Whether you’re training hard for an event, tackling weekend DIY projects, or spending long hours at a desk, most of us experience muscular or joint pain at some point. At Burton Physio Group, we see it every day—from nagging tendon issues to chronic discomfort that just won’t shift.
With so many treatment options available—manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises, acupuncture, and more—it can be hard to know what’s right for you. One increasingly popular and clinically supported solution is Shockwave Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that’s proving highly effective for a wide range of conditions.
So, what exactly is Shockwave Therapy—and could it work for you? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Despite the dramatic name, Shockwave Therapy (technically known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT) is a safe, non-invasive treatment. It involves delivering targeted sound waves to an area of pain or injury to help stimulate your body’s natural healing response.
This technique has been used for years in sports medicine and orthopaedic rehabilitation and is now widely recognised for treating conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy—among many others.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave Therapy works by sending high-energy acoustic pulses directly into the affected tissue. This stimulates a controlled inflammatory response, prompting the body to increase blood flow and send healing cells—such as oxygen and collagen—to the area.
It also helps break down scar tissue or calcifications, reducing pain and improving mobility over time.
A typical session lasts just 5–10 minutes. After applying a contact gel, your physiotherapist will place the handheld device against your skin and deliver the pulses. You may feel some discomfort during the treatment, but most people find it very manageable. Best of all, it’s completely non-surgical and requires no downtime.
Who Can Benefit?
At Burton Physio Group, we recommend Shockwave Therapy for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip pain)
- Shin splints and bone stress injuries
While many people experience improvement after just one session, most benefit from a short course of 3–5 treatments. Shockwave Therapy is often most effective when used alongside a personalised rehabilitation programme, helping you not only manage pain but also address the root cause of your injury.
Is It Right for Everyone?
Shockwave Therapy is a powerful tool—but it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s not recommended if:
- You are pregnant
- You are currently undergoing treatment for cancer
- You have had a corticosteroid injection in the last 6 weeks
As always, our experienced team will assess your condition and medical history to determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.
Could Shockwave Therapy Help You?
If you’re dealing with persistent pain or an injury that hasn’t responded to other treatments, Shockwave Therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
To find out if you’re a candidate—or to book a consultation—get in touch with our team today.