What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a procedure performed to support healing and rejuvenation of tissues. It uses short, high-energy sound waves which are delivered to the target areas. These waves create tiny areas of microtrauma resulting in increased blood flow, triggering a controlled healing response, and supporting tissue repair.
This non-invasive treatment can relieve pain and improve function and mobility. It is widely used in physiotherapy, sports medicine, orthopaedics, podiatry, and urology and can treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction, slow-healing wounds, cellulite, and certain neurological disorders.
Shockwave therapy is supported by NICE guidance in the UK and has FDA approval in the United States for a wide range of medical indications.
Types of Shockwave Therapy
At PSJ Physiotherapy we offer 2 types of shockwave therapy:
Radial Shockwave Therapy
This delivers low energy levels and is focused on promoting an inflammatory response in the tissues to promote healing.
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Radial shockwave therapy is ideal for:
- Localised Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Large muscle groups
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Heel Spurs
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Trigger Points
- Trochanteric Pain
- Patellofemoral Pain
- Iliotibial Band (ITB)
- Chronic Tendinopathies
- Superficial treatment depths
- Bursitus
- Tennis Elbow
Focused Shockwave Therapy
This form of therapy delivers higher energy levels that penetrate deeper into the tissues and stimulate tissue regeneration.
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Focused shockwave therapy machine handpiece. Focused shockwave therapy is ideal for:
- Diffuse Pain
- Acute pain
- Insertional Tendinopathies
- Deep-Seated Tendons
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Bone Stress Injuries
- Non-unions
- Osteoarthritis
- Coccydynia
- Spinal Facet Joint Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)
- Wound Healing
- Degenerative Pathologies
- Morton's Neuroma
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave Therapy has certain beneficial biological effects including:
- Release of Substance P: This substance released during treatment reduces pain ,enlarges blood vessels, improves circulation, and supports new bone formation directly accelerating repair.
- Improved Cellular Defenses: Shockwaves trigger free radical release, enhancing the body’s natural defense systems and activating repair cells.
- Reduced COX II Enzymes: By suppressing inflammatory mediators like COX II, shockwaves reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Nerve Fibre stimulation: Hyperstimulation of nerve fibres during therapy blocks pain signals further enhancing pain relief.
