Athletes. Weekend warriors. Desk workers.
Tendon pain doesn’t discriminate. Whether it’s your heel, elbow, shoulder, knee, or Achilles, persistent tendon pain can make everyday activities and the sports you love more difficult than they should be.
If you’ve been dealing with pain for weeks or months despite rest, exercise, or other treatments, shockwave therapy may be the next step. This non-invasive treatment helps stimulate your body’s natural healing process and has helped many people return to activity without surgery or injections.
Why Patients Choose Shockwave Therapy
Patients often choose shockwave therapy because it’s:
- Fast
- Non-invasive
- Backed by research and clinical results
- An option before considering injections or surgery
- Effective for many chronic tendon conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses focused sound waves to stimulate injured tissue at a cellular level.
The treatment works by helping to:
- Increase blood flow
- Break down adhesions
- Stimulate cellular regeneration
- Reduce pain by affecting pain receptors
By encouraging your body’s natural healing response, shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and improve function so you can get back to the activities that matter most.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
You don’t have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow.
Pain on the outside of the elbow is commonly caused by repetitive gripping, typing, lifting, or other everyday activities.
Shockwave therapy may help by:
- Restoring grip strength
- Breaking up adhesions
- Improving blood flow
- Reducing pain
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain at the back of your heel is often caused by overuse or poor movement mechanics. Many people notice stiffness or pain with their first few steps in the morning.
Shockwave therapy may help by:
- Stimulating collagen healing
- Reducing stiffness and inflammation
- Improving strength and function
Plantar Fasciitis
Sharp heel pain with your first step in the morning is one of the most common signs of plantar fasciitis.
This condition develops when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, becomes tight and irritated.
Shockwave therapy may help reduce:
- Tissue tension
- Chronic heel pain
- Poor foot mechanics
Common Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients describe treatment as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. Sessions typically last just 5–10 minutes.
Do I need an injection first?
Not necessarily. Depending on your condition, shockwave therapy may be an effective treatment option before considering injections or surgery.
Is shockwave therapy only for athletes?
No. While many athletes benefit from shockwave therapy, it’s appropriate for anyone experiencing persistent tendon pain or stubborn muscle trigger points that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Hear from Dr. Joe
Still wondering whether shockwave therapy is right for you?
Watch this short video from Dr. Joe Kottoor to learn:
- Who shockwave therapy can help
- What a treatment session looks like
- What to expect during the treatment process
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
You may be a good candidate if:
- You’ve had heel, knee, shoulder, elbow, or Achilles pain for six weeks or longer.
- Rest, exercises, or other treatments haven’t fully resolved your symptoms.
- You want to avoid surgery, injections, or lengthy recovery times.
- You’re active or want to get back to the activities you enjoy without pain.
- Your tendon pain continues to flare up during work, exercise, or everyday movement.
If that sounds familiar, shockwave therapy may be worth exploring.
How Leaside Sports Medicine Can Help
If tendon pain has lingered despite rest, exercise, or other treatments, shockwave therapy may be the next step.
Our clinical team will assess your symptoms, determine the underlying cause of your pain, and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your goals. If shockwave therapy is the right option for you, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
You can book an assessment with any member of the team at Leaside Sports Medicine through the clinic’s Jane App booking page.
