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Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses mechanical sound waves to deliver energy to targeted areas of the body. It may be considered for certain persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions when appropriate conservative treatment has not provided sufficient improvement.

At Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness, shockwave therapy is provided as part of an individualized treatment approach. Your physiotherapist assesses your symptoms, physical function, activity demands and treatment goals to determine whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for your condition.

Shockwave therapy may be used for selected conditions such as plantar fasciopathy, Achilles tendinopathy and other tendinopathies or soft-tissue problems where the treatment is clinically appropriate. Evidence and treatment recommendations can vary depending on the specific condition, so assessment is an important first step.

Where appropriate, shockwave therapy may be combined with therapeutic exercise, progressive strengthening, activity modification and other physiotherapy strategies. Active rehabilitation remains an important part of managing many tendon and musculoskeletal conditions.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment in which a handheld device delivers mechanical shockwaves through the skin to a targeted area.

The waves are not electrical. They are mechanical sound waves that deliver energy to the treatment area. The exact biological mechanisms behind shockwave therapy are not completely understood, but proposed effects include changes in pain sensitivity and tissue responses.

The treatment is generally performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require surgery.

What Conditions May Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy may be considered for selected persistent musculoskeletal and tendon-related conditions.

Common examples include:

• Plantar fasciopathy or plantar heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Certain elbow tendinopathies
• Certain hip or gluteal tendinopathies
• Other appropriately assessed chronic tendon or soft-tissue conditions

The suitability of shockwave therapy depends on the specific diagnosis, duration of symptoms, previous treatment and individual health factors. It is not appropriate for every type of pain or injury.

For example, current clinical resources specifically identify plantar fasciopathy and Achilles tendinopathy among conditions for which ESWT may be considered, particularly when symptoms have persisted despite conservative treatment.