What to expect from shockwave therapy for achilles tendinitis

During treatment, a clinician applies gel and a handheld applicator to the tendon. You may feel tapping, pressure, or sharp sensitivity over the most tender spot. The intensity can usually be adjusted. The area may remain tender for a short time, and symptoms can fluctuate before improvement becomes clear. Shockwave therapy is commonly paired with calf strengthening, mobility work, and a review of running or walking load.

Achilles tendinitis affects a tendon that handles repeated force. Treatment therefore focuses on how the tendon is loaded between appointments, not only on the session itself.

Follow the activity limits given by your physiotherapist and avoid testing the tendon with sprinting, jumping, or a sudden increase in walking. Use the recommended exercise progression and note pain during activity and the following day. Ask before taking anti-inflammatory medicine or using other pain relief, because the clinician may want a specific plan. Wear supportive footwear if advised.

Contact your clinician if pain becomes steadily worse, swelling is increasing, or the skin develops marked bruising or irritation. Seek urgent assessment for a sudden snap, a new gap in the tendon, inability to push off, or sudden difficulty walking, as these can indicate a tear.

Ask whether your Achilles problem is suitable for shockwave therapy, what intensity and schedule are planned, which exercises to do, and how running or sport will be reintroduced. Clarify medicine use, footwear, expected soreness, and signs of tendon rupture.