Some tendon and soft tissue problems can be difficult to settle, especially when they’ve been present for a long time.
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to target selected areas of persistent pain and tissue irritation.
At Summit Physio, Shockwave Therapy is used as part of a wider treatment and rehabilitation plan where it is considered clinically appropriate.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, often shortened to ESWT, uses a handheld device to deliver mechanical pressure waves through the skin to the affected area.
A small amount of conductive gel is applied to the skin before the device is placed over the area being treated.
The aim is to stimulate a local biological response in the tissue and encourage the body’s own healing processes.
Shockwave is non-surgical and does not involve injections or medication.
Shockwave Therapy may be considered for selected persistent tendon and soft tissue conditions.
Persistent pain around the Achilles tendon can make walking, running and sport uncomfortable. Shockwave may be considered as part of a wider rehabilitation plan where appropriate.
Pain around the heel and plantar fascia can become persistent and frustrating. Shockwave Therapy may be one option alongside exercise, load management and other physiotherapy approaches.
Pain around the patellar tendon can affect running, jumping and squatting. Shockwave may be used as part of a progressive rehabilitation programme.
Persistent pain around the outer elbow can affect lifting, gripping and everyday tasks. Shockwave may be considered where symptoms have not settled with more conservative management.
Selected shoulder tendon problems, including some calcific presentations, may be suitable for Shockwave Therapy following assessment.
Persistent pain around the outer hip may sometimes be considered for Shockwave Therapy as part of a broader rehabilitation plan.
Shockwave Therapy is normally delivered as a short course rather than a single one-off treatment.
A typical course is around 3 to 6 sessions, depending on the condition and severity. The exact number of sessions recommended will depend on:
Your clinician will explain what they recommend following assessment.
Your treatment starts with making sure Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.
Treating symptoms alone doesn’t always address why a problem has persisted.
For many tendon-related conditions, rehabilitation remains an important part of recovery.
That may involve gradually improving:
Shockwave Therapy can support this process, but the wider rehabilitation programme is often just as important.
We won’t recommend Shockwave Therapy simply because an area hurts. We first assess whether it is actually appropriate.
Treatment can be combined with physiotherapy, exercise and rehabilitation rather than used in isolation.
We’ll explain what the treatment involves, what you may feel and what your recovery plan looks like.
The aim is not just to treat the painful area, but to help you work towards better function and activity.
Choose the Summit location that works best for you.
Wrightington Hotel & Country Club
Moss Lane
Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN6 9PB
No.
Shockwave Therapy uses mechanical pressure waves, while therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves in a different way.
No.
There are no incisions or injections.
The treatment is applied through the skin using a handheld device.
Some people report an early reduction in pain, but others notice improvement more gradually.
The response varies between individuals and conditions.
A typical course is around 3 to 6 sessions, although this can vary depending on the condition and how you respond.
Possibly, although you may be advised to modify activity depending on the area treated and how it feels afterwards.
Your clinician will give you individual advice.
After a session, you may notice:
These effects are usually short-lived.
Your clinician will advise you on activity after treatment and whether any temporary adjustments are needed.
Usually not.
Shockwave Therapy is often used alongside physiotherapy and rehabilitation rather than as a replacement for them.
It can be considered for persistent Achilles tendinopathy in appropriate cases. Shockwave Therapy has been used within UK clinical guidance for Achilles tendinopathy.
It is generally considered a non-invasive treatment, but it can cause temporary soreness, redness, swelling or bruising.
Suitability should always be assessed before treatment.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows your clinician to easily access the area being treated.
Sportswear is usually ideal.
For example:
Bring details of any relevant medical history and tell your clinician about any ongoing medical conditions or recent injections.
Shockwave Therapy is generally considered when symptoms have become persistent and when more straightforward management has not been enough on its own.
It may be appropriate if:
It is not suitable for every condition or every person, which is why assessment comes first.
Shockwave Therapy may not be appropriate in some situations.
Contraindications can include:
Your clinician will ask about your medical history before treatment and decide whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.
If you’ve been dealing with persistent tendon or soft tissue pain that isn’t settling, Shockwave Therapy may be one option worth considering.
Start with an assessment and we’ll help you understand whether it is appropriate for your condition and how it could fit into your wider rehabilitation plan.
