What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It is particularly beneficial for chronic musculoskeletal conditions that have not responded to other treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, or injections.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy at the LBPC, delivers targeted acoustic waves to the affected area using a handheld device. These waves stimulate increased blood flow, encourage cellular repair, and help to break down calcified deposits in tendons and ligaments. By promoting natural tissue regeneration, shockwave therapy can relieve pain, improve function, and support long-term recovery.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is widely used for conditions including:
Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (shoulder pain)
Hamstring Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Bursitis)
It is often recommended when other treatments have not provided lasting relief.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
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Non-invasive – no need for surgery or injections
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Stimulates healing – encourages blood flow and tissue regeneration
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Minimal downtime – most patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment
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Clinically supported – widely used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Shockwave Therapy at the LBPC
Each session typically lasts between 10 to 15 minutes. The number of treatments required depends on the condition and its severity, but most patients need between 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart. Some discomfort may be felt during treatment, but this usually decreases as healing progresses.
FAQs
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, but the intensity can be adjusted to ensure it remains tolerable. Any discomfort typically subsides quickly after the session.
How soon will I see results?
Many patients notice improvements after the first few sessions, with the full benefits becoming more evident over several weeks as healing continues.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are generally minimal and may include mild bruising, redness, or temporary soreness in the treated area. These effects typically resolve within a few days.
Is Shockwave Therapy suitable for everyone?
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant, have a history of blood clotting disorders, nerve disorders, or have a malignancy in the treatment area. A full assessment will be carried out before treatment to determine suitability.
If you experience persistent pain and would like to explore whether Shockwave Therapy is right for you, contact us to schedule an assessment with one of our physiotherapists.
