Shockwave therapy
About
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is primarily used in tendon disorders and overuse injuries that have not responded adequately to conservative management.
The therapy delivers controlled mechanical impulses into the affected tissue. These impulses stimulate local circulation, activate cellular repair mechanisms, and support collagen remodeling.
Shockwave therapy is frequently recommended for:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chronic shoulder pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Calcific tendinitis
Before initiating treatment, diagnostic clarification is often performed using MSK ultrasound to precisely identify structural pathology and guide therapy planning.
How shockwave therapy works
The acoustic waves create controlled microtrauma that triggers biological repair processes, including:
- Increased microcirculation
- Stimulation of growth factors
- Neovascularization
- Reduction of local pain mediators
The procedure does not require anesthesia and does not involve surgical intervention.
When is shockwave therapy combined with other treatments?
In selected cases, shockwave therapy may be combined with other physical modalities. For example, in patients with spinal overload syndromes, it can be integrated into a broader rehabilitation protocol that includes spinal decompression therapy when indicated.
This multimodal approach is often used in chronic musculoskeletal conditions where mechanical load and tissue degeneration coexist.
Candidate
Shockwave therapy is suitable for patients with chronic tendon pain, enthesopathies, plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinitis, and overuse injuries lasting longer than several weeks. It is particularly indicated when conventional physical therapy has not achieved sufficient improvement.
Preparation
No specific preparation is required. The treatment area should be easily accessible. Patients should inform the physician about anticoagulant therapy, coagulation disorders, or systemic medical conditions.
Treatment
Each session typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes. A gel is applied to the skin, and a handheld device delivers acoustic impulses to the targeted tissue. Mild discomfort during the procedure is possible but usually well tolerated. Most treatment protocols include three to five sessions depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition.
Result
Clinical improvement is usually gradual and occurs over several weeks. Many patients report pain reduction and improved function within one month after completing the treatment cycle.
Precautions
Shockwave therapy is generally safe. It is not recommended in cases of coagulation disorders, pregnancy in the treatment region, active infection, malignant disease in the treatment area, or in proximity to growth plates in children.
Send an inquiry for the treatment
Start your way towards a successful treatment today. Fill out the form with your data, choose the service you need and we will connect you with the top medical experts in Zagreb.