Shockwave therapy for persistent tendon pain.
Non-invasive treatment for selected tendon and soft-tissue problems that are not settling as expected.
Shockwave is used when it fits the clinical picture, often alongside strengthening, rehabilitation and load management.
An option when pain is not settling.
Shockwave is one part of treatment. We first work out what tissue is involved and what may be continuing to irritate it.
May be considered when a suitable tendon or soft-tissue problem remains symptomatic despite reasonable conservative care.
Treatment is directed to the clinically relevant tissue rather than simply wherever pain is reported.
Strengthening and gradual load progression may continue alongside treatment where appropriate.
We look for meaningful improvement in walking, work, gym training, running or sport rather than pain scores alone.
Targeted. Efficient. Integrated with rehabilitation.
Targeted.
Treatment is applied to a clinically selected tendon or soft-tissue area after assessment.
Efficient.
Shockwave can be incorporated into a normal clinical appointment when appropriate.
Integrated.
Treatment can sit alongside strengthening, activity modification and gradual return to normal loading.
Where shockwave therapy may be considered.
Suitability depends on your symptoms, diagnosis and examination findings.
Persistent plantar heel pain
Heel and plantar fascia-related pain that remains symptomatic with standing or walking.
→Achilles tendon pain
Selected persistent Achilles symptoms affecting walking, running or calf loading.
→Gluteal tendon pain
Selected lateral hip tendon presentations affecting walking, stairs or side-lying.
→Proximal hamstring tendon pain
Persistent upper hamstring symptoms when assessment supports a tendon-related presentation.
Selected knee tendon pain
Shockwave may be considered for selected persistent tendon-related knee presentations.
→Pain ratings changed over time in one study.
This example comes from people with long-lasting tennis elbow. Lower numbers mean less pain. It is shown as research context, not as a promise of the result every patient will experience.
Important context: this was not a shockwave-only study. Both groups also received other treatment. The shockwave group received active shockwave, while the comparison group received an inactive version designed to look similar.
The graph shows results from one research group. Individual response varies according to the condition, diagnosis, symptom duration and treatment plan.
Reference: Nambi G et al. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2022;12(11):1892 . Study also featured in the Chattanooga Shockwave Therapy clinical evidence resource .
A simple treatment process.
Assessment comes first. Shockwave is added only when it makes sense for the presentation.
Understand the problem
We review the pain, tissue involved, aggravating activity and relevant clinical findings.
Check suitability
We determine whether shockwave is an appropriate treatment option.
Apply shockwave
Treatment is applied to the selected region with intensity adjusted to tolerance.
Build capacity
Rehabilitation and activity are progressed according to symptoms and function.
Non-invasive treatment, delivered externally.
Shockwave is delivered through a handheld applicator over the selected tissue area. Treatment intensity can be adjusted according to sensitivity and tolerance.
Shockwave therapy.
Used when clinically appropriate following assessment. Appointment fees may also apply depending on appointment type and ACC eligibility.
Before your appointment.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers mechanical pressure waves externally to a selected musculoskeletal tissue.
Does shockwave work for every tendon problem?
No. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, symptoms and examination findings. Shockwave is not automatically appropriate for every tendon problem.
Does shockwave replace strengthening?
Usually not. Progressive strengthening and load management may remain important depending on the condition and the activities you need to return to.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Some discomfort can occur when treatment is applied over sensitive tissue. Intensity can be adjusted according to tolerance.
How many sessions are needed?
There is no single number for every patient. The treatment plan depends on the condition, symptom duration, assessment findings and response over time.
Can I book if I am not sure whether shockwave is suitable?
Yes. Book an assessment and we can determine whether shockwave or another treatment approach is more appropriate.
Pain not settling?
Book an assessment at Flow Clinic in Wairau Valley and we will determine whether shockwave therapy fits your treatment plan.