Shockwave therapy
Shockwaves are an advanced physiotherapy treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural repair processes.
In physiotherapy, they are used to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, tendon injuries and soft tissue problems that have not responded to other treatments.
Shockwaves work by improving circulation, stimulating the regeneration of tissue and reducing pain. It is a non-invasive technique, without surgery or injections, and with high scientific evidence.
At Arbory, we use shockwaves as part of a personalised treatment, always combined with therapeutic exercise and manual physiotherapy when necessary.
Shockwave treatment is especially indicated for injuries or long-standing, such as:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel spur
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Shoulder pain (rotator cuff tendinopathies)
- Tendinous calcifications
- Myofascial trigger points
- Persistent musculoskeletal pain
It is a very effective option when the pain does not improve with rest, medication or conventional physiotherapy.
Although it is a safe treatment, shockwaves are not indicated in the following cases:
- Pregnancy (in the area to be treated)
- Coagulation disorders or uncontrolled anticoagulant treatment
- Active infections in the area
- Tumours or oncological processes in the treated area
- Recent fractures
- Presence of metal prostheses directly in the application area
Therefore, at Arbory we always conduct a pre-assessment to ensure that the treatment is appropriate and safe for you.
During the session you may notice a strong but tolerable sensation, similar to small repetitive taps on the injured area.
The intensity is progressively adjusted according to your tolerance and the type of injury.
The session lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, and does not require anaesthesia. Most patients describe the discomfort as sharp and fleeting, and completely manageable.
After the treatment, it is normal to notice:
- Slight discomfort or sensitivity in the area for 24–48 hours
- A feeling of soreness or mild inflammation
- Progressive improvement of pain in the following days
The effects are not always immediate: the aim of shockwaves is to activate tissue regeneration, so improvement usually appears gradually after several sessions.
It is recommended to avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours and to follow the physiotherapist's instructions to enhance results.
