If you’re dealing with persistent pain or a stubborn injury that just won’t go away, you’ve probably explored all kinds of treatment options. One that has gained popularity is shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing and reduces pain using sound waves. We explore how shockwave therapy works and which conditions it’s commonly used to treat.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Do?
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy sound waves to support healing in soft tissues like muscles and tendons. It is commonly used for chronic pain and injury recovery. The therapy works by:
- Improving blood flow and encouraging new blood vessel growth in injured areas.
- Speeding up tissue repair by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
- Breaking down calcium deposits in tendons, which can relieve stiffness and discomfort.
- Reducing pain by affecting nerve signals and releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals.
- Increasing collagen production, which helps rebuild and strengthen damaged tissues.
What Can It Actually Help With?
As a result of these healing effects, shockwave therapy is now widely used to treat a variety of chronic and overuse conditions, especially those that have been resistant to rest, physical therapy, or medication. Below are some of the most common issues it can help with:
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common uses of shockwave therapy is as a treatment for plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. People with plantar fasciitis often experience stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning.
Shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation and encourage tissue regeneration, offering relief when rest, orthotics and stretching haven’t worked.
Tendinopathies
Shockwave therapy is frequently used to treat multiple tendinopathies, including:
- Achilles tendinopathy (back of the ankle)
- Patellar tendinopathy (runners knee)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy (shoulder)
- Gluteal tendinopathy (hip)
These conditions are often caused by overuse and can be tough to heal due to poor blood supply to the tendons. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate healing in the tendon tissue, improving function and reducing pain.
Calcific Tendonitis
Calcific tendonitis is a painful condition caused by calcium deposits building up within the tendons, most commonly affecting the shoulder’s rotator cuff tendons. This build-up leads to inflammation, restricted movement and significant discomfort.
Shockwave therapy is an effective method for treating calcific tendonitis, as it helps break down calcium deposits, reduce inflammation and stimulate the healing process. This can lead to improved mobility and lasting pain relief.
Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow
If you suffer from persistent pain on the outside of your elbow, commonly known as tennis elbow, or on the inside, often called golfer’s elbow, shockwave therapy might be a helpful treatment option. Both of these conditions are usually caused by repetitive stress or overuse injuries that lead to inflammation and microtears in the tendons attaching to the elbow.
Shockwave therapy uses targeted sound waves to reduce inflammation, break down scar tissue and stimulate the body’s natural healing response, helping to repair the damaged tendons and relieve pain over time.
Chronic Muscle Pain & Myofascial Trigger Points
Chronic muscle pain and myofascial trigger points, often felt as tight, tender “knots” within the muscle, can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. These painful spots are commonly found in the neck, shoulders and lower back and are typically caused by muscle overuse, poor posture, stress, or injury. They can also lead to referred pain in surrounding areas, making them difficult to treat with stretching or massage alone.
Shockwave therapy is an effective chronic muscle pain treatment, targeting and breaking up these tight, contracted areas to improve blood flow and encourage muscle relaxation. The increased circulation helps flush out metabolic waste while delivering oxygen and nutrients, supporting healing and reducing muscle tension, stiffness and discomfort over time.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
Medial tibial stress syndrome, more commonly known as shin splints, is a common overuse injury that causes pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). It frequently affects runners, dancers and athletes involved in high-impact or repetitive activities. The condition is typically caused by repeated stress on the shinbone and the surrounding muscles, tendons and connective tissues.
Shockwave therapy can be an effective shin splint treatment, accelerating the healing of both bone and soft tissue. The acoustic waves stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration in the affected area. This not only helps relieve pain but also supports long-term recovery and a quicker return to activity.
Shockwave Therapy Treatment
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that offers a promising option for managing chronic pain and soft tissue injuries. While generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain health conditions such as blood clotting disorders, infections, or during pregnancy.
The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to consult a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your condition and medical history.
For personalised advice and support, get in touch with our team today.
