Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Surgical Option for Persistent Pain and Injury

This month’s blog is written by Charlotte Chapman, Podiatrist and Director of Expert Foot Care. One of the reasons I asked Charlotte to write this blog is to inform Wellspringers and the broader community about Shockwave Therapy, what it is, what conditions does it treat etc? From my personal point of view, if you’ve been dealing with a foot/knee/hip issue for awhile and something just doesn’t feel right, I encourage you to go and see an allied health professional. I recently starting seeing Charlotte after a heel injury wasn’t improving and under her guidance, I’ve finally gotten to the answers I need. As you can see with me wearing my moonboot! So enjoy this blog, trust your gut and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion of something isn’t working for your body.

If you’ve been struggling with persistent tendon pain, heel pain, or an injury that just doesn’t seem to improve despite your best efforts, you may have heard about Shockwave Therapy. While the name can sound intimidating, shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that has helped many people return to the activities they love.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy (also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT) uses high-energy sound waves that are delivered through the skin to an injured area of the body.

Despite the name, there is no electrical shock involved. The treatment works by sending mechanical sound waves into damaged tissue to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

The therapy has been used in medicine for many years and is now commonly used by physiotherapists, podiatrists, sports medicine practitioners, and other allied health professionals to help treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

When an injury becomes chronic, the body’s healing process can sometimes stall. Tendons and other soft tissues may remain painful and inflamed for months or even years.

Shockwave Therapy is thought to help by:

• Stimulating blood flow to the injured area

• Encouraging the formation of new blood vessels

• Promoting tissue repair and regeneration

• Reducing pain sensitivity

• Breaking down unhealthy tissue changes that can occur in chronic injuries

• Stimulating the body’s natural healing processes

Rather than simply masking pain, the goal of shockwave therapy is to encourage healing within the affected tissue.

Common Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Research supports the use of shockwave therapy for several chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions, including:

1. Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

One of the most common uses of shockwave therapy is for plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain under the heel, particularly with the first few steps in the morning. Many people experience significant improvement when shockwave therapy is combined with appropriate stretching, strengthening, and footwear advice.

2. Achilles Tendinopathy and Calf Strains

Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon or calf can be frustratingly slow to improve. Shockwave therapy is often used alongside a structured exercise program to help stimulate healing and reduce symptoms.

3. Gluteal and Hamstring Tendinopathy

Pain around the outer hip or upper hamstring can be difficult to resolve and may interfere with walking, running, exercise, and even sitting. Shockwave therapy may assist in reducing pain and improving function when combined with appropriate rehabilitation exercises.

4. Iliolumbar Ligament and Lower Back Pain

Shockwave therapy may also assist with certain chronic lower back and pelvic pain presentations where soft tissues such as ligaments, tendon attachments, and surrounding muscles are contributing to symptoms. When combined with targeted exercise and movement-based rehabilitation, it can help reduce pain and support recovery in selected cases.

5. Other Tendon Conditions

Depending on the individual’s presentation, shockwave therapy may also be considered for a range of chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries throughout the body.

What Does Treatment Feel Like?

Most people describe shockwave therapy as feeling like a series of rapid taps against the skin. The treatment can be uncomfortable, particularly when applied directly over an injured tendon, but it is generally well tolerated. The intensity can be adjusted throughout the session to ensure the treatment remains manageable.

A typical session usually takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

The number of treatments varies depending on the condition and its severity.

Many treatment plans involve three to six sessions spaced approximately one week apart. Improvements often occur gradually over several weeks as the body’s healing response develops.

Because shockwave therapy aims to stimulate healing rather than provide an instant fix, results may continue to improve for several months following treatment.

Is Shockwave Therapy a Standalone Treatment?

Not usually.

Shockwave therapy often works best when combined with an appropriate rehabilitation program. This may include:

• Strengthening exercises

• Stretching programs

• Activity modification

• Footwear advice

• Load management strategies

• Pilates-based rehabilitation and movement retraining

Many clients find the best results come from a combined approach, where shockwave therapy helps address painful soft tissues while exercise focuses on restoring strength, control, and movement confidence.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?

Shockwave therapy is considered a safe, non-surgical treatment when provided by a trained healthcare professional.

Some temporary soreness or redness may occur after treatment, but significant side effects are uncommon.

Not everyone is suitable for shockwave therapy, so an assessment is important before treatment begins.

The Takeaway

Persistent tendon pain can be frustrating, especially when it limits your ability to exercise, walk comfortably, or participate in the activities you enjoy.

Shockwave Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can help stimulate healing in chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries. When combined with a targeted rehabilitation program, it may help reduce pain, improve function, and support a return to activity.

If you’re dealing with ongoing heel pain, Achilles pain, hip pain, lower back pain, or another persistent soft tissue injury, speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for you.

About the Author

This article was provided by Charlotte Chapman, Podiatrist and Director of Expert Foot Care, a Brisbane-based podiatry clinic providing evidence-based treatment for foot, ankle and lower limb conditions, including shockwave therapy for chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries.

For more information, visit Expert Foot Care at www.expertfootcare.com.au.