Shockwave Therapy: How It Helps You Recover from Long-Standing Injuries
If you’re struggling with ongoing pain or a chronic injury that just won’t settle, Shockwave Therapy could be the next step in your recovery. At South Coast Rx Physiotherapy, we use this evidence-based, non-invasive treatment to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to the activities you love.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy uses acoustic energy (sound waves) to encourage your body’s natural healing process. Don’t be put off by the name — there’s no electrical shock involved. Instead, a handheld device delivers a series of gentle pulses into the affected area, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
At South Coast Rx, we use Radial Shockwave Therapy, which disperses the energy outward to treat a broad area. It’s particularly effective for conditions such as:
These are often problems that haven’t fully healed with rest, exercise, or massage alone.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive assessment to confirm the diagnosis and ensure Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you. The treatment itself usually takes around 10–15 minutes, during which your physiotherapist will:
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Locate the most tender or affected area.
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Apply ultrasound gel to help transmit the sound waves.
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Use the handheld applicator to deliver a series of pulses.
You’ll hear a rhythmic tapping sound and feel a firm pulsing sensation — often compared to a deep tissue massage. It may feel intense at first, but it’s well tolerated, and your therapist will adjust the settings to keep you comfortable throughout.
After Your Session
You might feel mild soreness or achiness for a day or two after treatment — this is a normal part of your body’s healing response. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours, but you can carry on with your usual daily tasks. It’s also best to avoid anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen) immediately after, as this can interfere with the natural repair process.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients need 3–5 sessions, spaced about a week apart. Each treatment builds on the last, with improvements often noticeable after the second or third session. Healing continues to progress for several weeks afterwards, so benefits keep developing even after your final appointment.
Combining Shockwave with Exercise
At South Coast Rx, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Shockwave Therapy works best when combined with targeted rehabilitation exercises.
Your physiotherapist will prescribe a personalised programme to strengthen and restore balance to the affected area. Research shows that this combination of Shockwave Therapy and exercise leads to better long-term outcomes and helps prevent the problem from coming back.
In simple terms — Shockwave stimulates healing, exercise builds resilience. Together, they set you up for lasting recovery.
Benefits You Can Expect
Patients who complete a full course of Shockwave Therapy commonly experience:
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Significant pain reduction and improved comfort in daily life.
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Better movement and function, allowing a return to sport or activity.
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Avoidance of injections or surgery, using a natural healing approach first.
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Minimal downtime — no anaesthetic, no medication, no disruption to your routine.
While it’s not an instant fix, most people notice a steady improvement over several weeks as tissues continue to remodel and strengthen.
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
You’ll feel a series of fast tapping sensations during the treatment. It can feel intense at times, but it’s usually well tolerated and only lasts a few minutes. Your physiotherapist will adjust the settings based on your comfort.
How soon will I feel the results?
Many people notice an improvement after 2–3 sessions, but the full benefits develop gradually over several weeks as your body continues to heal and regenerate.
Is Shockwave Therapy safe?
Yes. Shockwave Therapy is a clinically proven, evidence-based treatment used worldwide for tendon and soft tissue injuries. It has minimal side effects, with only mild temporary soreness or redness reported in some cases.
Can I exercise after treatment?
You can continue light daily activities but should avoid high-impact or strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your session. Your physiotherapist will advise when to resume full training.
Is it suitable for everyone?
Most people can safely receive Shockwave Therapy, but it may not be appropriate if you are pregnant, have a blood-clotting disorder, use certain medications (such as anticoagulants), or have an open wound in the treatment area. Your physiotherapist will assess this during your consultation.
