You have rested it, iced it, and done the physiotherapy, but the pain in your elbow or shoulder keeps coming back. When conservative treatment for conditions like tennis elbow stops making progress, shockwave therapy is one option a specialist may consider. Here is how it works and what the research currently shows.
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves delivered through a handheld device placed against the skin. These waves travel into damaged tendon tissue and may trigger a biological response in some cases.
What Happens When Tendons Get Stuck
Tendons are the tough, rope-like tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. When you overuse them or injure them, they’re supposed to heal naturally. But sometimes that healing process gets stuck.
The tissue may enter what some researchers describe as a long-term damaged state. Blood flow may slow down, and swelling can become persistent. The tendon may remain painful and weak.
Shockwave therapy is one approach that has been studied for such conditions.
How Sound Waves Influence Tissue
The acoustic waves create mechanical stress in tendon tissue. Research suggests this stress may trigger several biological responses in some individuals:
- Increased blood flow to the area, bringing oxygen and nutrients needed for repair
- Waking up cell activity that encourages the growth of new blood vessels
- Breaking down calcium deposits or scar tissue that can get in the way of normal tendon function
The therapy is thought to stimulate healing processes that may have slowed or stopped, though results vary among individuals.
The Treatment Experience
Sessions typically last 5 to 10 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
- The practitioner moves the device over the painful area
- The intensity of pressure waves can be adjusted based on your comfort level
- Most people describe it as uncomfortable, like rapid tapping or pressure against the tender area
- Treatment schedules vary, but weekly sessions over several weeks are common
Shockwave therapy is not an immediate solution. Research suggests that if changes occur, they typically develop over several weeks. It may be used in combination with other approaches such as exercises or physical therapy, depending on individual circumstances.
What Research Shows
Studies on shockwave therapy show varied results across different tendon conditions. Some research has examined its use for chronic tendon problems that have not responded to other approaches, though outcomes differ between individuals.
Research has been conducted on conditions including:
- Long-lasting tennis elbow
- Heel pain from plantar fasciitis
- Calcium buildup in the shoulder
Response to treatment varies between individuals. Some research participants have reported improvement after several sessions, while others noticed changes more gradually or did not respond.
Not a Universal Solution
Shockwave therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. Elbow specialists typically screen for contraindications before treatment.
People with certain conditions are generally not good candidates:
- Blood clotting problems
- Infections in the treatment area
- Pregnancy
- Areas near major nerves, blood vessels, or growing bones in children
The technology represents one option among several for persistent tendon problems. It works through mechanical stimulation rather than medication or surgery.
Whether this approach is suitable depends on individual circumstances, medical history, and previous treatment responses. Consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is necessary to determine appropriateness for specific conditions.
A specialist assessment is the appropriate first step to determine whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your specific condition. Book a consultation
