Acoustic Wave Treatment

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

A non-invasive treatment that delivers focused acoustic pressure waves to musculoskeletal tissues to stimulate healing, break down calcifications, and reduce chronic pain.

Overview

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic waves generated outside the body and focused on specific target tissues. Originally developed for kidney stone fragmentation (lithotripsy), shockwave technology was adapted for musculoskeletal applications after physicians observed that patients with kidney stones also experienced improvement in concurrent orthopedic conditions.

At St. George Hospital, shockwave therapy is used to treat chronic tendinopathies, calcifications, and pain conditions that have not responded to conventional conservative treatment.

Mechanism

How Does It Work?

Shockwave pulses create controlled microtrauma in the target tissue, which triggers the body’s natural healing response. This includes neovascularization (new blood vessel formation), recruitment of stem cells, increased growth factor production, and dissolution of calcific deposits. The mechanical energy also directly disrupts pain-transmitting nerve fibers, providing immediate analgesic effects.

Two main types are used: focused shockwave therapy (fESWT), which delivers concentrated energy to a precise focal point, and radial pressure wave therapy (rPWT), which disperses energy over a broader area. The choice depends on the depth and nature of the pathology being treated.

Indications

Conditions Treated

Plantar fasciitis
Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Achilles tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy
Trigger points and myofascial pain
Non-healing fractures

Is This Therapy Right for You?

Our physicians will evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition after a thorough assessment.

Patient Experience

What Does a Session Look Like?

A shockwave session lasts 10-20 minutes per treatment area. The therapist applies coupling gel to the skin and positions the applicator over the target area. Patients feel a tapping or pulsing sensation, which may be mildly uncomfortable over sensitive areas. No anesthesia is required. Most patients require 3-5 sessions at weekly intervals. Improvement is typically gradual, with maximum benefit seen 6-12 weeks after the final session.

Research

Evidence & Safety

ESWT has robust clinical evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and the Journal of Orthopaedic Research demonstrate efficacy for plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinopathy, and lateral epicondylitis. ESWT has received FDA clearance in the United States and CE marking in Europe. Side effects are minor and typically limited to temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the treatment site.

Learn More About Shockwave Therapy

Contact our medical team to discuss whether this therapy may be appropriate for your condition.