

•         Precision Targeting

The microwaves focus on the infected area without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

•         No Drug Interactions or Liver Monitoring

Unlike oral antifungals, Swift avoids systemic side effects and is safe for patients with complex medical histories.

⚠️ Considerations and Limitations

•         Multiple Sessions Required

The treatment regime typically involves 3 treatments, 2 weeks apart, a review 4 weeks later, and then a repeated treatment regime if required. Altogether 7–12 sessions over several months, depending on severity and nail growth rate.

•         Cost

As a private treatment, Swift may be more expensive than topical options, though its effectiveness can justify the investment.

•         Not Instantaneous

The infected nail must grow out naturally after treatment, which can take 6–12 months.

•         Limited Data for Severe Cases

While promising, current studies focus on mild-to-moderate infections. Severe or deeply embedded fungal nails may require combined approaches.

📚 What Does the Research Say?

Recent research shows that Swift Microwave Fungal Nail treatment is a 60% effective treatment for mild to moderate fungal nail infections.

Swift Microwave for fungal toenails is the most effective treatment on the market in the UK regarding efficacy, compared to laser treatment (average 20% clinical cure) and Photodynamic Therapy (30% clinical cure)

Recent clinical trials in Canada and the UK have shown encouraging results:

•         A 2024 pilot study published in Skin Health and Disease evaluated Swift’s safety and efficacy in 45 patients with mild-to-moderate onychomycosis.

•        A research paper by Aditya K. Gupta, Shruthi Polla Ravi, Sandor Haas-Neill, Tong Wang & Elizabeth A. Cooper (2023) Utility of devices for onychomycosis: a review, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 34:1, 2265658, DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2265658 has been published, and you can link to this article here by copying and pasting into your browser: https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2023.2265658

•         Patients received microwave treatments across different dosing regimens, with follow-ups over 12 months.

•         The study aimed to identify optimal treatment frequencies and assess both visual improvement and fungal eradication through mycology testing.

•         Early findings suggest Swift is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in reducing fungal load and improving nail appearance.

Another trial led by Emblation, the device’s developer, highlighted Swift’s ability to stimulate immune response and halt fungal spread, offering a unique advantage over traditional therapies.

👣 Is Swift Right for You?

At Reid Podiatry, we believe in personalised care. During your consultation, we’ll assess the severity of your infection, your medical history, and your treatment goals to determine if Swift is the best fit. For many patients, it offers a fast, clean, and effective route to healthier nails.

Ready to Step Forward with Confidence?

If you’re tired of hiding your feet or battling stubborn fungal nails, Swift Microwave Therapy could be your breakthrough. Book your consultation today and let’s get your feet back to feeling—and looking—their best.

📞 Call us at 01889 801772

📍 Visit us in the clinic, 4a Upper Brook Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DN

or

💻 Book a new patient appointment at www.reidpodiatry.co.uk