Shockwave Therapy: What to Expect

Shockwave therapy delivers mechanical sound waves to a painful tendon or soft-tissue area to support rehabilitation.

A clinician locates the painful structure, applies gel, and moves a handpiece over the skin. Radial waves spread through superficial tissue, while focused waves concentrate energy deeper; the choice depends on the target and treatment plan. It is often paired with load management and exercises.

Some people notice a change after an early session, while others need several appointments before daily movement feels easier. Tendon tissue adapts gradually, so the response is judged by pain, strength, walking, gripping, or reaching rather than by one immediate sensation. A short-lived flare after treatment can occur.

The treated area may feel tender, warm, bruised, or temporarily more painful. Mild redness or tingling can occur. Tell the clinician about bleeding problems, medicines that affect clotting, nerve symptoms, infection, pregnancy, or an implanted device so suitability can be checked before treatment.

A course usually involves appointments spaced apart to let the tissue respond, followed by reassessment. The total course depends on the diagnosis, irritability, depth, and progress with exercises. Shockwave is not a lifelong treatment; its value depends on the rehabilitation plan around it.

Shockwave therapy is used for selected persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, including [Plantar Fasciitis](/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/), [Tendinopathy](/conditions/tendinopathy/), [Tennis Elbow](/conditions/tennis-elbow/), and [Trochanteric Bursitis](/conditions/trochanteric-bursitis/). It does not suit every source of pain, and accurate assessment matters.

It may be offered when a tendon or bursa remains troublesome despite sensible activity changes, progressive strengthening, and other conservative care. It can be discussed for [Rotator Cuff Tendinitis](/conditions/rotator-cuff-tendinitis/), heel pain, elbow pain, or shoulder pain when examination supports a suitable target. A clinician should first rule out fracture, infection, major tendon tear, or nerve-related pain.

You describe the pain and activities that provoke it. The clinician examines the area, positions you comfortably, applies gel, and starts the device at a tolerable setting. Energy is directed across the target for a planned period, with adjustments for tenderness. The area is checked afterward and you receive exercise and activity guidance.

Keep ordinary movement within the agreed limits, but avoid suddenly testing the area with heavy or explosive loading. The clinician may adjust strengthening as symptoms settle. Contact the provider for severe or persistent worsening pain, marked swelling, skin damage, fever, or new weakness or numbness.

Treatment can aggravate pain briefly and may cause bruising or skin sensitivity. It should not be applied over an untreated infection, a suspected tumour, or some vulnerable structures. The provider will review your health history and explain whether the proposed target and device are appropriate.

Options may include education, activity modification, progressive loading, manual therapy, medication advice, or a different rehabilitation approach. Depending on the diagnosis, [PRP Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prp-injection/) may also be discussed. The choice should match the tissue involved and your functional goals.

Choose a physiotherapist, sports-medicine clinician, or orthopaedic team experienced with the relevant tendon or bursa. Ask what diagnosis is being treated, which device will be used, how exercise fits the course, and what symptoms should prompt a review. Bring details of prior treatment and the activities you want to regain.