What Is Shockwave Therapy and What Does It Treat?

Shockwave therapy is a modern, non-invasive treatment that is commonly used to help reduce pain, improve movement and support the body’s natural healing process.

It is particularly beneficial for people suffering from persistent tendon and soft tissue injuries that have not improved with rest, stretching, exercise or other conservative treatments.

At ISIS Chiropractic, shockwave therapy is used as part of a personalised treatment plan, helping patients recover from long-standing injuries, restore function and return to the activities they enjoy.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses controlled acoustic waves to target areas of damaged or painful tissue.

A specialist handheld device delivers these waves into the affected area, creating a response within the tissue that encourages the body’s natural repair processes.

The aim of shockwave therapy is not simply to temporarily reduce pain, but to help improve the quality of the tissue being treated and create the right conditions for recovery.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

When an injury becomes long-lasting, the body’s normal healing process can sometimes slow down. This can happen due to repeated stress, overuse, poor movement patterns or previous injuries that have not fully recovered.

Shockwave therapy works by stimulating the tissues and encouraging positive changes, including:

• Increasing blood flow to the affected area
• Supporting tissue repair and regeneration
• Improving tendon health and strength
• Helping reduce ongoing pain and sensitivity
• Encouraging the breakdown of certain areas of calcification or damaged tissue

By improving the condition of the injured area, shockwave therapy can make it easier to progress with rehabilitation exercises and restore normal movement.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy is most commonly used for chronic tendon problems and soft tissue injuries. It can be helpful for a variety of conditions, including:

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of ongoing heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting the foot, becomes irritated and painful.

Symptoms can include:

• Heel pain when walking or standing
• Increased discomfort during the first steps in the morning
• Pain after long periods of activity

Shockwave therapy can help stimulate healing within the plantar fascia, reduce discomfort and improve mobility when combined with appropriate rehabilitation.

Achilles Tendinopathy

The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest tendons in the body but can become irritated through repeated loading from activities such as running, jumping or sport.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or stiffness around the back of the ankle
• Tenderness along the tendon
• Discomfort during exercise or after activity

Shockwave therapy can support tendon recovery while strengthening exercises help improve the tendon’s ability to handle everyday demands.

Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Pain around the elbow is often caused by irritation or changes within the tendons that attach the forearm muscles.

This can lead to:

• Pain when gripping objects
• Reduced strength
• Discomfort during work, sport or daily activities

Shockwave therapy can help reduce symptoms and encourage healthier tendon function as part of a wider rehabilitation programme.

Shoulder Tendon Problems

Shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy and some cases of calcific shoulder pain may respond well to shockwave therapy.

Treatment may help:

• Reduce pain
• Improve shoulder movement
• Support tissue recovery
• Allow progression with strengthening exercises

Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)

Patellar tendon pain is commonly seen in active individuals, especially those involved in sports that involve jumping, running or repeated knee loading.

Shockwave therapy can help reduce discomfort and improve tendon health, allowing patients to gradually return to normal activity.

What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?

Before treatment begins, your practitioner at ISIS Chiropractic will assess your symptoms, movement and the area causing discomfort.

This helps determine whether shockwave therapy is suitable and how it should be included within your treatment plan.

During a session:

• A small amount of gel is applied to the treatment area
• The shockwave applicator is placed against the skin
• Controlled acoustic waves are delivered into the affected tissue
• The intensity is adjusted depending on the condition and your comfort levels

The treatment itself usually only takes a few minutes. Some patients may feel mild discomfort during the session, but settings can be adjusted to keep treatment manageable.

It is also normal to experience some temporary soreness or sensitivity afterwards as the body responds to the treatment.

How Shockwave Therapy Works Alongside Other Treatments at ISIS Chiropractic

Although shockwave therapy can be highly effective on its own, the best outcomes are often achieved when it is combined with other treatments that address the wider causes of pain and injury.

At ISIS Chiropractic, your treatment plan may include a combination of:

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic treatment focuses on improving joint movement, reducing restrictions and helping the body move more efficiently.

Improved movement patterns can reduce unnecessary stress on muscles, joints and tendons, helping support recovery.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Muscle tension and soft tissue restrictions can contribute to pain and reduced mobility.

Soft tissue therapy can help by:

• Reducing muscle tightness
• Improving flexibility
• Supporting better movement
• Helping prepare the body for rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Exercises

Exercise is an important part of long-term recovery. While treatments such as shockwave therapy can help improve the condition of the injured tissue, strengthening and movement exercises help build resilience and reduce the risk of the problem returning.

Rehabilitation may focus on:

• Improving strength
• Increasing mobility
• Restoring movement control
• Gradually increasing activity levels

Sports Injury Rehabilitation

For athletes and active individuals, combining shockwave therapy with targeted rehabilitation can help restore performance and support a safe return to sport.

By combining different treatment approaches, ISIS Chiropractic can create a complete recovery plan that focuses on reducing pain, improving movement and addressing the factors that may have contributed to the injury.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy can be an effective option for people suffering with persistent tendon pain, ongoing soft tissue injuries or conditions that have not improved through other approaches.

However, every person and injury is different. A thorough assessment is important to understand the cause of your symptoms and determine the most suitable treatment approach.

If you are experiencing ongoing pain, reduced movement or an injury that has not improved, the team at ISIS Chiropractic can assess your condition and recommend a personalised plan to support your recovery.

Contact ISIS Chiropractic today to book your assessment and find out how shockwave therapy and our range of treatments can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.