Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

A clinically proven, non-invasive procedure using high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and resolve chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions.

3–6 sessions typical

Non-invasive

Strong evidence base

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Shockwave therapy device being applied to a patient

FDA-Cleared Technology

What Is ESWT?

Acoustic Energy That Triggers Your Body's Own Healing

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers targeted acoustic pressure waves to affected tissue, stimulating increased blood flow, collagen synthesis, and the breakdown of calcific deposits. The body's natural healing response is activated — driving tissue remodelling in conditions that have become chronic and self-perpetuating.

ESWT is often most useful for chronic tendinopathies that haven't responded to conventional physiotherapy alone. The procedure is performed with a handheld device directly over the treatment area — no incisions or anaesthesia are required, and downtime is usually minimal.

FDA-clearedtechnology

Non-surgicalno incisions

80%+success rates in trials

Indications

Conditions Commonly Treated with ESWT

Shockwave therapy has the strongest evidence base for chronic tendinopathies and calcific conditions that have not responded to first-line treatment.

Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain

One of the strongest indications for ESWT — chronic plantar fascia pain with strong evidence for significant long-term improvement.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Mid-portion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy — ESWT combined with progressive loading delivers excellent outcomes for this challenging condition.

Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis

Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff — ESWT is highly effective at breaking down calcifications and restoring pain-free shoulder function.

Patellar Tendinopathy

Jumper's knee — chronic patellar tendon pain common in volleyball, basketball, and other jumping sports — with strong evidence for ESWT efficacy.

Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) that has failed conventional management — ESWT offers a non-surgical alternative with good long-term outcomes.

Gluteal Tendinopathy & Greater Trochanteric Pain

A common and often undertreated cause of lateral hip pain — ESWT combined with load management and progressive exercise is highly effective.

The Procedure

What to Expect at Your ESWT Sessions

Each session is short, straightforward, and conducted in the clinic by your physiotherapist. Here is a step-by-step overview of the treatment process.

Suitability Assessment

Your physiotherapist will review your history, imaging, and previous treatments to confirm shockwave therapy is the right option for you and rule out any contraindications.

Treatment Session (15–20 min)

A coupling gel is applied to the skin. The handheld device is placed over the treatment area and delivers a pre-programmed series of acoustic pulses. Some pressure and mild discomfort during treatment are normal and expected.

Immediate After-Care

Mild soreness and redness at the treatment site may last 12–24 hours. Ice can be applied for comfort. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen) for 48 hours as they may blunt the healing response we are trying to stimulate.

Programme Completion

Most protocols involve 3–6 sessions spaced 5–7 days apart. Improvement is often felt progressively over the course of treatment and for up to 12 weeks afterwards as tissue remodelling continues.

Rehabilitation Integration

Shockwave is most effective when combined with a structured loading programme. Your physiotherapist will guide you through concurrent rehabilitation exercises to maximise and sustain outcomes.

Physiotherapist discussing shockwave therapy treatment plan with patient

FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

Most patients describe mild-to-moderate pressure and an aching sensation during the procedure. The intensity is always adjusted to your tolerance — communication during the session is important. Significant post-treatment soreness is uncommon, though mild local tenderness for 12–24 hours is normal.

The standard protocol is 3–6 sessions, delivered weekly. Your clinician will review progress after 3 sessions and advise whether continuation or modification of the programme is appropriate based on your tissue response.

Shockwave therapy is not suitable for areas overlying growth plates (in skeletally immature patients), open wounds, active local infection, malignancy in or near the treatment area, or in patients on anticoagulant medications. A full medical screen is conducted prior to commencing treatment.

Some patients notice relief within 1–2 sessions. Others experience gradual improvement over the full treatment course and up to 3 months post-completion. This is a natural feature of the tissue remodelling process — collagen synthesis and tendon restructuring continue well beyond the final session.

Yes, with some modification. We recommend reducing high-impact loading of the treated area in the 48 hours following each session, then gradually resuming activity as guided by your clinician. Your rehabilitation exercise programme continues throughout the shockwave course.