If you've been dealing with a nagging injury that just won't heal, despite rest, physio, and trying everything else, shockwave therapy could be the turning point you've been looking for. It's one of those treatments that genuinely surprises people, and we love seeing the results first-hand.
We get it - when you hear "shockwave therapy," your first thought might be, "Do I really want to be zapped into recovery?" But before your mind drifts to horror movies, let us reassure you: this is not that kind of therapy. In fact, shockwave therapy is turning out to be a game-changer for pain relief, and it's a lot less scary than it sounds. Whether you've been struggling with stubborn injuries, chronic pain, or a case of "I've tried everything, but nothing works," shockwave therapy might just be the surprise you didn't know you needed.
Shockwave therapy, despite its electrifying name, is actually a gentle yet powerful treatment that relies on acoustic waves - essentially sound energy - to stimulate healing in the body. Rather than invasive surgeries or long-term medications, this therapy works by sending pulses of sound waves directly to the affected area, encouraging your body to repair itself naturally.
Before we explore how it works, it's important to clear the air - shockwave therapy is not remotely related to electroconvulsive therapy. We get it, the word "shock" tends to conjure up mental images of old movie scenes. Rest assured, this has nothing to do with electricity, brains, or jarring jolts. Instead, it's a fairly painless treatment designed for muscles, tendons, and tissues.
Shockwave therapy is a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate your body's natural healing response. It works by increasing blood flow and triggering tissue repair in the affected area, targeting the root cause of your pain rather than masking it. Studies show success rates of up to 90% for certain conditions, often within just three to five sessions, and in some cases, it has been shown to be more effective than three months of traditional rehabilitation.
The acoustic waves cause microtrauma (in a good way) to the tissue, which prompts your body to increase blood flow and kick-start its natural healing process. Think of it as a wake-up call for stubborn injuries or chronic conditions that just haven't naturally healed or responded to other treatments. Whether it's for tendon issues, plantar fasciitis, or even certain muscular problems, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive alternative with surprisingly effective results.
Most treatments only take a few minutes, and there's no downtime needed. It's a modern, fuss-free solution to managing pain - and the science backs it up.
Individuals with chronic injuries involving tendons or muscles are ideal candidates for assessment by a practitioner specialising in shockwave therapy. This versatile treatment effectively addresses a wide array of conditions, including but not limited to:
Achilles pain - Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most frustrating injuries for runners and athletes. Shockwave therapy promotes blood flow and tissue regeneration in the affected area, helping reduce inflammation and accelerate healing, making activities like walking and running far more bearable.
Plantar fasciitis - That sharp pain in the heel when you first step out of bed in the morning? Shockwave therapy targets the inflamed tissue with acoustic waves, helping break down scar tissue and stimulate new tissue growth to reduce pain and discomfort over time.
Heel spur pain - Heel spurs can feel like stepping on a rock with every move. Shockwave therapy aids in breaking down calcium deposits while simultaneously stimulating the surrounding tissue to repair, reducing pain and allowing you to walk more comfortably.
Tennis elbow and golfers' elbow - Any repetitive arm motion can cause inflammation in the tendons, not just tennis. Shockwave therapy helps by increasing circulation and encouraging the body to heal the damaged tendon tissue, resulting in reduced pain and better mobility.
Jumper's knee - Athletes who frequently jump are often plagued by patellar tendinopathy. Shockwave therapy targets the inflamed tendon in the knee, encouraging quicker recovery by promoting circulation and new cell growth.
Shin splints - A common overuse injury, particularly in runners and team sport athletes.
Gluteal tendinopathy - Persistent hip and buttock pain that can make sitting, walking, and climbing stairs uncomfortable.
Shoulder tendinopathy (with calcification) - Shoulder tendinopathy can be especially tricky when it involves a build-up of calcium in the tendons. Shockwave therapy not only helps reduce calcification but also stimulates the tissue to heal, restoring mobility and reducing pain.
Frozen shoulder - Stiffness and pain that limits your range of movement.
Various musculoskeletal disorders
You've tried everything - rest, medication, physio - but that persistent pain just won't let up. Shockwave therapy might be the solution you're looking for, especially if you're dealing with a chronic injury or condition that's been resistant to other treatments.
Shockwave therapy might be right for you if:
Contraindications (when shockwave may not be suitable)
While shockwave is suitable for a large number of conditions, both evidenced and experimental, with minimal side effects, some contraindications may mean it's not the right option for you. Shockwave is unsuitable in the following circumstances:
For higher-energy focused shockwave, additional caution applies:
From experience, there are certain treatments, conditions, and individual histories that are likely to respond better or worse to shockwave. In every assessment, we look at safety first.
There is an increasing amount of anecdotal evidence from international practitioners and professional sports teams that the current recommendation, where a condition isn't treated until it's been present for at least 6 months, can be reduced. As the risks associated with this are few, people may be tempted to investigate this treatment earlier and some practitioners may agree. However, other guidelines have more risks associated with them.
A common question we hear: "Is shockwave suitable in the ankle of a pregnant patient?" The thinking is that the local nature of the treatment shouldn't affect other areas. However, advice should always be based on risk vs reward, not on assumptions.
Shockwave has a very safe track record because practitioners adhere to the constraints and guidelines. While benefits can be discovered by pushing the boundaries, there should always be a safety-first approach. For most of the general population, the contraindications are in place to protect people. Even with matching symptoms, it's important to be adequately screened, and the final decision lies with the practitioner.
If you're tired of feeling like you've tried everything and are still stuck with the same nagging pain, maybe it's time to try something new. Shockwave therapy offers a fresh, non-invasive way to address those hard-to-treat injuries and get you back on track. Why keep pushing through discomfort when your body has the potential to heal with a little extra help?
At Habit Health, we believe in finding solutions that work for you - not just temporarily masking the pain.
Book online now with Will at Habit Health Glen Innes Aquatics.
Can't make it to that clinic? Shockwave therapy is also currently available at the following Auckland Habit Health clinics:
Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process, so you can get back to living your life. Ready for a change? To access shockwave therapy, simply book a physio appointment and your physio will assess whether shockwave therapy is the right fit for you.