Struggling with persistent pain from injuries or chronic conditions can get really exhausting, especially when nothing seems to bring lasting relief. Whether it is heel pain that greets you every morning, shoulder discomfort that limits your reach, or a sports injury that refuses to heal, the search for an effective solution can be frustrating.

If you’ve tried other treatments with no success and want to avoid surgery, shockwave therapy might be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. It is particularly effective if you have had pain for three months or longer and are ready to try something that addresses the root cause.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-surgical treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to target injured tissues. These sound waves are delivered through the skin to the affected area, where they stimulate circulation, break down scar tissue, and promote cellular repair. It is particularly effective for chronic soft tissue injuries that have not responded well to rest, ice, or manual therapy.

Originally developed to break up kidney stones in the 1980s, shockwave therapy has since evolved into a trusted method for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Physiotherapists now use it to reduce pain and inflammation, speed up recovery, and improve mobility in patients dealing with both recent injuries and long-standing pain.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy works through mechanical stimulation. When the acoustic waves are delivered to the damaged tissue, they create microtrauma. While this might sound counterintuitive, this minor disruption to the tissue actually signals the body to increase blood flow and jumpstart the healing response. As a result, the treated area receives more nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors needed for repair.

Over a series of treatments, this process can lead to the regeneration of tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain and increased function after just a few sessions.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Many athletes and active individuals turn to shockwave therapy to speed up recovery from injuries and get back to their sport faster. It is also a great option for people who want to avoid surgery or long-term use of pain medications.

Shockwave therapy has been successfully used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. 

Some of the most common conditions include:

• Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot
• Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, causes pain around the elbow
• Calcific tendonitis, where calcium deposits form in the shoulder tendons
• Achilles tendinopathy involves pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon
• Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee, affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone
• Chronic neck and back pain caused by soft tissue injuries
• Stress fractures and delayed bone healing

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

One of the major reasons shockwave therapy has become so popular is that it is non-invasive and drug-free. Patients can walk into a session and walk out shortly after with little to no side effects.

Here are some of the standout benefits:

• Non-invasive and drug-free – no surgery, no needles, no medications
• Targets the source of pain, not just the symptoms
• Reduces inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration
• Quick sessions with minimal recovery time
• High success rates for conditions resistant to other treatments
• Long-term results – many patients experience pain relief for months or even years

Backed by Science

Multiple clinical studies and meta-analyses confirm the effectiveness of shockwave therapy across a variety of conditions.

For instance, a study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research showed that patients with plantar fasciitis experienced significantly greater pain relief and functional improvement with shockwave therapy compared to placebo treatments.

In cases of calcific tendonitis, research shows that shockwave therapy can dissolve calcium deposits and restore shoulder function in up to 80% of patients. Success rates for other conditions like tennis elbow and Achilles tendinopathy range from 60% to 85%, making it a powerful alternative when other methods fail.

What to Expect During a Treatment Session

A typical session is quick and simple. Your physiotherapist will begin by identifying the treatment area and applying a conductive gel to the skin. Then, a handheld device is placed on the area, delivering mechanical pulses that feel like deep vibrations or gentle tapping.

• Mild discomfort may occur, but it is usually well tolerated
• The intensity can be adjusted to suit your comfort level

A typical course includes three to six sessions, spaced about a week apart. Some patients feel relief after just one session, while others notice progressive improvement over several weeks as the body continues to heal.

Try Shockwave Therapy at Mickleham Physiotherapy

If you have been searching for a modern solution to chronic pain, especially in your feet, shoulders, knees, or elbows, it may be time to explore what shockwave therapy has to offer. It is a safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment that can give you the pain relief and functional recovery you need to get back to the things you love.

At Mickleham Physiotherapy, we are proud to offer shockwave therapy as part of our advanced pain management and rehabilitation services. Our experienced physiotherapists take the time to assess your condition, tailor a treatment plan, and support your journey every step of the way. 

Whether you are recovering from an old sports injury or simply want to move with greater ease and confidence, we are here to help you heal smarter and faster. Contact us today and discover how shockwave therapy at Mickleham Physio can make a real difference in your recovery.