Shockwave Therapy in Adelaide: What It Is, and Whether It Could Help
The name sounds like something from a sci-fi film. The reality is less dramatic: a handheld device, some gel, and a few minutes of rapid, firm tapping over the sore spot. Think very enthusiastic woodpecker rather than lightning bolt. At Movement Theory, we offer shockwave therapy at our Brighton clinic as one tool within a bigger rehab plan. We don't use shockwave because it's trendy. We use it when we believe it's appropriate for the person in front of us, and we'll tell you honestly when we don't think it is.
So here's what it is, what the research actually says, and what to expect.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy (sometimes called ESWT) delivers short, rapid pulses of acoustic energy through the skin into a painful area. There are two main types:
Radial shockwave: the handpiece sends pressure waves spreading out into the tissue. They're strongest near the surface and fade as they go deeper.
Focused shockwave: concentrates energy at a specific depth within the tissue.
At Movement Theory we use radial shockwave. Your physio will explain what that means for your condition.
How does shockwave therapy work?
The leading idea is mechanotransduction: cells sense mechanical stimulation and change their activity in response. Lab and animal studies suggest shockwave may also influence pain signalling and blood vessel growth in tendons.
Does shockwave therapy actually work?
Sometimes. It depends on what we're treating.
Heel pain (plantar fasciitis): this is where shockwave has been studied most, and several reviews of placebo-controlled trials report improvements in pain and function. Our take: it may help some people with persistent heel pain, particularly when simpler approaches haven't been enough.
Achilles and patellar (knee) tendon pain: the research says progressive loading exercise remains the first-line treatment. However, there if progress stalls, shockwave may be something we discuss as an add-on.
What does shockwave feel like? Does it hurt?
It can be uncomfortable. Most people describe rapid tapping, pressure, or a deep, sharp ache over the sore spot. We can adjust the intensity, and we usually start lower and build up. Discomfort during treatment is common and usually settles quickly afterwards. On its own, it doesn't mean the tissue is being damaged. Sore, sensitive tissue often simply feels sore when stimulated. But treatment isn't a test of how tough you are. Tell us if it's too much and we'll adjust.
How many sessions will I need, and how long does each take?
Most research protocols use around three to five sessions, usually about a week apart. The shockwave part itself usually takes around 5–10 minutes and happens within a normal physio appointment. If you haven't noticed meaningful change after a few sessions, we'll reassess rather than keep going for the sake of it.
How quickly will I notice results?
It varies. Some people notice a short-term change after a session or two. Many studies measure outcomes at around three months, because improvement tends to be gradual. Thats why we track your pain and function along the way, so decisions are based on how you're actually going.
What happens after treatment? Can I exercise?
Most people carry on with their day as normal. You may notice some soreness, redness or occasional bruising for a day or two. Most people can continue their daily life, exercise as normal. Depending on how the area feels, we may suggest easing back on very intense or high-impact activity for a day or two. We'll give you specific advice for your situation.
Is shockwave therapy safe? Who shouldn't have it?
Shockwave is generally low risk when people are properly screened, but no treatment is risk-free. The most common side effects are pain during treatment, redness and bruising, and these are usually minor and short-lived.
Shockwave isn't suitable for everyone. We generally won't use it:
during pregnancy
over growth plates in children and teenagers
over an area with cancer
over the lungs, or near a pacemaker or other implanted device
over broken skin or an infection
soon after a steroid injection in the same area.
If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, we'll need to discuss whether it's appropriate. We check all of this in your assessment.
Shockwave therapy in Adelaide at Movement Theory
If you've got heel or tendon pain that's been hanging around, book an assessment with our Adelaide physio team. We'll work out what's going on, talk honestly about whether shockwave is a sensible option for you, and build a plan around getting you moving again.
References
Charles R, et al. The effectiveness of shockwave therapy on patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol. 2023;14:1193835.
Heide M, et al. Is rESWT, sham-rESWT or a standardised exercise programme in combination with advice plus customised foot orthoses more effective than advice plus customised foot orthoses alone in the treatment of plantar fasciopathy? Br J Sports Med. 2024;58(16):910–918.
Surace SJ, et al. Shock wave therapy for rotator cuff disease with or without calcification. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;CD008962.
Koc TA, et al. Heel Pain – Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(12):CPG1–CPG39.
Chimenti RL, et al. Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision – 2024. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024;54(12):CPG1–CPG32.
NICE. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy (IPG571). 2016.
