Shockwave Therapy: What It Is, How It Works & Who It Can Help
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, tendon injuries, or slow-healing musculoskeletal conditions, you may have heard about Shockwave Therapy as a treatment option. But what exactly is it, and does it really work?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What Shockwave Therapy is and how it works
- The conditions it can treat
- What the research says about its effectiveness
- What to expect from treatment
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These waves are delivered through a handheld device and applied directly to injured tissues.
What It Does:
- Increases blood flow to stimulate healing
- Breaks down scar tissue & calcifications
- Reduces pain by desensitising nerve endings
- Promotes collagen production for tissue repair
Scientific Evidence:
Studies show that Shockwave Therapy can be highly effective for chronic tendinopathies and has been recommended by organisations like NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for certain conditions.
- Good to Know: Shockwave Therapy does not use electrical currents – the energy comes from sound waves that penetrate deep into tissues
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave Therapy is particularly effective for conditions involving chronic pain, inflammation, and tendon injuries. It is widely used in sports medicine, orthopaedics, and physiotherapy.
Common Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy:
1: Tendon Injuries (Tendinopathies)
- Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain from inflamed fascia)
- Achilles Tendinopathy (persistent Achilles pain)
- Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (Shoulder Pain)
- Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow (elbow pain from repetitive strain)
2: Soft Tissue & Joint Pain
- chronic pain, tendon injuries, or slow-healing musculoskeletal conditions
- Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder (calcium buildup causing stiffness)
3: Bone Healing & Stress Fractures
- Delayed fracture healing (stimulating bone regeneration)
- Shin splints & stress fractures in athletes
Who Is It NOT Suitable For?
Shockwave Therapy is not recommended for:
- Pregnant individuals
- People with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners
- Patients with severe nerve damage or tumours in the treatment area
How Effective Is Shockwave Therapy?
What the Research Says:
Studies show that Shockwave Therapy has a 65-91% success rate in treating chronic tendon injuries when combined with rehabilitation exercises.
- Plantar Fasciitis – 80% success rate after 3-5 sessions (Speed et al., 2003)
- Achilles Tendinopathy – Significant pain reduction (Rompe et al., 2009)
- Tennis Elbow – Comparable to corticosteroid injections but with longer-lasting results (Bisset et al., 2006)
Key Takeaway: Shockwave Therapy is most effective when combined with physiotherapy and progressive loading exercises.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
1: Initial Assessment:
- A physiotherapist assesses your condition and determines if Shockwave Therapy is right for you.
2: Treatment Session:
- Gel is applied to the skin to improve sound wave transmission.
- The shockwave device delivers pulses to the affected area.
- You may feel a tapping or pulsing sensation—most patients tolerate it well.
3: Post-Treatment:
- Some mild soreness may occur but should subside within 24-48 hours.
- Most patients feel noticeable relief after 2-3 sessions, with continued improvement over several weeks.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
- Typically 3-6 sessions over a few weeks, depending on your condition.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Best Candidates:
- Patients with chronic tendon pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments
- Athletes & active individuals looking for a non-invasive alternative to injections or surgery
- People recovering from injuries who need extra stimulation for healing
Who Might Need a Different Approach?
- If pain is due to nerve compression (e.g., sciatica) rather than tissue damage
- If symptoms are very acute and still in early healing phases
Final Thoughts: Is Shockwave Therapy Worth It?
- Evidence-based treatment with high success rates for chronic pain
- Non-invasive, no downtime, and minimal side effects
- Best results when combined with physiotherapy & rehab exercises
Interested in Shockwave Therapy?
Book a consultation at Personal-Physio to see if it’s right for you!
