- 1 Summary of the Content:
- 2 What Determines the Number of Shockwave Sessions
- 3 Typical Ranges Based on Common Presentations
- 4 Relief Can Look Different for Everyone
- 5 Reassessment Is Part of the Process
- 6 What Happens After a Series of Sessions
- 7 Key Factors That May Affect Recovery Timeline
- 8 Managing Expectations the Right Way
- 9 Final Thoughts
May 23, 2024
By Nick Lorem
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe for Everyone?
A common question is, “How many shockwave treatments do I need?” There is no single answer. It depends on your condition, duration, and response.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is widely used for musculoskeletal conditions. It may help people with chronic pain who have not improved with other treatments.
Some notice changes after one session. Others need several appointments before feeling significant pain relief. Every treatment plan is personalised to suit the individual.
In this blog, we explain what affects the number of sessions. You will learn how shockwave therapy works and what shapes your recovery timeline.
Summary of the Content:
- Shockwave therapy is personalised, and the number of sessions you need depends on your condition, its duration, and how your body responds.
- Clinicians often recommend shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, shoulder calcific tendinopathy, and tennis elbow.
- Relief from shockwave therapy varies; some people notice changes after one session, while others require several sessions for meaningful pain relief.
- Shockwave therapy outcomes are influenced by factors such as circulation, tissue responsiveness, and adherence to recommended exercises.
- Typical ranges for shockwave therapy include 3–6 sessions for plantar fasciitis, 4–7 for Achilles tendinopathy, and 3–5 for tennis elbow.
- Shockwave therapy progress is reviewed regularly, allowing clinicians to adjust session frequency or intensity based on individual response.
- Recovery timelines differ; chronic conditions may require more shockwave therapy sessions compared to recent injuries.
- Setting realistic expectations and attending reassessments helps guide gradual and steady improvement with shockwave therapy tailored to each person’s needs.
What Determines the Number of Shockwave Sessions
The number of shockwave therapy treatments a clinician may recommend depends on several factors:
- Type and severity of the condition:
Acute injuries may respond faster, while issues like chronic Achilles tendon pain or long-standing soft tissue injuries often need more sessions. Reduced blood flow and scar tissue can slow the response. - How long has the issue been present:
Problems lasting months or years often require more time. Older musculoskeletal injuries may need repeated exposure to focused sound waves. - Overall health and tissue responsiveness:
Healing speed varies between people. Circulation and how the treatment area responds can influence how many sessions are needed. - Whether it’s part of a broader plan:
When combined with exercise or other therapies, most patients may progress faster. As a stand-alone approach, shockwave therapy may take longer to show results.
Every plan is tailored to the individual. The goal is to support the healing process over time, with sessions adjusted to your progress and needs.
Typical Ranges Based on Common Presentations
While treatment plans vary, clinicians often use session ranges based on research and practical experience. The number of sessions depends on how your body responds, the severity of your condition, and whether you have chronic pain or a more recent injury.
These examples show how shockwave therapy is commonly applied and what most patients can expect as they progress through care.
- Plantar fasciitis:
This condition often requires between 3 and 6 sessions. This allows time for gradual pain relief as blood flow improves in the heel, supporting the body’s response over several weeks. - Achilles tendinopathy:
This condition may require 4–7 sessions. These sessions are often recommended for cases involving chronic pain, where consistent stimulation helps improve tendon function and mobility. - Shoulder calcific tendinopathy:
This condition sometimes requires six or more sessions. A longer timeframe supports the healing process, especially when calcium deposits or stiffness limit shoulder movement. - Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis):
This condition typically requires around 3–5 sessions. Progress occurs as the shockwave therapy treatment stimulates recovery in the tendon and surrounding soft tissues used in daily activities.
These ranges serve as general guidance. Your clinician will recommend a plan tailored to your needs and your body’s response to shockwave therapy.
Relief Can Look Different for Everyone
Relief from shockwave therapy can mean different things for different people. For some, there is less pain during daily activities. For others, relief from shockwave therapy may involve improved movement or longer intervals without pain.
Some people notice changes after their first session. Others experience progress gradually over several weeks. This variation is normal because each body responds differently to sound waves delivered by a shockwave device during this non-invasive treatment.
Relief often happens as the body’s healing process improves the blood supply in the treatment area.
For conditions such as plantar fasciitis, combining shock wave therapy with exercises or physical therapy may support ongoing pain management.
It is also common to feel mild pain or tenderness during or after a session. This is temporary and usually settles as your body adapts.
Relief may involve:
- Less intense pain:
Many people feel a noticeable decrease in discomfort during everyday movements. - Better mobility:
Improved joint or soft tissue flexibility can make activities easier. - Longer pain-free periods:
Some experience longer intervals between episodes of discomfort.
