Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for chronic tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder conditions, and resistant musculoskeletal pain — delivered as a standalone or adjunct treatment alongside physiotherapy.

Shockwave therapy at ACE Physio Sports Clinic uses focused or radial acoustic pressure waves directed at chronic musculoskeletal pain sites to stimulate tissue regeneration, break down calcific deposits, and desensitise overactive nerve endings. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is an evidence-supported, non-invasive intervention for conditions that have not responded adequately to standard physiotherapy or conservative care. Conditions most commonly treated with shockwave at ACE Physio include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), calcific shoulder (rotator cuff calcification), greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip bursitis), and hamstring tendinopathy. The mechanism of action differs by pathology: for calcific deposits, the acoustic energy mechanically disrupts calcium crystals; for tendinopathies, it promotes neovascularisation and collagen remodelling; for chronic pain, it reduces substance P levels in sensitised nerve fibres. A typical course at ACE Physio consists of 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart, each lasting approximately 15–20 minutes of active treatment. The session begins with the physiotherapist identifying the target zone through palpation and clinical assessment, after which the shockwave applicator is applied directly to the skin over the treatment area using coupling gel. Mild discomfort is expected during treatment — this is part of the therapeutic effect — but sessions are well tolerated by most patients. Shockwave is often combined with targeted physiotherapy exercise and load management for optimal outcomes. At ACE Physio, the treatment is delivered by qualified physiotherapists who integrate shockwave within a broader rehabilitation framework rather than as an isolated procedure. The clinic also uses quantum therapy as a complementary modality for pain management and tissue healing.