PLEASE NOTE: You will be charged if you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice

What is shockwave therapy used for?

Here at Functional Physiotherapy, we use shockwave therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions:

Calcific tendinopathy

Tennis elbow
(common extensor tendinopathy)

Golfer’s elbow
(common flexor tendinopathy)

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder 

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
(also referred to as gluteus medius tendinopathy and/or trochanteric bursitis)

Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
(also referred to as high hamstring tendinopathy, or hamstring origin tendinopathy)

Patella tendinopathy
(also known as Jumper’s knee)

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy

Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy

Plantar fasciitis

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

(also known as shin splints)

Myofascial Trigger Points
 
Bone injuries – Shin splints (MTSS), stress fractures, and non-union fractures

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy uses a specialist device to deliver acoustic energy or sound waves through the skin to the injured part of the body. The shockwaves are mechanical and not electric. They are audible, low-energy sound waves, which increase the blood flow to the injured area. It feels like a firm, rapid tapping against the skin.

Shockwave therapy has three main modes of action which will help with persistent tendon pain.

  • First the shockwaves work to desensitise nerve endings which will often give an immediate reduction in pain.
  • Secondly, and often most importantly, the shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma (microscopic damage) to the tissues which encourages the body to respond by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area.  This will activate and accelerate the body’s own healing response.
  • The shockwaves can also ‘breakdown’ disorganised tissue and calcifications.

Is there clinical evidence supporting the use of shockwave therapy?

There is a significant body of evidence supporting the use of shockwave therapy in many common conditions. For more information about your specific condition please use the links below.

NICE have produced guidelines for the use of shockwave in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, plantarfascitis and calcific tendinopathy.

FAQs

How many sessions will you expect to have?

Expect to need between 4-8 sessions. The treatment is always combined with our usual treatment options of manual therapy, soft tissue release, exercise therapy and rehabilitation.

How long are the treatments and are they painful?

Treatments sessions are short – usually lasting around 5 minutes. The sensation can be compared to firm, rapid tapping against the skin. Most patients report slight discomfort, but we can adjust the intensity to suit you.

What should I not do after shockwave therapy?

Avoid high intensity impact exercises, unless instructed by your physio. If you feel discomfort following the treatment (which can sometimes happen) you can take paracetamol.

Avoid taking NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medication), as this may counteract the effectiveness of the treatment.