Do you want to get back to doing what you love? Fast?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used to help with stubborn tendon and soft tissue conditions that have not improved with rest alone. At The Physio Studio, it is used as part of a structured treatment plan for patients dealing with ongoing pain, irritation, and reduced function.
Unlike treatments that focus only on short-term relief, shockwave therapy is used to support healing within the affected tissue and help the body respond more effectively to rehabilitation. It is often considered where symptoms have been present for some time or where recovery has stalled.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Evidence Based
Shockwave therapy is supported by research for a range of tendon and soft tissue conditions.
Non-Invasive
It is a non-invasive alternative to surgery
Pain Relief
It may help reduce pain and support recovery in stubborn musculoskeletal conditions.
Well Tolerated
Most patients tolerate treatment well, though mild discomfort or temporary soreness can occur.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that involves delivering high-energy acoustic waves to injured or painful areas of the body. It is commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving tendons and ligaments. It has been used in the treatment of kidney stones since the 1980’s, and once the biological effects of shockwave therapy were understood, it was adopted in the fields of orthopaedics and traumatology. It is now routinely offered as an additional treatment mode in physiotherapy clinics.
At The Physio Studio, shockwave therapy is used for patients whose pain has not improved as expected or where the tissue needs extra support to move recovery forward. It is not used as a one-size-fits-all treatment. It is recommended only when the condition, symptoms, and examination findings suggest it is appropriate.
Introductory video
How does it work?
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled acoustic waves into the affected area. These waves are used to stimulate a healing response within the tissue and are often chosen for conditions involving irritated or degenerative tendon tissue.
- Energy Delivery: A hand-held device delivers controlled acoustic waves to the targeted area.
- Biological Effects: These waves help stimulate local healing processes, improve blood flow, and encourage tissue repair.
- Pain Relief: Treatment may also help reduce pain sensitivity in the affected area and improve how the tissue tolerates movement and loading.
What is it used for?
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for stubborn tendon and soft tissue conditions, particularly where symptoms have been present for a longer period or where normal recovery has slowed. At The Physio Studio, it may be considered for conditions such as:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)(common flexor tendinopathy)
- Golfer’s Elbow (common flexor tendinopathy)
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
- Bone injuries– Shin splints (MTSS), stress fractures and non-union fractures
- Calcific tendinopathy
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (also referred to as gluteus medius tendinopathy and/or trochanteric bursitis)
- Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (also referred to as high hamstring tendinopathy, or hamstring origin tendinopathy)
- Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
- Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
Shoulder Pain
Elbow Pain
How is it used?
During your initial assessment, your chartered physiotherapist will decide whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your condition and whether there are any reasons it should be avoided. If it is appropriate, it will be included as part of a wider treatment plan.
Shockwave therapy is usually delivered alongside advice on activity, loading, and rehabilitation. At The Physio Studio, it may form part of physiotherapy treatment where the goal is not only to reduce pain, but also to improve tissue tolerance, movement, and long-term recovery.
This is how the treatment is delivered:
Preparation
The patient is positioned comfortably and the area being treated is exposed.Application
A conductive gel is applied and a hand-held device is used to deliver shockwaves to the targeted area.Duration
Each session usually lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. A course of treatment may be recommended depending on the condition and how long symptoms have been present.Benefits
Non-invasive
Treatment does not involve incisions, injections, or time away from normal daily activity.Minimal Downtime
Most patients can return to normal activity shortly after treatment, depending on the area treated.Supports Recovery
Shockwave therapy may help improve tissue healing and reduce pain in suitable musculoskeletal conditions.Risks and Side Effects
Discomfort
Some patients may feel discomfort during treatment, especially if the area is already sensitive.Temporary Soreness
Mild soreness, bruising, or local swelling can occur after treatment and usually settles quickly.Generally Well Tolerated
Serious complications are rare when treatment is used appropriately.Contraindications
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It may be avoided in certain situations, including where there are blood clotting problems, active infection in the treatment area, some types of tumour, or other medical factors that make treatment inappropriate. It is also generally avoided during pregnancy.
Suitability should always be decided during assessment so that treatment is chosen safely and for the right reason.
Effectiveness
Shockwave therapy is a recognised treatment option for a number of tendon and soft tissue conditions, particularly where pain has become persistent and recovery has been slower than expected. It is used to support healing, improve tolerance to loading, and reduce pain in carefully selected cases.
There is a growing body of evidence supporting its use in common tendon related conditions. At The Physio Studio, it is used as part of a broader plan that may also involve sports physiotherapy
where activity related injury and return to loading need to be managed properly.
Book a Shockwave Therapy Appointment
If you are dealing with persistent tendon pain or a soft tissue problem that has not improved as expected, shockwave therapy may help as part of a structured treatment plan. Shockwave therapy is available at The Physio Studio clinics in Donnybrook and Dunshaughlin.
Call 01 825 0151 or email info@thephysiostudio.ie to get started.
Contact us!
Call us on 01 8250151 to speak with one of our friendly team, ask any questions or to start getting help.
Alternatively, fill in a form, and we will get back to you as fast as possible.
You’ll be glad you did.
HERE ARE SOME PAPERS:
High-quality evidence suggests ESWT has a large effect on pain and function for PF (Plantar Fasciitis).
Charles, R., Fang, L., Zhu, R., & Wang, J. (2023). The effectiveness of shockwave therapy on patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1193835.
This review suggests that ESWT is a safe and effective modality for treating midportion Achilles tendinopathy as it reduces pain and improves function. The best available evidence suggests that a combination of ESWT with eccentric exercises and stretching may be even more effective than ESWT alone.
Feeney, K. M. (2022). The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for midportion Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review. Cureus, 14(7).
Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It has been stated that shockwave therapy has a 70% success rate for tendinopathies (Moya et al; 2018, Dedes et al; 2018).
Dedes, V., Stergioulas, A., Kipreos, G., Dede, A. M., Mitseas, A., & Panoutsopoulos, G. I. (2018). Effectiveness and safety of shockwave therapy in tendinopathies. Materia socio-medica, 30(2), 131.
If you would like to discuss shockwave therapy before you visit the clinic, please call or text us on 0831778885 and one of our physiotherapists will be happy to help.
Client Testimonials
My experience of the clinic can be described as hugely positive. Excellent professional service by the team. The physiotherapy treatment and advice that I received was tremendously effective. Based on my experience I strongly recommend.Donal Carey
Great experience, had back pain and was seen by Ava weekly for nearly 2 monhts, she sorted out all the issues and was very happy with her. Great jobJames Cregan
Very positive experience, Had a back problem and it took a few weeks to sort but with the help of the team there is was sorted. Many thanks to Gerry and Ava for the helpMichael Higgins
Gerard obviously knows his stuff. Gave me very good advice.Stephen Horan
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