Therapy
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): How It Works and Who It Helps
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy delivers high-energy sound pulses into tendons and the plantar fascia. It's mainly used for long-standing tendon and heel pain that hasn't improved after several months of good exercise-based treatment. It can be uncomfortable, and it works best combined with a loading programme.
How shockwave works
A handpiece delivers rapid pulses through gel into the painful area. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood. Proposed effects include reducing pain sensitivity, stimulating a healing response in chronic tendon tissue and helping break up calcium deposits in calcific tendinitis.
Sessions take a few minutes and are usually given weekly for three to five weeks.
Where the evidence is strongest
There's reasonable evidence for chronic plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, and some support for tennis elbow, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, and gluteal tendon pain. It's a second-line option. We'd expect you to have tried a well-structured exercise programme for at least three months first.
Who shouldn't have it
Shockwave isn't used during pregnancy, over growth plates in children, over active cancer or infection, in people on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders without medical approval, or within weeks of a steroid injection into the same area.
Please confirm with the clinic whether shockwave therapy is currently offered before booking specifically for it.
Medical note
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Treatment is planned after an in-person assessment by a physiotherapist, and we refer you to a doctor where symptoms need medical review first. If you have sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain or severe unexplained pain, seek emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Is shockwave painful?
How quickly does it work?
Do I still need exercises?
What is Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) delivers strong acoustic pulses into tissue to stimulate healing in stubborn tendon and plantar fascia problems.
Who can benefit from Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
People with long-standing tendon pain that has not settled with exercise, such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and Achilles or patellar tendinopathy.
What conditions can Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) help with?
It commonly helps with plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, patellar tendonitis, supraspinatus tendinitis, trochanteric bursitis and Golfer's elbow. Calcific shoulder tendinopathy is also treated.
What are the benefits of Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Pain reduction in chronic tendon problems, often avoiding injections or surgery.
How does Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) work?
The pulses create a controlled stimulus in the tendon that increases blood flow and triggers a healing response, and temporarily dampens pain.
What happens during a Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) assessment?
We confirm the diagnosis, check how long symptoms have lasted and what has been tried, and screen for contraindications.
What happens during a Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) session?
The area is positioned comfortably, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is applied for about 5 to 10 minutes of treatment, and it is usually followed by exercise such as calf raises and calf stretch, because it works best as part of an active plan.
What treatments are used with Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
It is usually combined with ultrasound therapy, sports physiotherapy and kinesio taping, depending on your assessment and how you respond.
What exercises are commonly used with Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Common exercises include calf raises, calf stretch, wrist extensor stretch and isometric exercises. They start at a comfortable level and are progressed as you improve.
How long does a Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) session take?
A session usually takes 5 to 10 minutes of treatment, covering a progress check, treatment and an update to your home exercises.
How many Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) sessions might be needed?
Usually 3 to 5 sessions. Progress is reviewed regularly and the plan is adjusted as you improve.
How often should Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) sessions be scheduled?
Sessions are usually scheduled once a week, adjusted to how you respond.
Can Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) help reduce pain?
Yes, for chronic tendon pain, usually improving over weeks after the course.
Can Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) improve mobility?
Indirectly. Mobility improves through the exercises it supports.
Can Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) improve strength and flexibility?
No, but it is combined with tendon loading exercises.
Can Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) be provided at home?
No. It requires clinic equipment.
Is Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) suitable after surgery or injury?
Not over recent surgical sites.
Is Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) suitable for older adults or children?
Yes for adults; not used over growth plates.
What precautions should be considered with Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Treatment is uncomfortable but brief. Not used with blood thinners, pregnancy, over cancer, infection or growth plates.
When should I consult a physiotherapist about Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
When tendon pain has lasted more than three months despite exercise. You can book an assessment at our Indirapuram clinic or ask for a home visit.
Related treatments
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain with the first steps in the morning. Load, calf strength and footwear make the difference.
Learn more HandTennis Elbow
Outer elbow pain from gripping and lifting. Most sufferers have never held a racquet.
Learn more KneePatellar Tendonitis
Jumper's knee: pain just below the kneecap with jumping and squatting. Progressive tendon loading is the proven fix.
Learn moreReady to feel better?
Book an assessment at our Indirapuram clinic or ask for a home visit. Call +91-9999973681 or send a WhatsApp message and we will confirm your slot.