Shockwave therapy: what is it and when does it help?

Have you been suffering from pain in your heel, shoulder or elbow for months and have rest and exercises not been enough to help? Then shockwave therapy may be an option. In this treatment, pressure waves are directed to the painful area to stimulate the recovery of the tissue.

How does shockwave therapy work?

With a special device, the therapist emits short, powerful pressure waves through the skin. These waves trigger a healing response in the tissue, including by improving blood circulation. Additionally, the treatment can temporarily reduce pain stimuli. Shockwave is usually administered by a physiotherapist, sometimes by a doctor.

For which complaints is it used?

• heel spur and plantar fasciitis
• tennis elbow and golf elbow
• calcification in the shoulder
• Achilles tendon and patella tendon complaints
• Some persistent muscle and tendon complaints

How does a treatment work?

A treatment usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Usually three to six treatments are needed, with about a week between each. The treatment can be uncomfortable during giving; the therapist adjusts the intensity according to you. Shockwave is almost always combined with exercise therapy, because that gives the best results.

What does the research say?

Research shows good results for conditions such as heel spurs and calcaneal spurs. For other complaints, the evidence is mixed. Shockwave is not suitable for everyone, for example not during pregnancy or in certain blood clotting problems. Your therapist will assess beforehand whether it is a good option for you.

Compensation

Shockwave therapy is sometimes reimbursed by the supplementary insurance as part of physiotherapy. This varies per insurer and policy, so check beforehand.

Curious about whether shockwave therapy is right for you? See therapists who offer shockwave therapy.