Each person’s progress is unique, and your response will depend on factors like your condition and overall health.
Reassessment Is Part of the Process
During shockwave therapy, your clinician reviews progress at each visit. They assess changes at the treatment site and ask how you have been feeling between treatment sessions.
These reviews guide whether adjustments are needed. The intensity of acoustic waves or session frequency may change based on how your body tissues respond. Your clinician will also determine if you experience mild discomfort.
This approach is collaborative. Your clinician discusses how your response relates to tissue healing. They may also explain how growth factors are contributing to progress. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, your progress is closely monitored for safety.
Reassessment helps to:
- Determine how many treatments are appropriate for your condition as part of this non-surgical treatment.
- Track measurable improvements by reviewing when patients begin to reduce pain or regain better movement.
- Make timely adjustments that support the body’s healing process and allow for safe progression.
This ongoing review allows your plan to adapt to your progress and individual needs.
What Happens After a Series of Sessions
After completing a series of shockwave therapy sessions, recommendations depend on your progress and condition. Some people with musculoskeletal issues may benefit from follow-up or occasional maintenance sessions.
Others may only need a set series. This is more common when improvements remain steady over time.
- Some conditions need ongoing support:
For issues like stress fractures or slow tissue regeneration, a clinician may recommend periodic reassessment. These reviews help track progress and continue to stimulate healing if needed. - Other cases may require no further sessions:
Many people finish their plan and move to home care. This often includes guided exercises that support recovery and reduce reliance on formal therapy.
Your clinician may also suggest complementary care alongside your sessions. This might involve rest, targeted exercises, or manual therapy to improve circulation and reinforce gains from the acoustic waves used during treatment.
Follow-up visits also provide time to revisit questions such as “How many shockwave treatments do I need?” These reviews help tailor ongoing care to your healing pace.
Key Factors That May Affect Recovery Timeline
Recovery with shockwave therapy varies from person to person. Several elements influence how quickly improvements are noticed, including the condition itself and individual health factors.
- Chronicity of the condition:
Long-standing issues may take more time to respond. Persistent problems often involve deeper changes in soft tissue or require more shockwave therapy sessions to support progress with extracorporeal shock waves. - Lifestyle factors:
Jobs that involve repetitive strain or high activity levels can slow progress. These demands may also limit rest time for affected tissues and blood vessels to recover. - Adherence to home exercises or movement strategies:
Following recommended exercises helps reinforce changes achieved in each session. Consistency supports flexibility and strength and helps release trigger points over time. - Overall health and circulation:
A history of medical conditions or reduced blood supply may affect how body tissues respond. Your medical history helps guide realistic timelines and individualised care.
Multiple factors working together, rather than one element alone, influence improvements.
Managing Expectations the Right Way
While many people notice improvements with shockwave therapy, it is important to remember that progress is often gradual.
The high-energy sound waves used in this non-invasive therapy can help stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, improving blood supply to support the body’s natural healing over time.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Realistic recovery timelines:
Conditions like knee osteoarthritis or rotator cuff injuries often take time to respond, especially when there has been reduced blood supply to the treatment area. - Individual results:
Each person’s recovery time is different. Improvements may include less discomfort, better movement, or longer periods without pain. - Supportive role in sports medicine:
In sports medicine, shockwave therapy is often used to reduce localised inflammation and support the healing process for athletes and active individuals. - Gradual progress:
Instead of immediate changes, progress may happen over several sessions as the body adapts to the effects of extracorporeal shock waves and improved circulation.
By setting realistic goals and working closely with your clinician, shockwave therapy can be part of an effective treatment plan designed to support steady and meaningful improvement.
Final Thoughts
The number of shockwave therapy sessions can vary depending on your condition and overall health. How your body responds also plays a role in determining what is needed. Relief often develops gradually, with progress that may differ from person to person rather than happening all at once.
This advanced treatment uses focused energy on the affected area to support the body’s natural response. Over time, this can help injured tissues adapt and may contribute to faster healing.
If you are wondering, “How many shockwave treatments do I need?”, it is important to speak directly with a qualified clinician. They can review your health and discuss your goals. From there, they will provide individual recommendations based on your needs.
At Impact Shockwave and Technology Centre, we offer shockwave therapy as part of personalised care plans. Our team can help you understand your options and guide you through what to expect during your sessions.
AHPRA Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational purposes only, and it does not replace personalised health advice. A qualified healthcare professional should assess whether shockwave therapy is appropriate. They will also determine the number of sessions required and discuss the potential for symptom improvement based on individual circumstances.
