Why Shockwave Therapy?

WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that promises to address various musculoskeletal conditions. Shockwave stimulates tissue healing, alleviates pain, and supports tissue regeneration, making it a valuable option in rehabilitation of stubborn chronic conditions. Whether you're dealing with a sudden injury or a persistent condition, shockwave therapy offers a versatile solution.  

In acute conditions, such as muscle strains, shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing, leading to faster recovery times. For chronic pain conditions like plantar fasciopathy and tennis elbow, shockwave treatment has been shown to stimulate tissue regeneration and break down scar tissue, providing long-lasting pain relief.  

Why Shockwave?

• Non-invasive and accessible

• Clinically validated efficacy

• Alternative treatment option after failed conservative management

• Drug-free therapy

• High safety and low adverse effects

• Eliminates invasive procedure risks and downtime

However, as with any medical intervention, it's crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to assess whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your specific condition. Shockwave treatment is used in conjunction with other physio modalities such as mobilisations, releases, deep tissue needling and exercise rehab to achieve the best outcomes. 

HISTORY

Shockwave therapy was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 for the treatment of urological conditions, specifically for breaking down kidney stones. This non-invasive method quickly became a preferred alternative to surgical procedures due to its effectiveness and reduced recovery times.  

In the 1990s, researchers began exploring the potential of shockwave therapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Studies on conditions like calcific shoulder tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis demonstrated promising results, leading to the adoption of ESWT in orthopedic and rehabilitation settings. 

Today, shockwave therapy has evolved into a cornerstone treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. Its non-invasive nature and efficacy in promoting healing have made it a preferred choice for many clinicians and patients alike. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS & BENEFITS 

Shock wave therapy has several therapeutic benefits:  

1. Boosts Blood Flow It encourages the growth of tiny blood vessels, so more oxygen and nutrients reach injured areas — speeding up healing. (1) 

2. Builds Strong Tissue It kick-starts collagen production, which is vital for repairing and strengthening damaged tissues like tendons and cartilage. (1) (4) 

3. Eases Pain By overwhelming the nerves and lowering inflammatory chemicals, it both numbs pain and helps calm swelling. (1) 

4. Breaks Down Scar Tissue & Calcium Buildup It helps dissolve stiff scar tissue and calcium deposits, enabling your body to absorb and replace them with healthier tissue. (1) 

5. Reshapes Tissue for Better Movement Encouraging new collagen and breaking down old scars helps injured tendons and cartilage heal stronger and move more smoothly. (1) (4) 

Shockwave can be used on acute, sub-acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions:  

• Plantar fasciopathy  

• Shin splints  

• Tendinopathy- (e.g. gluteal, hamstring, Achilles) 

• Tennis / golfers elbow 

• Knee Osteoarthritis  

• Subacromial pain syndrome  

• Stress fractures  

• Spinal pain  

• Heel spur  

• Myofascial trigger points  

• Nonunion fractures  

TREATMENT PROTOCOLS: Tailoring Therapy to Individual Needs 

The application of shockwave therapy is highly individualized, depending on the specific condition, severity, and patient response. While standardized protocols are still under research, general guidelines include: 

The frequency, pressure and impulses will depend on your pain levels, the depth of the condition, and the severity of the condition.  

Each session typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes depending on the device and treatment area (2). After about the second or third session, many patients experience a mild flare-up of symptoms. Although uncomfortable, this increase in pain is considered a normal part of the healing process, reflecting the body's acute inflammatory response that kick-starts tissue repair. 

Although some improvement may be felt during the treatment series, the most significant benefits usually emerge 6 to 12 weeks after the final session (3). Just as with courses of antibiotics, completing the full treatment schedule is crucial. Each session builds on the biological effects of the one before, reinforcing collagen production, microvascular growth, and remodeling of tendons or cartilage.

Treatment Experience and Considerations 

During a shockwave therapy session, patients experience a tapping sensation over the treatment area. While it can be uncomfortable, especially in more sensitive or irritated areas, most individuals tolerate the procedure well. Where the treatment is happening on the body also matters- body parts with less skin and muscle, such as over the hip bone, can be more sensitive than meatier areas such as the hamstrings.  

Post-treatment, some individuals might experience mild soreness or bruising, which is normal and usually subsides within a day or two. 

We will position the client comfortably to access the targeted area and apply a water-based gel to your skin. Using a handheld applicator, we will gently move it over the area, emitting pressure waves. The intensity of these pulses will gradually increase until we reach your individual therapeutic level.  

Treatment will be tailored to your personal pain tolerance, aiming for a discomfort level of approximately 5-6 out of 10 on the pain scale. Initially, the sensation will be mild, progressively intensifying as tolerated until we achieve the desired 5-6 /10 level. At this point, we will maintain this intensity for a therapeutic range of about 2,000 impulses. 

If you're interested in exploring the potential benefits of shockwave therapy for your health, we invite you to contact our clinic or book an Initial Consult. Our team of professionals provides personalised advice and treatment options tailored to your individual needs. 

References 

1. Guided DolorClast® Therapy webpage (EMS Pain Therapy) EMS Electro Medical Systems. (n.d.-a). Guided DolorClast® Therapy. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.ems-dolorclast.com/guided-dolorclastr-therapy lifespanosteopathy.com.au+15ems-dolorclast.com+15ems-dolorclast.com+15 

2. Hitting the Ground Running with Shockwave Therapy webinar (Australia & New Zealand site) EMS Electro Medical Systems. (n.d.-b). Hitting the Ground Running with Shockwave Therapy [Webinar]. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://ems-dolorclast.com.au/events/hitting-the-ground-running-with-shockwave-therapy/?occurrence=2022-04-06 ems-dolorclast.com.au+2ems-dolorclast.com.au+2ems-dolorclast.com.au+2 

3. NHS Grampian organization NHS Grampian. (n.d.). Title of the specific page or section. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.nhsgrampian.org/ (Note: Include the specific page title if available. If it's the organization's homepage, use the organization name as the title.) 

4. Dedes et al. (2018) journal article Dedes, V., Stergioulas, A., Mitrogiorgou, M., Mitrogiannis, C., Mikalef, P., & Panoutsopoulos, G. I. (2018). Effectiveness and safety of shockwave therapy in tendinopathies. Materia Socio‑Medica, 30(2), 141–146. https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2018.30.141‑146