What is shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) passes acoustic waves through the skin into the injured tissue. You'll feel a tapping or hitting sensation as the device is held against the skin. It's noisy and can be uncomfortable, but it works well when it's used the right way, as part of a physio plan, not as a standalone fix.
NICE in the UK has reviewed shockwave therapy positively for Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow.
How it works
Why shockwave therapy helps.
Restarts healing
Increases blood flow in the area, which supports cell regeneration and the body's own healing response.
Breaks down scar tissue
Helps break down deep scar tissue and calcification that's been holding your tendon back from recovering.
Reduces chronic pain
Reduces pain in damaged tissue so the rest of your rehab can actually progress, instead of stalling.
What I use it for
Most often tennis elbow that hasn't settled with rest, exercises or standard physio. It can also be used for other stubborn tendon problems after assessment, such as Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis.
