Shockwave
Shockwave Therapy: What Does the Research Say?
Persistent heel or tendon pain can make walking, exercising, and everyday activities difficult. Shockwave therapy is one treatment option that may help selected patients, but its effectiveness depends on the condition being treated.
At LifeCare, we offer shockwave therapy as part of our rehabilitation services. An assessment helps determine whether it is suitable for your needs.
What is shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT, delivers mechanical energy through the skin using a handheld device. It does not involve electrical shocks, injections, or surgery.
Can shockwave therapy help plantar fasciitis?
Research supports shockwave therapy as an effective option for some people with persistent plantar heel pain, often called plantar fasciitis.
What should you expect during treatment?
A clinician applies the device over the selected treatment area. You may feel repeated tapping or mild discomfort. Treatment is usually provided as a course of appointments, with the plan adjusted according to your response.
Temporary soreness, redness, swelling, or bruising can occur. Your clinician should explain the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives before treatment.
Is shockwave therapy suitable for everyone?
A medical history and physical assessment are essential. Tell your clinician about pregnancy, bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medication, recent steroid injections, infection, or a suspected tendon tear. These factors may affect whether treatment is appropriate.
Making an informed treatment decision
Shockwave therapy may be worth considering for certain persistent conditions, especially plantar heel pain. However, improvement is not guaranteed. Ask your physiotherapist:
– What is causing my pain?
– How strong is the evidence for shockwave treatment for my condition?
– What other treatment options are available?
– How will we measure progress and decide whether to continue?
Interested in learning whether shockwave therapy is right for you? Book a physiotherapy assessment with LifeCare.
References
1. Lippi et al. (2024). [Efficacy and tolerability of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with plantar fasciopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39257331/).
2. Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (2026). [A patient’s guide to radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy](https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-guides/radial-extracorporeal-shockwave-therapy-eswt).