Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used to stimulate healing in painful tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. It is particularly useful for stubborn or long-standing injuries that have not responded well to other treatments.
The treatment delivers controlled acoustic energy through the skin to the injured tissue. These pulses stimulate blood flow, activate the body’s natural healing processes and help break down degenerative tissue changes that can develop in chronic injuries.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used in the management of conditions such as:
- Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Shin pain and medial tibial stress syndrome
- Chronic tendon injuries around the foot and ankle
- Certain knee tendon conditions
What to Expect During Treatment
Shockwave therapy is performed during a standard appointment and typically takes only a few minutes to deliver.
A gel is applied to the skin and the treatment handpiece is placed over the affected area. Controlled pulses are then delivered into the injured tissue. The treatment does not break the skin and no injections or medications are required.
Many patients notice some improvement in pain after the first treatment, however the main benefit usually develops gradually over the following weeks as the body’s healing processes respond to the stimulation.
Treatment Course
Shockwave therapy is usually performed as a short course of treatments, often once per week over several weeks depending on the condition being treated.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
The sensation is often described as similar to a deep tissue massage. Some tenderness may be felt over the injured area, particularly at the beginning of treatment, however the intensity can be adjusted to keep the treatment comfortable.
Shockwave therapy has been widely studied and is considered a safe and effective treatment option for a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions.