Key Takeaways
- Shockwave therapy is commonly used for tendon and soft tissue pain
- It works by stimulating healing rather than masking symptoms
- It is often combined with exercise therapy for best results
- Not every pain condition requires shockwave therapy
- A physiotherapy assessment determines if it is appropriate for you
Shockwave therapy is a clinically used adjunct for persistent tendon and soft tissue pain and is used in conjunction with hands on treatment.. At Active Physiotherapy, shockwave therapy is used to support healing in stubborn conditions such as heel pain, tendon injuries, and muscle pain by stimulating tissue repair and reducing pain sensitivity.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses high-energy sound waves to target injured tissue. These sound waves trigger biological responses in the body that support healing, including increased blood flow, collagen production, and pain modulation.
It is commonly used in musculoskeletal physiotherapy to treat conditions that are slow to heal due to reduced circulation or repeated overload.
Entities
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- Tendinopathy
- Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
- Collagen regeneration
How Shockwave Therapy Works in the Body
Shockwave therapy works by delivering controlled acoustic pulses into affected tissue. These pulses:
- Stimulate local blood flow
- Promote tissue regeneration
- Reduce nerve sensitivity linked to pain
- Help break down abnormal tissue changes associated with long-standing injuries
Unlike medication, shockwave therapy does not numb pain. Instead, it encourages the body’s own repair processes.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is often considered for conditions such as:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendon pain
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder calcific tendinopathy
- Chronic muscle trigger points
It is frequently used alongside exercise therapy to restore strength and movement once pain begins to settle.
When Is Shockwave Therapy the Right Choice?
Shockwave therapy is usually recommended when:
- Pain is present in tendons
- Standard physiotherapy alone has not resolved symptoms
- Imaging or clinical assessment suggests tendon or tissue degeneration
- Pain is limiting daily activities or return to sport
It is not always a first-line treatment and is most effective when guided by a physiotherapist who understands load management and tissue healing.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
A typical session involves:
- Assessment of the painful area
- Application of gel to the skin
- Delivery of controlled shockwaves to the target tissue
- Gradual progression of intensity based on tolerance
Sessions are brief and discomfort is usually short-lived. Your physiotherapist will also provide guidance on activity modification and recovery.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave therapy is considered safe when delivered by trained physiotherapists. It may not be suitable if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have bleeding disorders
- Have certain neurological or vascular conditions
- Are experiencing acute inflammation rather than chronic pain
An individual assessment is essential before treatment begins.
How Shockwave Therapy Fits Into a Physiotherapy Plan
Shockwave therapy is rarely used in isolation. It is most effective when combined with:
- Progressive strengthening exercises
- Movement retraining
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Education on load and recovery
At Active Physiotherapy, treatment plans are tailored based on your condition, goals, and response to care. Learn more about the clinic approach on the About Us page.
When to See a Physiotherapist for Ongoing Pain
If pain has not improved with rest, stretching, or self-management, a physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether shockwave therapy or another approach is appropriate.
For ongoing pain affecting work, sport, or daily life, you can contact our team to discuss assessment and treatment options.