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What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses controlled pressure waves to target painful areas of the body. Despite the name, it does not involve electric shocks. The “shock waves” are acoustic waves delivered through the skin using a handheld device.
The full name of the procedure is ‘extracorporeal shockwave therapy’ sometimes shortened to ESWT. The ‘extracorporeal’ part refers to the treatment taking place outside the body; the treatment is delivered from outside the skin without surgery, injections, or cuts.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, particularly problems affecting tendons and other soft tissue. It may be recommended when pain has become persistent and has not improved enough with conservative treatments.
ESWT shock wave treatment is different from the shock wave treatment sometimes used for kidney stones. In musculoskeletal care, extracorporeal shock therapy is used to help reduce pain, stimulate healing, and improve function in specific treatment areas. These include the heel, Achilles tendon, elbow, shoulder, or knee.
Shockwave therapy works by sending short bursts of energy into the affected area. These pressure waves stimulate the tissues and may help encourage the body’s natural repair process.
ESWT works by helping to:
- increase blood flow to the affected area
- stimulate healing in soft tissue
- reduce pain sensitivity
- support tissue repair
- help break down small areas of calcification in some conditions
- improve movement and function over time.
The treatment is not designed to mask pain in the same way as painkillers. Instead, the aim is to encourage a healing response in the painful tissue. This is why shockwave treatment is often used for long-term tendon pain, where recovery can be slow.
Who could benefit from shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy may be suitable for people with long-term pain caused by tendon, ligament, muscle, or other soft tissue conditions. It is often considered when symptoms have continued for several months and have not improved with conservative treatments.
Treatment areas may include:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- plantar fasciitis
- heel pain
- tennis elbow
- golfer’s elbow
- shoulder tendinopathy
- calcific shoulder tendinitis
- patellar tendinopathy (also known as jumper’s knee)
- greater trochanteric pain syndrome (which affects the outside of the hip)
- myofascial pain or trigger point-related muscle pain.
You may be suitable for shockwave therapy if you have ongoing pain that is affecting your ability to walk, exercise, work, sleep, or complete everyday activities.
Please be aware that shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. Your consultant will assess your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals before recommending ESWT.
When is ESWT used?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is usually considered after simpler treatments have already been tried. These may include:
- rest or activity changes
- physiotherapy
- stretching and strengthening exercises
- insoles or orthotics
- pain relief
- anti-inflammatory medication, where appropriate
- steroid injection
- other conservative treatments.
For some people, ESWT may offer an alternative to more invasive treatments. It may help reduce pain and improve function without the need for surgery or a longer recovery period.
Benefits of shockwave therapy
The main benefit of shockwave therapy is that it is a non-invasive treatment that can be delivered quickly, allowing you to return home soon after.
Potential benefits include:
- pain relief
- improved movement
- increased blood flow to the affected area
- support for natural healing
- reduced need for invasive treatments
- short appointment times
- little or no downtime
- treatment delivered by experienced physiotherapy clinicians.
Some people notice improvement quickly, while others may feel the benefit gradually over several weeks. The effectiveness of the treatment can vary depending on:
- the condition being treated
- how long symptoms have been present
- how your body responds.
Are there any side effects?
Shockwave therapy is generally considered safe when delivered by a trained clinician. As with any treatment, side effects can occur, but they’re usually mild and short-lived.
Possible side effects include:
- temporary soreness during or after treatment
- redness of the skin
- mild swelling
- bruising
- tingling or numbness
- temporary increase in pain
- tenderness in the treated area.
These side effects usually settle within a few days. Your clinician will explain what to expect and what to do if you feel discomfort after treatment.
Shockwave therapy may not be suitable if you:
- are pregnant
- have certain blood clotting conditions
- are taking some blood-thinning medicines
- have an infection in the treatment area
- have certain nerve or circulation problems.
Your clinician will check your suitability before any treatment can start.
What happens during shockwave therapy?
Your appointment will usually begin with a short assessment. The specialist will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had pain, any previous treatment, your activity levels, and your medical history.
You will then be positioned so the affected area can be treated. A gel is applied to the skin to help the shockwave device make good contact. The handheld device is then placed over the treatment area and delivers pressure waves into the affected tissue.
You may feel tapping, pulsing, or discomfort during treatment. This can usually be adjusted to keep the treatment tolerable. The active treatment usually takes around 15 minutes, although your full appointment may be slightly longer to allow time for assessment and advice.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?
A course of extracorporeal shockwave therapy usually involves one session per week for three weeks. This may vary depending on your condition, how you respond to the treatment, and clinical assessment from your specialist.
This specialist will talk you through the recommended number of sessions and whether ESWT should be combined with tailored exercises, changes to your everyday routine, or other rehabilitation advice.
To get the best results, you may be advised to continue with a tailored physiotherapy or exercise plan that complements your treatment. Shockwave therapy is often most effective when used as part of a wider recovery plan rather than as a standalone treatment.
What happens after ESWT?
Most people can return to normal daily activities after shockwave treatment. It’s not uncommon to feel some soreness in the treated area for a short time afterwards.
Your clinician may advise you to:
- avoid high-impact activity for a day or two
- avoid strenuous exercise involving the treated area for a short period
- continue with recommended exercises
- avoid suddenly increasing activity, even if pain improves
- follow your personalised rehabilitation plan.
You should be able to walk and move around as normal unless your specialist gives you specific instructions not to. If you are having treatment for a sports injury, you may need a gradual return-to-activity plan. Your specialist will clearly set this out for you.
How long does shockwave therapy take to work?
Some people feel pain relief after the first or second session. For others, improvement happens gradually over several weeks as the tissue responds to treatment.
The long-term effectiveness of the treatment depends on several factors. These include:
- the condition being treated
- how long you’ve had symptoms
- your general health
- your activity levels
- whether you follow your rehabilitation advice
- whether there are underlying movement, strength or load issues.
It is important to follow your clinician’s advice and allow time for the treatment to take effect.
Can I get referred for shockwave therapy?
You may be able to access shockwave therapy privately at Practice Plus Group. Depending on your circumstances, you may book as a self-pay patient or use private medical insurance.
If you are using your insurance, please check your policy and speak to your insurer before booking. Coverage can vary between insurance plans, and you’ll likely need authorisation before starting treatment.
Our team can talk you through your options and help you understand the next steps.
Shockwave therapy vs steroid injection
Shockwave therapy and pain relieving injections are both used for some painful musculoskeletal conditions, but they work in different ways.
A steroid injection is usually used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. It may be helpful for some conditions, but repeated injections may not be suitable for everyone.
Shockwave therapy uses pressure waves to stimulate the affected tissue and encourage healing. It is often considered when pain has not improved with conservative treatments and when a non-invasive treatment is preferred.
The right option for you depends on a few factors. These include:
- your diagnosis
- symptoms
- medical history
- specific treatment goals.
Why choose Practice Plus Group for private shockwave therapy?
At Practice Plus Group, we offer fast access to private treatment in a calm, professional healthcare setting. Our team will assess your symptoms, explain whether shockwave therapy is suitable and guide you through your treatment plan.
Reasons to choose Practice Plus Group include:
- fast access to appointments
- clear, upfront guide prices
- experienced physiotherapy clinicians
- treatment delivered in an outpatient setting
- personalised advice and rehabilitation support
- self-pay and insured options
- no need to wait for symptoms to get worse before seeking help
Our aim is to help reduce pain, improve movement and support your return to everyday activities.
