Shockwave
Therapy
Focused acoustic energy used in selected musculoskeletal rehabilitation conditions.
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Acoustic energy for selected musculoskeletal conditions.
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT, delivers mechanical acoustic waves to a targeted area of the body. It is commonly used in rehabilitation for selected tendinopathies and other musculoskeletal conditions. It is an adjunct to a broader rehabilitation programme rather than a universal treatment for pain.
- Pain Reduction Can reduce pain in some chronic tendinopathies and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Functional Improvement Reduced symptoms may support better movement and participation in rehabilitation.
- Tissue Loading Support May be used alongside progressive loading and exercise-based rehabilitation.
Evidence is strongest for several chronic tendinopathies, particularly plantar fasciitis and some forms of tendinopathy. Results vary according to the condition, treatment protocol and comparator. Shockwave therapy should therefore be selected according to clinical assessment rather than used routinely for every painful condition.
Plantar Fasciitis
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found that extracorporeal shockwave therapy can improve pain and functional outcomes in people with plantar fasciitis, particularly when symptoms are persistent.
Sun et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research · 2020 · PubMedAchilles Tendinopathy
Evidence for Achilles tendinopathy is mixed. Shockwave therapy may provide benefit in selected patients, particularly when incorporated with exercise-based rehabilitation rather than used as an isolated treatment.
Mani-Babu et al. · American Journal of Sports Medicine · PubMedLateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Reviews of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for lateral elbow tendinopathy have reported improvements in pain and function in some comparisons, although treatment effects differ between protocols and control groups.
Dingemanse et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · PubMedTendinopathy Overall
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that shockwave therapy can improve pain and function for several tendinopathies, but results are heterogeneous and should be interpreted according to the specific tendon and treatment protocol.
Schmitz et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Research · PubMedTreatment begins with clinical assessment to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate. The clinician identifies the target area and selects suitable treatment parameters. Shockwave therapy is commonly combined with progressive exercise, load management and movement rehabilitation.
Shockwave therapy is not a guaranteed method of repairing every tendon or eliminating pain permanently. Its effects depend on the condition, clinical presentation and treatment protocol. Long-term recovery still depends on appropriate rehabilitation, loading and management of contributing factors.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed · PMID 31955199
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy.
PubMed
Evidence for the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for lateral elbow tendinopathy.
PubMed · PMID 31150679
Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for tendinopathies.
PubMed
Find out whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your rehabilitation.
Book A Consultation
Shockwave
Therapy
Focused acoustic energy used in selected musculoskeletal rehabilitation conditions.
Book A Consultation
Acoustic energy for selected musculoskeletal conditions.
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT, delivers mechanical acoustic waves to a targeted area of the body. It is commonly used in rehabilitation for selected tendinopathies and other musculoskeletal conditions. It is an adjunct to a broader rehabilitation programme rather than a universal treatment for pain.
- Pain Reduction Can reduce pain in some chronic tendinopathies and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Functional Improvement Reduced symptoms may support better movement and participation in rehabilitation.
- Tissue Loading Support May be used alongside progressive loading and exercise-based rehabilitation.
Evidence is strongest for several chronic tendinopathies, particularly plantar fasciitis and some forms of tendinopathy. Results vary according to the condition, treatment protocol and comparator. Shockwave therapy should therefore be selected according to clinical assessment rather than used routinely for every painful condition.
Plantar Fasciitis
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found that extracorporeal shockwave therapy can improve pain and functional outcomes in people with plantar fasciitis, particularly when symptoms are persistent.
Sun et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research · 2020 · PubMedAchilles Tendinopathy
Evidence for Achilles tendinopathy is mixed. Shockwave therapy may provide benefit in selected patients, particularly when incorporated with exercise-based rehabilitation rather than used as an isolated treatment.
Mani-Babu et al. · American Journal of Sports Medicine · PubMedLateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Reviews of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for lateral elbow tendinopathy have reported improvements in pain and function in some comparisons, although treatment effects differ between protocols and control groups.
Dingemanse et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · PubMedTendinopathy Overall
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that shockwave therapy can improve pain and function for several tendinopathies, but results are heterogeneous and should be interpreted according to the specific tendon and treatment protocol.
Schmitz et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Research · PubMedTreatment begins with clinical assessment to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate. The clinician identifies the target area and selects suitable treatment parameters. Shockwave therapy is commonly combined with progressive exercise, load management and movement rehabilitation.
Shockwave therapy is not a guaranteed method of repairing every tendon or eliminating pain permanently. Its effects depend on the condition, clinical presentation and treatment protocol. Long-term recovery still depends on appropriate rehabilitation, loading and management of contributing factors.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed · PMID 31955199
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy.
PubMed
Evidence for the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for lateral elbow tendinopathy.
PubMed · PMID 31150679
Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for tendinopathies.
PubMed
Find out whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your rehabilitation.
Book A Consultation