Radial Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a clinically proven treatment used by physiotherapists to address persistent pain and promote healing in soft tissue conditions that have been slow to recover. If you have been managing a tendon injury, heel pain or chronic muscle tightness for some time without lasting improvement, radial shockwave therapy may be an effective option worth discussing with your physiotherapist.

At Evolve Physiotherapy, we offer shockwave therapy in Auckland for people across East Auckland who are dealing with stubborn musculoskeletal conditions affecting the shoulder, hip, knee, foot and other areas.

What is radial shockwave therapy?

Radial shockwave therapy, also referred to as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT, involves directing targeted acoustic pressure waves into damaged or painful tissue. This stimulates the body’s natural healing response, increases blood flow to the treated area and helps to reduce pain.

It is particularly effective for chronic conditions where the normal healing process has stalled, essentially rebooting the tissue repair cycle and encouraging the body to resume healing.

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy works through several mechanisms that support tissue recovery:

  • Increased blood flow and new vessel formation promotes the delivery of nutrients and growth factors to the treated area, supporting tissue repair and regeneration.
  • Stimulation of collagen production encourages the formation of new, structured collagen fibres, which is essential for the repair of tendons and ligaments.
  • Pro-inflammatory reboot triggers a controlled healing response in chronically injured tissue that has stopped progressing, helping to restart the repair process.
  • Pain relief through its effect on local pain receptors, reducing the transmission of pain signals from the treated area.
  • Reduction of muscle tightness by smoothing trigger points and reducing spasticity in overactive muscles, improving both comfort and range of movement.
  • Disintegration of calcific deposits breaking down calcium build-up within tendons, commonly seen in conditions such as calcific shoulder tendinopathy.

What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?

Shockwave therapy is appropriate for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that have been present for more than 12 weeks and have not responded adequately to other treatments. Conditions we commonly treat include:

  • Physiotherapy for hip pain including gluteal tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome and hip-related muscle tightness that has not resolved with exercise alone.
  • Physiotherapy for shoulder pain including rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcific tendinosis and frozen shoulder, where shockwave therapy can support recovery alongside manual therapy and rehabilitation.
  • Tendon conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy and hamstring tendinopathy, where graded loading alone has not been sufficient.
  • Plantar fasciitis and heel spur which are among the most common conditions treated with shockwave therapy, often with strong outcomes after a small number of sessions.
  • Tennis elbow and other elbow tendinopathies that have become chronic and are affecting grip strength and daily function.
  • Shin pain and other lower limb conditions including chronic shin splints and myofascial trigger points contributing to referred pain patterns.

What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy offers several practical advantages as a treatment option:

  • Treatment sessions are short, typically taking only a few minutes
  • Results are often achieved within one to five treatment sessions
  • It is non-invasive with no known significant side effects
  • It can treat large tissue areas in a single session
  • It offers an alternative to medication or more invasive procedures for appropriate conditions

What does a shockwave therapy session involve?

Your physiotherapist will first assess whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition and discuss the treatment process with you. During treatment, a handheld applicator is used to deliver pressure waves directly to the affected area. Sessions are brief and most patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately afterward.

Most people require between three and six treatment sessions, spaced approximately one week apart, to achieve optimal results.

What does shockwave therapy cost?

Each session is $130 for private patients, or an additional $45 for ACC-accepted conditions. Most people require three to six sessions in total. Your physiotherapist will discuss the recommended number of sessions for your specific condition at your initial appointment.

Why choose Evolve Physiotherapy for shockwave therapy in Auckland?

Our physiotherapists assess each patient carefully to determine whether shockwave therapy is the most appropriate option for their condition and stage of recovery. Where it is indicated, it is integrated into a broader treatment plan that may also include manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises to support the best possible outcome. If you would like to discuss whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your condition, get in touch with our clinic or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in damaged or chronically painful soft tissue. It is commonly used for tendon conditions, heel pain, hip and shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal problems that have been slow to recover.

Some discomfort is normal during treatment as the pressure waves are directed into sensitive tissue. Most patients tolerate it well and the sensation typically reduces as the session progresses. Your physiotherapist will adjust the intensity based on your response.

Most people require between three and six sessions, typically spaced one week apart. The exact number depends on your condition, how long it has been present and how you respond to treatment. Your physiotherapist will provide a recommended plan after your initial assessment.

Yes. Shockwave therapy is often most effective when combined with a broader rehabilitation programme including exercise and manual therapy. Your physiotherapist will develop an integrated plan appropriate for your condition.

Shockwave therapy for ACC-accepted conditions is available at an additional cost of $45 per session on top of your ACC contribution. Your physiotherapist can clarify eligibility and the process at your appointment.

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book appointment contact us today