Shockwave Therapy
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment in which a device is used to pass acoustic shockwaves at a set frequency through the skin to the affected area. It is purely a mechanical wave - not an electric one. Shockwave is an accepted intervention in the UK and treatment may provide pain relief for chronic tendinopathies.
If shockwave is a suitable treatment for your chronic tendinopathy your physiotherapist will discuss this with you.
How does it work?
The treatment initiates a pro inflammatory response in the affected tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area which accelerates the body’s own healing processes.
The shockwaves can break down injured tissues and calcifications. As a result of cellular tissue micro-trauma, it can provide a temporary analgesic effect on afferent nerves providing immediate pain relief, known as ‘hyper-stimulation anaesthesia’.
Is the Shockwave treatment painful?
The treatment itself can be painful during the application of the ESWT. The treatment is delivered according to patient response, if a patient is unable to tolerate the pain levels the settings will adjusted to reduce the discomfort. A mild ache may occur later that day but should pass after a day. A patient may therefore take analgesic pain relief such as paracetamol before or after attending the session. NSAID's are not recommended during treatment.
Are there any side effects/risks?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have deemed this procedure to be safe treatment option with minimal reported side effects. You will experience some pain during the treatment, but you should be able to tolerate this. Following the treatment, there is a small chance you may experience some temporary redness or bruising to the area which normally resolves quickly. There is a small risk of tendon rupture and damage to the soft tissue.
How long does the treatment session last?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have deemed this procedure to be safe treatment option with minimal reported side effects. You will experience some pain during the treatment, but you should be able to tolerate this. Following the treatment,there is a small chance you may experience some temporary redness or bruising to the area which normally resolves quickly. There is a small risk of tendon rupture and damage to the soft tissue.
How often must I attend?
You must attend for 3 sessions over 3 consecutive weeks.
Last updated25 Apr 2025