Shockwave therapy is a physiotherapy treatment in which high-energy acoustic waves are directed at the painful area. It is used mainly for chronic problems of the tendons and muscle attachments, such as heel spurs or tennis elbow.
Shockwave therapy — heel spurs, tennis elbow and chronic tendon pain
Shockwave therapy is a physiotherapy treatment in which high-energy acoustic waves are directed at the painful area. It is used mainly for chronic problems of the tendons and muscle attachments, such as heel spurs or tennis elbow.
About the problem
Shockwave therapy stimulates repair processes in chronically overloaded tissues and reduces pain. Typical uses include heel spurs (chronic pain of the plantar fascia), tennis elbow and chronic tendon pain, e.g. of the Achilles tendon or the patellar ligament.
Therapy usually consists of several sessions about a week apart. A single session lasts a few minutes, and temporary discomfort may occur during it.
Shockwave therapy is part of a broader plan — it is most often combined with exercises and load modification, which the physiotherapist selects during the consultation.
Most common symptoms
- heel pain, worst with the first steps in the morning
- pain on the outer side of the elbow when gripping and lifting
- pain in the Achilles tendon or around the kneecap under load
- shoulder pain related to calcium deposits in the tendons
- symptoms lasting weeks or months despite rest
When to see a doctor
- when tendon or attachment pain has lasted for several weeks or longer
- when symptoms return after you go back to activity
- when pain limits walking, work or training
- when previous conservative treatment has not helped