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Shockwave Therapy in Wexford | Evidence-Based Treatment for Tendon Pain
Shockwave Therapy for Persistent Tendon Pain
An evidence-based treatment used to reduce pain and stimulate healing in long-standing tendon injuries.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment used for certain long-standing musculoskeletal conditions—particularly tendon-related pain.
It is most commonly used when symptoms have not improved with standard rehabilitation alone.
At Physio Solutions, shockwave therapy is always used as part of a structured rehabilitation plan, not as a standalone treatment.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled pulses of mechanical energy into injured tissue.
These pulses stimulate a biological response in the body, which can help to:
Reduce pain
Improve tissue healing
Stimulate blood flow
Encourage tendon remodelling
What Conditions Is It Effective For?
Shockwave therapy has the strongest evidence for chronic tendon-related conditions , particularly:
There is also emerging evidence for other tendon conditions, although results can be more variable.
What Does the Evidence Say?
Shockwave therapy is one of the more researched treatment options in musculoskeletal physiotherapy—but like most treatments, it is not a cure-all.
What research supports
Research shows that shockwave therapy can reduce pain and improve function in a range of tendon conditions.
A systematic review found positive effects in multiple tendinopathies:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6029898/Evidence in Achilles tendinopathy shows improvements in pain and function, particularly when combined with exercise:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9382436/Meta-analyses demonstrate overall benefits across tendon conditions:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11319137/What to be aware of
The effectiveness of shockwave therapy can vary depending on the condition and individual response.
Strongest evidence exists for plantar fasciitis and calcific tendon conditions:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23918444/More recent research highlights that outcomes can be variable in some tendon conditions:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1193835/fullIt is not always superior to other treatment options in all cases:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37493215/What this means for you
Shockwave therapy can be a useful tool—but it works best when used alongside the right exercise programme and rehabilitation plan .
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
While research is ongoing, shockwave therapy is thought to work by:
Stimulating a healing response in damaged tendon tissue
Increasing local blood flow
Promoting cell activity involved in tissue repair
Reducing pain sensitivity in the affected area
In simple terms, it helps “kick-start” healing in tissues that have become slow to recover.
What to Expect During Treatment
Each session lasts approximately 5–10 minutes
You may feel some discomfort during treatment
Most treatment plans involve 3–6 sessions
You can continue most normal activities alongside treatment
It’s normal to experience some soreness after a session, but this usually settles within 24–48 hours.
Who Is Shockwave Therapy For?
Shockwave therapy may be suitable if:
Who It May Not Be Suitable For
Shockwave therapy is generally avoided in:
We will always assess whether it is appropriate for you before starting treatment.
How We Use Shockwave Therapy
At Physio Solutions, shockwave therapy is never used in isolation.
It is combined with:
This approach gives you the best chance of long-term improvement.
Not Sure If It’s Right for You?
You don’t need to know whether shockwave therapy is the right option—that’s our job.
We’ll assess your condition and guide you towards the most effective treatment plan for your recovery.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re dealing with persistent tendon pain, we can help you find the right approach.