Shockwave Therapy

Advanced shockwave therapy to support tissue healing and pain reduction

Shockwave therapy is a clinically recognised physiotherapy treatment used to support healing in persistent tendon and soft tissue conditions. It is commonly recommended when symptoms have not responded to other conservative treatment approaches.

At Total Care Clinic, shockwave therapy is delivered by experienced physiotherapists following thorough assessment and is always provided as part of a structured physiotherapy treatment plan.

What shockwave therapy is and how it works

Shockwave therapy uses controlled acoustic waves delivered to the affected area using specialised medical equipment. These waves stimulate circulation, encourage tissue repair, and help reduce sensitivity to pain in damaged or overloaded tissues.

The treatment is non-invasive and does not involve injections or surgery. Sessions are typically brief and spaced over several weeks, depending on the condition being treated and your body’s response.

Conditions commonly treated with shockwave therapy.

Shockwave therapy is most often used for long-standing tendon and soft-tissue conditions, particularly when symptoms have been slow to settle. Conditions commonly treated include:

  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • Shoulder tendon pain
  • Chronic soft tissue pain

Not all conditions are suitable for shockwave therapy. Assessment by a physiotherapist is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.

How shockwave therapy fits into physiotherapy treatment

Shockwave therapy is rarely used as a standalone treatment; instead, it is typically integrated into a comprehensive physiotherapy programme that includes targeted exercises, load management, and movement rehabilitation to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your physiotherapist will explain how this technology supports your specific recovery goals and works in tandem with other therapies to ensure a lasting improvement in your physical health.

What to expect during shockwave therapy

During a session, a handheld device is applied directly to the skin over the affected area to deliver acoustic pulses. While you may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure, particularly if the area is sensitive, the sensation is generally brief and well tolerated by most patients. Following the treatment, you might notice some slight soreness that typically settles quickly, and your physiotherapist will provide specific guidance on activity modifications and exercises to perform between your appointments.

How many shockwave therapy sessions are needed

The total number of sessions required is highly individual and depends on the specific condition being treated as well as your body’s unique response to the therapy. Most patients complete a short course delivered over several weeks, during which your physiotherapist will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment timeline to ensure you are receiving the most effective care for your recovery.

Frequently asked questions

Shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable during treatment, but discomfort is usually short-lived. Your physiotherapist will adjust settings to ensure the treatment remains tolerable.

Yes. Shockwave therapy is widely used in physiotherapy and is considered safe when provided by trained clinicians following appropriate assessment.

Some people notice improvement after a few sessions, while others experience gradual change over time. Results vary depending on the condition and individual response.

Not everyone requires shockwave therapy. Your physiotherapist will assess whether it is suitable and discuss alternative treatment options if needed.

Why choose Total Care Clinic for shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy at Total Care Clinic is delivered by qualified physiotherapists with experience in managing tendon and soft tissue conditions. Treatment is guided by assessment, clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.

With clinics in Limerick and Tralee and access to a multidisciplinary team, we provide shockwave therapy as part of comprehensive physiotherapy care.

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