Reduce Pain. Accelerate Recovery. Return to What You Love.

Persistent tendon pain, heel pain, shoulder injuries, or sports-related injuries can be frustrating when rest and traditional treatments haven’t provided lasting relief.

At Therapia Sports & Spine, we use advanced Shockwave Therapy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT) to stimulate your body’s natural healing response, helping reduce pain and improve recovery for a range of musculoskeletal conditions.

✓ Non-invasive treatment

✓ No injections or surgery required

✓ Evidence-informed physiotherapy care

✓ Suitable for chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions

✓ Performed by experienced physiotherapists

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What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is an advanced treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing within injured tissues.

The therapy delivers pressure waves through a handheld device directly to the affected area. These waves interact with damaged tissue and help stimulate circulation, tissue regeneration, and pain reduction.

Shockwave Therapy is commonly used in physiotherapy to treat chronic tendon injuries and persistent musculoskeletal pain that has not responded adequately to other treatments.

For many patients experiencing ongoing pain, Shockwave Therapy can become an effective part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Shockwave Therapy works by delivering controlled acoustic energy into injured tissue.

Research suggests that ESWT may help:

• Stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularisation)
• Increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to damaged tissues
• Promote collagen production and tissue remodelling
• Encourage tendon repair and regeneration
• Reduce pain by influencing nerve signalling pathways
• Improve tissue resilience and load tolerance

These biological effects help create an environment that supports healing and recovery, particularly in chronic tendon conditions where the healing process has slowed or stalled.

Rather than simply masking symptoms, Shockwave Therapy aims to stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Why Chronic Tendon Injuries Often Don’t Heal Properly

Many persistent tendon injuries are not caused by ongoing inflammation.

Instead, they involve degeneration and structural changes within the tendon due to repetitive loading, overuse, poor recovery, or reduced circulation.

Common examples include:

• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Tennis Elbow
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
• Gluteal Tendinopathy

While rest may temporarily reduce symptoms, it often does not address the underlying tendon changes.

Shockwave Therapy helps stimulate tissue healing while physiotherapy exercises restore strength, flexibility, and the ability to tolerate load.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

• Reduce Persistent Pain
  Shockwave Therapy may help alter pain signalling pathways, reducing discomfort and improving movement.
• Improve Blood Flow
  The treatment stimulates circulation within injured tissues, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients required for healing.
• Stimulate Tissue Repair
  Shockwave Therapy promotes metabolic activity and collagen production, which are essential for tendon and soft tissue recovery.
• Release Tight Muscles
  Targeted treatment may help reduce muscle tension and trigger point activity often associated with chronic pain conditions.
• Support Long-Term Healing
  Rather than simply masking symptoms, Shockwave Therapy aims to support the body’s natural repair processes and long-term recovery.

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Conditions We Commonly Treat

Shockwave Therapy may be suitable for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

Foot & Ankle Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Chronic Heel Pain
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Calf Strains

Elbow Conditions

• Tennis Elbow
• Golfer’s Elbow
• Forearm Tendon Injuries

Shoulder Conditions

• Shoulder Impingement
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
• Chronic Shoulder Pain

Hip & Leg Conditions

• Gluteal Tendinopathy
• Hamstring Tendinopathy
• Hip Pain

Sports Injuries

• Muscle Strains
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Overuse Injuries
• Persistent Tendon Pain

Workplace Injuries

• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain
• Chronic Soft Tissue Conditions

If you’re unsure whether your condition is suitable, our physiotherapists can provide a thorough assessment and treatment recommendation.

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.

When symptoms become persistent, Shockwave Therapy may help stimulate healing within the plantar fascia while reducing pain and improving function.

Combined with physiotherapy, stretching, strengthening, and load management strategies, Shockwave Therapy can help support long-term recovery and return to activity.

Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles Tendinopathy can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, running, and sporting activities.

Shockwave Therapy may assist by stimulating tendon healing and improving tissue quality.

Treatment is often combined with progressive calf strengthening and tendon loading exercises to achieve optimal outcomes.

Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia) is a common condition affecting the tendons of the forearm.

Shockwave Therapy may help reduce pain and stimulate tendon repair, particularly in chronic cases that have not responded to rest or other treatments.

A personalised physiotherapy program can further improve strength, function, and long-term outcomes.

