Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused or radial pressure waves to deliver mechanical energy to targeted areas of injured or painful tissue.

Shockwave therapy can help stimulate biological responses within the treated area, including changes in local circulation, cellular activity and pain sensitivity. It is commonly used as part of the management of persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, particularly when symptoms have not responded adequately to conventional treatment alone.

Shockwave therapy is most effective when combined with an appropriate rehabilitation programme. It is not designed to replace exercise-based rehabilitation, but can be used as an additional treatment tool to help manage pain and support the rehabilitation process.

Shockwave Therapy and Physiotherapy

At Genine Manchip Physiotherapy, shockwave therapy forms part of a comprehensive, individualised treatment plan.

Following a thorough assessment, we determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific injury. Depending on your symptoms and clinical findings, your rehabilitation may include a combination of:

  • Manual therapy

  • Strength and conditioning exercises

  • Mobility and flexibility exercises

  • Load management and activity modification

  • Shockwave therapy

  • Return-to-sport rehabilitation

The number and frequency of shockwave therapy sessions will depend on your condition, symptoms and response to treatment.

Shockwave therapy is particularly useful for certain persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, including:

Foot & Ankle

  • Plantar fasciopathy

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Persistent ankle and foot tendon conditions

Lower Leg

  • Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)

Knee

  • Patellar tendinopathy

  • Iliotibial band-related pain

Hip & Hamstring

  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

  • Proximal hamstring tendinopathy

Lower Back

  • Selected chronic or persistent soft-tissue-related lower back pain

Elbow

  • Tennis elbow

  • Golfer's elbow

Shoulder

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy

  • Selected cases of frozen shoulder

Muscle Pain

  • Myofascial pain

  • Selected muscle trigger points

Why Combine Shockwave Therapy with Rehabilitation?

While shockwave therapy may help reduce pain and improve symptoms in appropriate patients, rehabilitation remains an important part of recovery.

Progressive strengthening and appropriate loading of the affected tissue help restore capacity and function and reduce the risk of recurrent injury.

At Genine Manchip Physiotherapy, we use shockwave therapy alongside evidence-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help you return to your normal activities and sport.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for every injury or patient. Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, injury history and physical findings to determine whether it is an appropriate treatment option.

If you are experiencing persistent tendon pain, a sports injury or another musculoskeletal condition, contact us to arrange an assessment.

Interested in Shockwave Therapy?

Contact Genine Manchip Physiotherapy in Sea Point, Cape Town to book an assessment and find out whether shockwave therapy could form part of your rehabilitation programme.

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