How shockwave therapy can support some of the most niggling injuries and conditions

A non-invasive therapy for niggling injuries.

How Shockwave Therapy May Help To Ease Those Lingering Aches And Pains

If you’re struggling with chronic or nagging muscular pain, shockwave therapy may help to relieve some of your symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about this non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option.

Shockwave therapy is very effective for shoulder pain and “frozen” shoulder.

What Shockwave Therapy Is

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment option that delivers controlled energy impulses directly to damaged tissue. It may help patients who are suffering from:

  • Shoulder pain & Frozen Shoulder
  • Tennis elbow
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendonopathy
  • Hip Pain
  • Calcific Tendonitis
  • Other soft-tissue and muscular inflammation

These little “shocks”, or radial waves, cause short-term trauma to the area, which encourages the body to begin its own healing process. What does this mean? Well, it means that you’ll typically experience an immediate natural reduction in pain coming from the affected muscle – no painkillers required. This is great news for patients suffering from weeks or even months of chronic pain!

How Shockwave Therapy Works

You’re probably wondering how this “shock” therapy works, but don’t worry – it’s not intimidating, and it’s completely non-invasive. The procedure is actually really simple.

First, you show your practitioner exactly where it hurts. If you can’t pinpoint the area, they’ll work with you to identify the general pain site.

Then, your practitioner applies a jelly-like substance to the area. This gel acts like a conductor for the radial waves. The practitioner glides a probe over your skin that transmits radial waves into the affected tissue.

Your body then does what it does best. It heals itself. The radial waves induce your body to increase blood circulation to the injured area, which increases nutrient delivery and promotes healing.

Most patients have a few appointments at weekly intervals. You’ll begin with low-level radial waves until you’re comfortable with the procedure, and then they’ll increase in intensity as the weeks go by.


Shockwave therapy uses radial waves to help relieve aches and pains.

Recovery Time

The great news is that the recovery period associated with shockwave therapy is typically minimal. You can generally drive right away, and you can resume normal activity after around 48 hours. Some patients experience transient pain and discomfort in the affected area for a day or two after therapy, but the practitioner will go over any concerns you may have.

Side Effects

Shockwave therapy triggers your body’s natural healing response. This results in some inflammation in the affected tissue, which means that you may experience a little bruising or redness around the treatment site for a few days. Your practitioner will explain how to manage this inflammation if it troubles you.

Although shockwave therapy is non-invasive, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Are receiving cancer treatment
  • Have short-term muscular or soft tissue inflammation
  • Have a clotting disorder
  • Wear a pacemaker

The team will let you know if shockwave therapy is still appropriate for you.

Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy Over Surgical Options

Shockwave therapy has many benefits over alternative treatment methods available. The key benefits of trying shockwave therapy for your chronic pain include:

  • It’s a quick and efficient treatment option, with sessions typically lasting less than 30 minutes
  • There’s no need for anaesthesia, medication, or sedation, which means you can leave the clinic on your own after treatment
  • Shockwave therapy is rarely associated with serious side effects
  • Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain very shortly after treatment
  • There’s no surgery required
  • Because the therapy stimulates a healing response within the damaged tissue, it works in harmony with your body to promote natural, long-term pain relief

About Inspiring Choices

Inspiring Choices helps patients make better choices for their long-term health and well being. A natural health clinic, Inspiring Choices focuses on holistic, therapeutic treatment options that empower patients to thrive and enjoy their lives.

To find out more about the therapies available, or to book an appointment with one of the specialist practitioners, contact Inspiring Choices today.

Submit your question & feature in our Q & A’s below