Physio Shockwave Therapy
- A Faster Path to Healing Without Surgery or Medication
The Missing Link in Injury Recovery
If you’ve been battling persistent injuries or nagging pain, Shockwave Therapy or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) may be the breakthrough you’ve been seeking.
This medication-free therapy is a non-invasive treatment that activates your body’s own healing mechanisms to relieve pain and restore function.
Physiotherapy-led shockwave therapy in Cork is available at APC Physio. For more information, call us in Fermoy on 025 35015 or email info@apcphysio.ie
How Physio Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, doesn’t require an electrical current or shock entering the body. Instead, it works off the application of a high-energy sound (acoustic) wave being applied to the body. The waves are then transmitted through the skin to the targeted tissue. These high-energy waves are applied rapidly using a specialised machine, one after another, for a prescribed number of “shocks” depending on the tissue being treated.
Shockwave therapy harnesses the power of a physical process that reignites the body’s natural healing process.
This is achieved by targeting the tendons, ligaments or muscles that are in pain with high-energy acoustic waves. In turn, this induces microscopic pressure changes in tissues, which ‘wakes up’ the cells, resulting in:
- reduced pain
- enhanced blood circulation
- a measured pro-inflammatory response that triggers healing
- tissue regeneration
These effects help manage pain, which in turn allows for normal movements to be restored without surgery or long-term medication.
It is important to be aware that targeted exercises are vital in the full restoration of strength and general function.
Essentially, shockwave therapy boosts your body’s healing ability.
What Can Physio Shockwave Therapy Be Used For?
Through our use of physio shockwave therapy with Cork patients, we have found that it is especially effective for treating chronic and stubborn injuries, such as, but not limited to:
- Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
- Achilles Tendinopathy (heel pain)
- Patellar Tendinopathy (knee pain)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (shoulder pain)
- Lower Back Pain
- Osteo Arthritic Joint Pain ( pain relating to wear & tear -aches and stiffness)
- Lateral Hip & Gluteal Tendinopathies (pain in the hip, thigh and buttock)
- Muscle Strains
- Heel Spurs (stabbing pain beneath the heel)
- Bone Non Union ( bone breaks that do not heal with traditional methods)
To try physio shockwave therapy, contact APC Physio in Fermoy on 025 35 015 or email info@apcphysio.ie
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
If you haven’t experienced lasting relief from other treatments, shockwave therapy may be the next best step. Shockwave therapy is often used as an alternative to surgery and medication, and is a logical next step for anyone not found relief through other treatments.
If you are an existing client at APC, your Physio will advise you based on your individual needs and injury history.
Please note that shockwave therapy is not suitable for people who are:
- Have a bleeding disorder (e.g., haemophilia) or if you’re on strong blood thinners,
- Receiving cancer treatment,
- Have nerve or circulation problems (e.g., severe peripheral neuropathy, severe vascular disease),
- Have infections, open wounds, or skin ulcers over the area,
- Have acute injuries (fresh tears, fractures, or swelling)
- Children/adolescents with open growth plates (still growing bones).
- Have pacemakers or implants - Body part depending.
- Pregnancy - anywhere around the abdomen is absolutely contraindicated.
If you are not sure if shockwave therapy is suitable for you, speak to your GP in addition to contacting us with any questions.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial session is designed to be efficient and informative:
Assessment
First, we will review your injury history, symptoms, and perform a physical evaluation.
Personalised Plan
Your physiotherapist will explain the therapy and tailor a treatment to your individual needs and goals.
Treatment
A shockwave therapy session typically lasts 5 - 15 minutes. In most cases, treatment will be supplemented with rehab exercises or additional treatments to maximise your recovery.
Aftercare Guidance
Your physio will advise you on movement, activity, and what to expect in the days following treatment. Like any hands-on physio treatment, such as spinal mobilisations, deep tissue massage, fascial release or dry needling, some general soreness is to be expected. This is normal and may take up to a few days to settle.
Backed by Research, Trusted by Physios
At APC Physio, our treatments are based on the latest solid research in treating injuries and chronic issues. Shockwave therapy is no different.
Clinical evidence has shown that shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain and improved both functionality and quality of life in conditions including plantar fasciitis, elbow, Achilles, and rotator cuff tendinopathies and outperformed control treatments at four-week follow-up. (PMC)
Another meta-analysis found shockwave therapy to be especially effective in relieving pain from rotator cuff tendonitis, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and finger tendonitis, with radial shockwave therapy (shockwave therapy) delivering particularly strong pain relief at the 3 and 6-month marks. Additionally, high-energy E-shockwave therapy outperformed low-energy variants in upper limb tendonitis. (Frontiers)
Focused shockwave therapy was demonstrated to be significantly more effective than deep friction massage in treating rotator cuff tendinitis (ScienceDirect)
A broader overview characterises shockwave therapy as a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for a range of musculoskeletal issues, including tendon pathologies. (Oxford Academic)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are just some of the questions that people often ask us about sports massage. Here at Sports Massage Cork, we’ve heard every kind of question about this therapy. These are the type of answers we give.
You might feel some mild discomfort during treatment, especially in sensitive areas, but sessions are brief, and your physio will adjust the treatment to your needs. Most patients agree that the benefits outweigh the momentary discomfort.
The required number of sessions can vary based on your condition and individual progress. Typically, patients need 10-12 sessions over a period of 4-6 weeks with 1-2 sessions per week. For less acute issues, sessions usually begin at 1-2 per week and are reduced to 1 every fortnight.
Recovery is fast, with most people returning to normal activity immediately. We may suggest avoiding high-impact exercise for 24–48 hours post-session.
Shockwave Therapy Videos
Take the First Step Towards Healing Today
Why tolerate pain when a non-invasive, evidence-backed solution is available? With shockwave therapy, you could be just a few weeks away from feeling stronger, moving better, and overcoming the limitations that once held you back.
To begin your healing journey, contact APC Physio on 025 350 15 or email info@apcphysio.ie
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Do you have an injury or pain and are not sure how Physio can help you? Have you tried multiple treatments and are looking for a new approach?
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Patrick Hanley
Director / Chartered Physiotherapist
Steven Gilmore
Certified Athletic Therapist
Craig Grehan
Certified Athletic Therapist
Mark Buckley
Chartered Physiotherapist
Sandra Furey
Chartered Physiotherapist