Does shockwave therapy treat tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy describes tendon pain and reduced load tolerance, often linked with repeated or suddenly increased activity. It can affect different body regions, so the same treatment is not automatically appropriate for every tendon. Shockwave therapy uses pulses applied through the skin to a chosen area. The aim is to influence pain and the local tissue environment while the tendon is gradually reloaded.

A proper assessment matters because pain near a tendon can also come from a joint, nerve, muscle, or a more substantial injury. Benefits, discomfort during treatment, and the pace of improvement differ between people. Rehabilitation usually includes adjustments to aggravating activity followed by progressive exercises.

Have the painful area assessed before booking treatment, especially if symptoms followed a sudden injury or you notice weakness. Keep a short record of activities that worsen or ease the pain. Discuss the treatment schedule, exercise plan, temporary activity restrictions, and what to do if soreness increases. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the affected area and tell the clinician about relevant medicines or medical conditions.

Get prompt care for sudden severe pain with a snap, marked weakness, inability to use the limb normally, spreading redness or warmth with fever, or new loss of sensation. Seek review for persistent pain that is changing your movement, work, or sleep, even if you are considering physiotherapy treatment.

Ask which tendon is involved, what alternatives are reasonable, how progress will be measured, and which exercises or activity changes are needed between sessions.