Radial Shockwave Therapy at Westport Physiotherapy Clinic
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Radial shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT) is a clinically validated, non-invasive treatment that uses low-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response in injured or painful soft tissues. It has become an established modality in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research specific conditions. At Westport Physiotherapy Clinic, shockwave therapy is offered as part of a comprehensive, individually tailored rehabilitation programme.
How Does It Work?
During treatment, a small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and the handheld device is guided over the affected area. The acoustic waves delivered penetrate the soft tissue and exert a number of beneficial physiological effects:
- Promoting localised increases in blood flow and tissue perfusion
- Stimulating cellular repair and collagen synthesis
- Breaking down calcific deposits and scar tissue
- Modulating pain through disruption of local pain signalling pathways
- Reducing associated muscle guarding and tension
Each shockwave application typically lasts 5-10 minutes, incorporated into your physiotherapy treatment session. Because shockwave works by triggering a biological healing cascade, it requires a course of treatment to be effective. Sessions are generally spaced 1-2 weeks apart to allow adequate tissue recovery and response between appointments.
What Conditions Can It Help With?
Shockwave therapy has the strongest evidence base for the following musculoskeletal conditions:
- Plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and calcific deposits of the shoulder
- Frozen shoulder
- Lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis/golfers elbow)
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome/ Gluteal tendinopathy (lateral hippain/bursitis)
- Osteoarthritis
It is most effective for chronic, persistent tendon soft tissue and joint conditions that have not adequately responded to initial conservative management. Clinical research consistently reports success rates of 75–80% in appropriately selected patients, making it a valuable option within the wider treatment pathway.
What Results Can You Expect — and When?
It is important to set realistic expectations. Shockwave therapy works with your body’s healing biology, and meaningful improvement typically unfolds gradually over weeks rather than days. Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions to achieve optimal results, and it is not uncommon to experience a temporary increase in local discomfort in the 24–48 hours following the first one or two sessions — this is a normal part of the tissue response. Many patients begin to notice meaningful improvement in pain and function by the third or fourth session, with continued progress in the weeks following the completion of their course.
Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Shockwave therapy is not a quick fix applied in isolation. At Westport Physiotherapy Clinic, it is integrated within a structured, evidence-based rehabilitation programme designed specifically around your needs. This will typically include:
- A thorough clinical assessment to establish an accurate diagnosis and identify
contributing factors - Manual therapy where appropriate
- A progressive, graded loading and exercise rehabilitation programme
- Education on load management and activity modification
- A clear plan for return to full function or sport
This combined approach is essential. The research evidence shows that the outcomes of shockwave therapy are significantly enhanced when it is paired with an appropriate
rehabilitation programme. Your physiotherapist will guide you through every stage of this process.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
A full clinical assessment is always carried out before shockwave therapy is recommended. It is not suitable for everyone. Treatment will not be advised if you are pregnant, have a cardiac pacemaker or implanted device, have been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, or if the treatment area involves compromised circulation or nerve supply, open wounds, active infection, or malignancy. Your physiotherapist will discuss all of this with you at assessment and will only recommend shockwave therapy where the clinical evidence supports it as an appropriate option for your specific condition.
To find out whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you, contact Westport Physiotherapy Clinic 098 25310 to arrange an assessment.