Shockwave Therapy Is Most Effective When Combined With Physiotherapy

At Therapia Sports & Spine, Shockwave Therapy is never used as a standalone treatment.

Research and clinical experience suggest the best outcomes occur when Shockwave Therapy is combined with:

• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Tendon loading programs
• Mobility and flexibility training
• Movement retraining
• Sports-specific rehabilitation
• Return-to-work planning
• Return-to-sport programming

This combined approach helps address both symptoms and the underlying factors contributing to persistent pain.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy may be appropriate if:

✓ You’ve experienced pain for more than 6-12 weeks

✓ Previous treatments haven’t provided lasting relief

✓ You have a diagnosed tendinopathy or chronic soft tissue injury

✓ Pain is limiting your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities

✓ You want to explore a non-surgical treatment option

Our physiotherapists will assess your condition thoroughly to determine whether Shockwave Therapy is suitable for you.

Who Should Not Have Shockwave Therapy?

While Shockwave Therapy is considered safe for most people, it may not be suitable in certain circumstances.

Treatment may not be recommended for people with:

• Pregnancy
• Active infection near the treatment area
• Certain tumours or malignancies
• Recent corticosteroid injections in the treatment area
• Significant bleeding disorders
• Certain implanted medical devices
• Acute fractures
• Open wounds near the treatment site

A comprehensive assessment will always be completed prior to treatment to ensure safety and suitability.

What To Expect During Your Appointment

• Initial Assessment
  Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, injury history, movement patterns, and goals.

• Personalised Treatment
  The shockwave applicator is applied directly to the affected area, delivering targeted acoustic pressure waves.

• Ongoing Review
  Most patients undergo 4-6 treatment sessions, with progress monitored throughout the program.

• Recovery Guidance
  You’ll receive expert advice and exercises designed to support healing, improve function, and reduce recurrence.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?

Most patients describe Shockwave Therapy as a rapid tapping or pulsing sensation applied directly to the painful area.

The treatment may feel mildly uncomfortable, particularly when treating chronic tendon conditions, but it is generally well tolerated.

Treatment intensity can be adjusted according to your comfort level.

Most treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes.

What Happens After Treatment?

Following treatment, some patients experience:

• Mild soreness
• Temporary redness
• Localised tenderness
• Slight swelling
• Mild bruising

These effects are generally temporary and resolve within a few days.

Some patients notice improvements after the first few sessions, while others experience gradual improvement over several weeks as the healing response develops.

Why Patients Choose Shockwave Therapy

Non-Invasive

No surgery. No injections. No lengthy downtime.

Fast Treatment Sessions

Most treatments take less than 20-25 minutes.

Clinically Guided Care

Delivered by experienced physiotherapists as part of a personalised treatment plan.

Complements Rehabilitation

Shockwave Therapy is often combined with exercise therapy and hands-on physiotherapy treatment for optimal outcomes.

Helps When Other Treatments Haven’t Worked

Many patients seek Shockwave Therapy after months of ongoing pain or unsuccessful treatment attempts.

Why Choose Therapia Sports & Spine?

At Therapia Sports & Spine, we combine advanced treatment technologies with expert physiotherapy care to help you recover faster and perform better.

Our team takes a comprehensive approach to treatment by identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms and developing a personalised recovery plan designed to achieve lasting results.

Your treatment may include:

• Comprehensive physiotherapy assessment
• Individualised exercise prescription
• Hands-on physiotherapy treatment
• Shockwave Therapy where appropriate
• Clinical Pilates integration
• Strength and conditioning advice
• Return-to-sport planning
• Injury prevention strategies

Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, managing chronic pain, or trying to return to an active lifestyle, we’re here to help.

Ready To Get Back To Your Best?

Don’t let ongoing pain hold you back.

Book an assessment with one of our physiotherapists and discover whether Shockwave Therapy could be the missing piece in your recovery.

Book Your Appointment Today!

To discuss the support you need, please contact the wellness team of experienced physiotherapists at Therapia located in Adelaide CBD via:

• Call: (08) 8221 5011
• Email: info@therapia.com.au

Therapia Sports & Spine

Move Better. Recover Faster. Perform Stronger.

References

Physiopedia. (n.d.). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). Retrieved June 25, 2026, from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Extracorporeal_Shockwave_Therapy_(ESWT)

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust. (2021). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) Patient Information Leaflet. Retrieved from https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/media/.leaflets/6110de0259d2a0.36360639.pdf