Shockwave therapy for stubborn soft tissue pain
Some soft tissue complaints stop responding to rest and stretching and simply stay. Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pulses into a targeted area of tissue and is used alongside the rest of your care plan. Whether it suits your case is decided at your examination, not in advance.
Who this page is for
Adults with a persistent tendon or soft tissue problem, often in the heel, elbow, shoulder or hip, that has not settled with time and activity changes.
Why people come in
These are reasons patients give for booking. They are not a diagnosis, and only an examination can tell you what is happening in your case.
- Localised pain over a tendon that has lasted for weeks or months
- Pain on the first steps of the day or at the start of activity
- A complaint that eases with rest and returns as soon as you resume
- Tenderness in one specific spot rather than a broad area
How the evaluation works
Your provider examines the painful structure, tests how it loads, and rules out presentations where shockwave is not appropriate before recommending it.
How we may approach care
A handpiece delivers acoustic pulses to the targeted area. Sessions are short, performed in clinic, and usually scheduled alongside other elements of your plan such as loading exercise. Response varies between people and we do not predict it in advance.
What a first visit may involve
Your first visit is an assessment. If shockwave is recommended, you will be told how many sessions are planned, what the sensation is like, and what you should do between sessions.
Safety and when to seek other care
Shockwave is not used over certain areas or in certain medical circumstances, including some clotting disorders and some pregnancies. Tell your provider about your medications and medical history. Temporary soreness or redness in the treated area is common. Sudden severe pain, swelling or an inability to bear weight should be assessed medically.
Questions patients ask
How many sessions are typical?
Your provider sets a plan after examining you and will explain how progress will be reviewed.
Is shockwave painful?
It can be briefly uncomfortable over a sensitive area. Intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate.
Where this care is offered
The clinical explanation above is the same at every clinic. Location links add only what is specific to that clinic.
Clinical review
Clinician review pending. This page has not yet been signed off by a named Inspine provider, and no reviewer is claimed until one confirms it. See our provider profiles.
Take the first step.
Call the clinic nearest you, or send a request and our team will follow up to agree a time.