Innovative Method for Faster Recovery
Have you ever felt persistent pain in your heel or shoulder so strong that every step or movement became a challenge? Imagine that after just a few quick physiotherapy treatments, you could feel significant relief and return to your favorite activities without long breaks. This is exactly what shockwave therapy makes possible – a modern method that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and relieve chronic pain after only a few treatments.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses high-frequency acoustic waves that penetrate damaged tissues in a targeted manner. These waves have been proven to improve microcirculation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the regeneration of collagen and other structural components of the musculoskeletal system.
This procedure is non-invasive, performed as part of a physiotherapy treatment, and requires neither anesthesia nor hospitalization.
How does the shockwave device work?
The therapy is carried out using a specialized device with the following main components:
- Wave generator – produces controlled acoustic impulses of specific frequency and intensity.
- Applicator (the device head) – transmits these impulses precisely to the chosen body area.
- Control panel – allows the physiotherapist to adjust the intensity of waves, number of impulses, and duration of application.
Before treatment, a gel is applied to ensure optimal transmission of the waves through the skin. During the session, the applicator is pressed against the treated area (or moved in circular motions) according to a specific protocol. The patient may feel gentle, short pulses – but not intense pain.
How do injuries treated with shockwave therapy occur?
Many injuries develop gradually due to repetitive microtraumas – small damages that accumulate over time because of:
- Overloading certain muscle groups or tendons (e.g., in athletes or people with repetitive work movements)
- Incorrect body posture during activity or prolonged sitting
- Sudden increase in physical activity intensity without proper adaptation
- Natural tissue aging, which makes it less elastic and more prone to damage
When tissue cannot recover adequately between strains, chronic inflammation develops, blood and oxygen flow is reduced, and the injured area becomes painful and stiff. This is when shockwave therapy becomes useful.
Indications and Uses
Shockwave therapy is used for:
- Calcifications in heel, shoulder, hip – calcium deposits in tendons or attachment points that cause pain and stiffness, often disturbing normal movement and sleep.
- Plantar fasciitis – heel pain, especially in the morning or when walking.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – pain on the outside of the elbow, worsens with gripping or lifting.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) – pain on the inner side of the elbow when bending the forearm.
- Achilles tendon tendinopathy – pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle, often worse in the morning.
- Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinopathy) – pain below the kneecap during jumping and strain.
- Calcified tendinopathy of the shoulder – pain and restricted motion due to calcium in the rotator cuff tendon.
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip) – pain on the side of the hip, worse when lying on the affected side.
Advantages of Shockwave Therapy
Compared to traditional methods, shockwave therapy offers multiple benefits:
- Quick application: one session lasts 5–15 minutes.
- Non-invasive: no cuts, stitches, or infection risk.
- Minimal side effects: only short-term redness or mild bruising possible.
- Targeted treatment: waves penetrate deep into tissue, directly at the damage site.
- Combination-friendly: ideally complements manual therapy, massage, and exercises.
Preparation and Treatment
Before therapy, it’s enough to come with clean, dry skin (without creams or lotions) and bring any available medical documentation (such as ultrasound or X‑ray) for assessment.
During therapy, the physiotherapist applies gel, places the applicator, and gradually increases intensity. Afterward, patients are advised to take a short rest, do light stretching, and follow precise instructions for home exercises.
What to Expect After Treatment?
The effects of shockwave therapy are cumulative – most patients notice improvement within 1–2 weeks after 3–5 sessions. Improvements include pain reduction, greater mobility, and faster functional recovery. Rarely, mild bruises or tingling may occur, disappearing within a few days.
Contraindications
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with malignant conditions
- Acute inflammatory processes or skin infections at the treatment site
- Blood clotting disorders or patients on anticoagulant therapy
Consultation with a doctor and physiotherapist is always necessary before starting therapy.
Individual Therapy Plan
Each patient receives a personalized plan considering:
- Type and duration of symptoms
- General health condition
- Results of diagnostic tests
Specifics about further steps, number of sessions, and additional therapies are agreed upon at the first consultation – ensuring maximum safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy provides a safe, effective, and fast way to resolve chronic musculoskeletal pain and injuries. Combined with tailored exercise programs and other physiotherapy methods, it can significantly improve quality of life and restore mobility.
Book your first consultation and discover how shockwave therapy can help you.