What Is Shock Wave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy delivers high‑energy acoustic waves to painful areas. These sound waves travel through the skin into damaged tissue, triggering increased blood flow, collagen production, and the breakdown of calcific deposits. The result? Reduced pain, improved mobility, and faster long‑term healing – all without a single incision.

It’s widely used by elite athletes and recommended in clinical guidelines for chronic tendinopathies. At Shape Up Clinic, we use advanced, calibrated shockwave devices and combine the therapy with our chiropractic and physiotherapy expertise for even better outcomes.

Conditions We Treat with Shockwave Therapy

Not sure if your condition qualifies? Our team will perform a thorough assessment and only recommend shockwave if it’s the right choice for you.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

The treatment stimulates several biological responses that break the chronic pain cycle:

• Neovascularisation – New blood vessel formation improves nutrient delivery to damaged tendons.
• Breakdown of Calcifications – Acoustic waves fragment calcium deposits so the body can reabsorb them.
• Pain Desensitisation – Alters nerve signalling to provide immediate, temporary relief, while the healing takes place over weeks.
• Collagen Stimulation – Encourages stronger, more organised tissue repair.

Because shockwave triggers your body’s own repair mechanisms, improvements continue for weeks after the last session.

What to Expect During Your Shockwave Session

1. Assessment First – Before any treatment, we’ll conduct a full clinical examination to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the exact treatment area.
2. Application of Gel – A coupling gel is applied to your skin so the acoustic waves travel efficiently.
3. Short Treatment – The handheld probe delivers pulses of energy to the affected area. A typical session lasts 5‑10 minutes for one region.
4. Sensation – You’ll feel a tapping or pulsing sensation. Some discomfort is normal, especially over inflamed tissue, but your therapist will adjust the intensity to your tolerance.
5. Immediate Return to Activity – There’s no downtime. You can drive and resume light daily activities right away, though you’ll be advised to avoid high‑impact exercise for 24‑48 hours.

Why Patients Choose Shockwave at Shape Up Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Most people describe the sensation as a deep tapping or pulsing that can be briefly uncomfortable, especially over highly sensitive areas. We always work within your comfort level, and any mild discomfort disappears as soon as the treatment stops.

How many sessions will I need?

Typically, 3‑6 sessions spaced 5‑10 days apart. You should start noticing improvement after the first couple of sessions, but full benefits build over 8‑12 weeks as your tissue heals.

Are there any side effects?

Minor side effects can include temporary redness, slight swelling, or mild bruising at the treatment site. These usually resolve quickly and are a normal sign that healing has been stimulated.

Who is not suitable for shockwave therapy?

Shockwave is not used during pregnancy, over open wounds or infections, or in patients with blood clotting disorders or certain types of cancer. Your therapist will screen you carefully during your initial assessment.

Can I combine shockwave with other treatments?

Absolutely. In fact, we strongly recommend pairing shockwave with targeted rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, and activity modification. Our multi‑disciplinary team will design a programme that gives you the best chance of a full recovery.