What is Shockwave Therapy?

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) is a modern, non invasive treatment method for relieving pain and promoting healing. High energy, audible sound waves are directed specifically into the affected tissue. These sound waves are generated in the therapy device and transmitted precisely to the desired area of the body via a water cushion. Shockwaves are characterized by a rapid rise in pressure and a very short pulse duration, allowing them to reach deep lying tissue structures in a targeted way.

What Do Shockwaves Do?

Shockwaves create mechanical stimuli in the treated tissue that trigger a variety of biological processes. These support regeneration and pain reduction. Positive effects include:

• Improved blood circulation
• Release of growth hormones
• Improved metabolism
• Pain reduction

These reactions do not occur immediately, but rather in the medium to long term. The tissue begins to regenerate over the course of several weeks.

How Often Are Treatments Necessary?

Typically, 3 to 6 sessions are required, spaced about one week apart. Since the biological healing response occurs with a delay, the effect often continues to develop over several weeks after the final treatment. The final result can usually be expected after about 6 weeks.

Which Conditions Is Shockwave Therapy Suitable For?

• Heel pain
• Achilles tendon complaints
• Shin splints
• Tennis or golfer's elbow
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Long standing tendinopathies

How Does the Treatment Work?

1. Medical History and Assessment

At the start, we conduct a thorough medical history discussion and a targeted examination. During this, we discuss your symptoms, possible causes, and whether shockwave therapy is a suitable option for you.

2. Preparation

During the treatment, you sit or lie in a comfortable position. The painful area is precisely located, after which a contact gel is applied to optimally transmit the sound waves into the tissue. Depending on the depth and location of the affected structure, the appropriate lens is selected.

3. Procedure

The treatment head is placed on the affected area, and the shockwaves are applied in a targeted manner. Based on your feedback, we identify the point of highest pain sensitivity and adjust the treatment individually. Depending on the condition, approximately 2000 to 2500 shockwaves are delivered. The treatment takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

4. After the Treatment

You can resume your daily activities immediately after the session. Generally, no special restrictions are necessary. The further course of treatment depends on your individual findings and condition. In physiotherapy, we use shockwave therapy as an adjunctive treatment. We therefore always combine shockwave therapy with additional tailored measures, such as strengthening or stretching exercises.

Text: Tatiana Ryll

Interested in shockwave therapy? Feel free to call us and schedule an appointment directly.

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^Quellen

^{(1) Auersperg, V. et al.: DIGEST-Leitlinien zur Extrakorporalen Stosswellentherapie, www.digest-ev.de, 2012.}

^{(2) STORZ MEDICAL AG. (o. J.). Was sind Stosswellen? Physik und Technik. Abgerufen am 26. Oktober 2025, von https://www.storzmedical.com/de/}

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