- 1 Summary of the Content:
- 2 Shockwave Therapy in Modern Musculoskeletal Care
- 3 Chronic Tendinopathies
- 4 Joint-Related Conditions and Localised Pain
- 5 Focused Shockwave Therapy: Myofascial and Trigger Point Applications
- 6 Conditions Where Evidence Is Still Emerging
- 7 When Shockwave Therapy May Not Be Appropriate
- 8 What to Expect From the First Consultation
- 9 Final Thoughts
May 23, 2024
By Nick Lorem
Conditions that May Respond to Shockwave Therapy
Many people are curious about the different conditions that respond to shockwave therapy. This noninvasive procedure is widely applied in physiotherapy, podiatry, and sports medicine to support the rehabilitation of chronic injury and musculoskeletal disorders. By delivering acoustic sound waves or extracorporeal shock waves to an injured area, shockwave therapy stimulates a biological healing process that may promote blood supply, collagen synthesis, and the release of growth factors.
It is important to remember that clinical outcomes vary. While most patients report a decrease in pain, others show more limited results. This article provides general information only. Any treatment plan should be guided by a qualified provider, with careful assessment, diagnosis, and adherence to clinical guidelines.
Disclaimer: This information is general and does not replace medical advice. Suitability must be determined by a qualified health professional.
Summary of the Content:
- Shockwave treatment is a noninvasive procedure using sound waves to support healing in musculoskeletal injuries and soft tissue issues.
- It’s used in physiotherapy, podiatry, and sports clinics for chronic conditions that haven’t responded well to other therapies.
- Conditions that may respond include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, calcific shoulder tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, hamstring tendinopathy, and tennis elbow.
- It may also help with hip bursitis, myofascial pain syndrome, and rotator cuff issues, depending on clinical presentation.
- The therapy works by stimulating blood supply, enhancing the body’s natural healing process, and disrupting pain pathways in injured tissues.
- In some cases, it may address calcification, scar tissue adhesions, and stiffness.
- Shockwave therapy treatment may not suit everyone; proper diagnosis is essential.
- Areas like stress fractures and shin splints are still under study.
- A consultation is necessary to determine suitability and select the appropriate shockwave device.
Shockwave Therapy in Modern Musculoskeletal Care
Shockwave therapy has become an increasingly valuable tool in musculoskeletal healthcare, particularly when the body’s natural healing process has slowed or plateaued.
The therapy uses a handheld device or hand-held probe to deliver sound waves into the treatment site. These waves stimulate nerve endings, improve blood supply, and may activate the release of growth factors. Depending on the condition, practitioners may use radial shock wave therapy or focused shockwaves.
At a cellular level, this stimulation may support tissue regeneration by repairing damaged cells and damaged tissues. Repeated shockwave sessions—typically three to five sessions—may be required, though how many treatments are necessary varies.
Chronic Tendinopathies
Tendinopathies are commonly seen in musculoskeletal injuries. Patients often struggle with pain, stiffness, and delayed recovery in injured tendons. When healing stalls, shockwave therapy may help restart the healing process.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis involves micro-tears in the fascia of the foot. When conservative care fails, radial shock wave therapy can be applied to the heel using a hand-held device. It may increase blood supply, disrupt pain signals, and stimulate healing of injured tissues.
Achilles Tendinopathy
This condition causes thickening and pain in the Achilles tendon. Focused shockwave therapy may be used to encourage remodelling, improve blood supply, and reduce nerve endings’ sensitivity.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
High-impact athletes often develop patellar tendon pain. Shockwave therapy may support damaged tissues by encouraging collagen repair and working alongside other therapies such as strength training.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Shoulder tendons may weaken from repetitive stress. Shockwave therapy can soften calcific deposits, stimulate circulation, and enhance the body’s natural healing process in injured tissues.
Joint-Related Conditions and Localised Pain
Hip Bursitis
When bursae near the hip become inflamed, shockwave sessions with a hand-held probe may target the injured area to reduce inflammation, promoting healing.
Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy
Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff can be addressed by shockwave therapy that breaks them down, allowing the body’s natural healing process to resorb them over several weeks.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Repetitive strain can affect elbow tendons. Radial shock wave therapy stimulates injured tissues while modulating nerve endings that contribute to pain.
Focused Shockwave Therapy: Myofascial and Trigger Point Applications
Trigger points in a muscle can radiate discomfort to other soft tissues. Radial shock wave therapy has been explored to deactivate these areas, supporting the healing process.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
This involves tight knots in muscles, causing chronic discomfort. A shockwave device may target the dysfunctional fibres to reduce irritation, support circulation, and restore normal activities.
Chronic Lower Back or Neck Pain
Applied with a handheld device, shockwave therapy can complement other therapies to support mobility in persistent pain cases.
Post-Surgical or Scar Tissue Management
Scar tissue forms as part of the body’s natural healing process. Sometimes, it leads to stiffness or sensitivity. Shockwave therapy may break down dense scar tissue, stimulate blood supply, and support recovery over several weeks.
Conditions Where Evidence Is Still Emerging
Research is ongoing in areas like stress fractures, shin splints, and bone healing. Early findings suggest potential benefits from shockwave treatment on damaged tissues and injured tissues, though results remain preliminary.
When Shockwave Therapy May Not Be Appropriate
Although shockwave therapy is widely used in musculoskeletal care, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions and health factors may make the treatment inappropriate or less effective.
Contraindications may include the following:
- Pregnancy
- Active infections in the treatment area
- Bleeding disorders or patients taking anticoagulants
- Malignant tumours
- Certain vascular disorders
- Open wounds or recent fractures near the site
In these situations, shockwave therapy may pose an unnecessary risk or not achieve the desired effect. It’s essential to check that a full medical history is taken and any therapy is guided by a qualified clinician.
What to Expect From the First Consultation
Before undergoing shockwave therapy, patients will typically attend an initial consultation. This session allows the clinician to assess the condition and determine whether this treatment is suitable.
Assessment may include the following:
- A full clinical history
- Physical examination
- Review of any imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI)
- Discussion of previous treatments and current symptoms
The goal is to identify whether shockwave therapy could form part of a broader, personalised treatment plan. Practitioners may also explain the type of shockwave (e.g., radial or focused) being considered, expected treatment frequency, and any potential discomfort or post-session effects.
The first treatment usually involves a review of the condition, imaging, and history. A handheld device or handheld probe is applied to the skin over the injured area. Some patients feel mild discomfort, but most can return to normal activities quickly. While shockwave therapy hurt is a concern, the sensation is generally tolerable.
Treatment decisions are tailored to each patient, and no assumptions are made without proper clinical review.
Final Thoughts
Shockwave therapy continues to grow in rehabilitation, supporting musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis, hamstring tendinopathy, and calcific shoulder pain. Its ability to stimulate blood supply, activate growth factors, and repair damaged cells makes it a useful adjunct to other therapies.
Improvements often take several weeks, with three to five sessions commonly recommended depending on the injured tendon or injured area. Research continues to explore exactly how shockwave therapy works at a cellular level, but many studies highlight its role in promoting circulation and tissue regeneration.
If you’re wondering whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your condition, a clinical consultation will determine suitability and guide a plan tailored to your needs.
