Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Enquire About Shockwave TherapyShockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses controlled acoustic waves to target affected musculoskeletal tissues. At One Spine, it may be used for suitable tendon, muscle, joint and soft tissue concerns as part of a broader rehabilitation approach.
What Shockwave Therapy Helps With
Shockwave Therapy directs controlled acoustic waves into targeted tissues. These waves may stimulate processes involved in blood circulation, tissue repair and collagen production while helping to manage pain, muscle tension and restricted movement.
ESWT may be considered for persistent musculoskeletal concerns, but suitability depends on the structures involved, your symptoms and rehabilitation needs.
When Shockwave Therapy May Be Used
At One Spine, Shockwave Therapy may be considered for conditions including:
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Knee pain and patellar tendon irritation
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Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
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Achilles tendon discomfort
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Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
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Shoulder tendinitis and frozen shoulder
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Hip bursitis
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Chronic muscular pain
Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean ESWT is required. We assess the affected area, related movement and activities that aggravate your symptoms before determining an appropriate treatment approach.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy
Controlled acoustic waves are applied to the targeted area, with treatment intensity adjusted according to your condition, sensitivity and rehabilitation goals.
Treatment can feel intense over sensitive areas. You may notice strong tapping, pulsing or deep pressure during treatment, while the area may feel temporarily sore afterwards, similar to soreness following exercise or deep tissue work.
Watch Shockwave Therapy in Action
This video shows Shockwave Therapy being applied to the knee, providing a practical look at how the treatment may be delivered for knee and joint-related concerns.
The treatment experience can vary between patients. An assessment helps determine whether Shockwave Therapy is suitable and how it should fit into your rehabilitation plan.
How Shockwave Therapy Fits Into Rehabilitation
Shockwave Therapy can support tissue recovery, but rehabilitation may involve more than treating the painful area. Depending on your needs, we may combine ESWT with physiotherapy, mobility work, strengthening, movement education and structured rehabilitation.
For example, recurring knee discomfort may involve tendon overload, surrounding muscle weakness, hip control, previous injuries, foot mechanics or repeated stress from sport and daily activities. Assessing these factors helps guide the broader rehabilitation approach.
Is Shockwave Therapy Suitable for You?
Shockwave Therapy may be considered if persistent tendon, muscle, joint or soft tissue pain is affecting activities such as walking, climbing stairs, gripping, lifting, reaching or exercising.
However, it is not appropriate for everyone. It may not be suitable for pregnant patients or people with certain circulatory or nerve disorders, infections, bone tumours or metabolic bone diseases. Relevant health and medical information should be provided before treatment so suitability can be assessed.
Find Out Whether Shockwave Therapy Is Suitable for You
If persistent tendon, muscle, joint or soft tissue pain is limiting your movement or daily activities, our team can assess your symptoms, movement and rehabilitation needs to determine whether ESWT may have a role in your recovery plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy can feel intense when applied over a sensitive area. You may experience strong tapping, pulsing or deep pressure, and temporary soreness may occur afterwards. Treatment intensity is adjusted according to your comfort and condition.
The number of sessions depends on factors such as your condition, how long symptoms have been present, tissue response and rehabilitation needs. Individual responses vary, so the appropriate treatment plan should be determined after assessment.
Yes. At One Spine, Shockwave Therapy may be incorporated alongside physiotherapy, mobility work, strengthening and rehabilitation when appropriate for your condition.