Shockwave therapy has emerged as one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for managing pain and accelerating recovery from muscle injuries. Originally developed for breaking down kidney stones, this innovative treatment has now found its place in modern physiotherapy, where it is widely used to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike surgery, shockwave therapy offers patients a safe and drug-free option to address stubborn pain conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatments.

In Singapore, athletes often seek this therapy for faster recovery from sports injuries, while office workers or older adults turn to it for relief from conditions such as shoulder, knee, or heel pain. The growing demand reflects a shift in preference toward treatments that deliver results with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return quickly to their normal routines. This article will provide a complete guide to shockwave therapy, explaining what it is, how it works, the conditions it can treat, and what patients can expect during their treatment. Read here https://physioactive.sg/our-services/physiotherapy/shockwave-therapy for deeper understanding about shockwave therapy.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses acoustic sound waves to promote healing in injured or painful areas of the body. The treatment involves applying a handheld device to the affected region, which delivers controlled pulses of energy through the skin and into the underlying tissues. These shockwaves stimulate blood flow, encourage new cell growth, and accelerate the body’s natural repair process. The result is reduced pain, improved mobility, and faster recovery compared to traditional methods of care.

Originally, shockwave technology was introduced in the medical field to break up kidney stones without the need for invasive surgery. Over time, healthcare professionals discovered its wider benefits for treating chronic muscle conditions, which has led to its integration into physiotherapy and sports medicine. Today, shockwave therapy is commonly used for stubborn injuries that don’t respond well to rest, medication, or standard physiotherapy techniques.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Shockwave therapy works by sending high-energy waves into the affected tissues, creating a controlled stimulus that triggers the body’s natural healing response. When the handheld device is applied to the skin, these pressures penetrate deep into the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This process helps to increase blood circulation, break down scar tissue or calcified deposits, and stimulate the production of collagen, which is essential for repairing damaged tissue.

The therapy also helps to reduce inflammation and pain by desensitizing the nerve

endings in the treated area. As a result, patients often notice both pain relief and long-term functional improvement. A typical session lasts between 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and severity of the condition being treated. Most patients require several sessions, usually spaced a week apart, for optimal results.

In Singapore, physiotherapists often combine shockwave therapy with other rehabilitation techniques, such as strengthening exercises or manual therapy to maximize recovery and prevent future injury. This makes it a versatile and highly effective treatment option for many patients.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is widely used in physiotherapy to treat stubborn injuries and chronic pain conditions that often resist traditional treatments. In Singapore, patients commonly seek it for the following:

• Plantar fasciitis – a leading cause of heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. Shockwave therapy reduces pain and promotes tissue repair.
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – overuse of forearm muscles can cause elbow pain. Therapy helps break down scar tissue and restore mobility.
• Calcific shoulder tendinitis – shockwaves help dissolve calcium deposits in the shoulder, relieving pain and improving arm movement.
• Achilles tendinopathy – common among runners, this condition affects the Achilles tendon. Therapy encourages healing and reduces stiffness.
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee) – shockwave therapy relieves knee pain caused by repetitive stress, often seen in athletes.
• Chronic back and neck pain – by reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow, therapy offers long-term relief.

Because it addresses both the root cause and the symptoms, shockwave therapy is often recommended for patients who have tried rest, medication, or traditional physiotherapy without significant improvement.

What to Expect During Treatment?

Each treatment typically begins with a thorough assessment by the physiotherapist, who identifies the exact area causing pain and determines the appropriate settings for the therapy. A special gel is applied to the skin over the targeted area to ensure efficient transmission of the shockwaves. The physiotherapist then uses a handheld device to deliver focused pulses of sound waves directly into the tissues. Patients may feel a tapping or vibrating sensation, and in some cases, mild discomfort if the area is especially sensitive. However, this sensation usually becomes more tolerable as the session progresses.

How Long Does Shockwave Therapy Take in Singapore?

A standard session lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and severity of

the injury. Most patients require between 3 to 6 weekly sessions for noticeable and lasting improvements. After treatment, it’s common to experience mild soreness, similar to what you might feel after a workout, but this typically subsides within a day or two.

How Many Sessions of Shockwave Therapy Do You Need?

The number of shockwave therapy sessions required varies from patient to patient, depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and how the body responds to treatment. On average, most patients in Singapore need between 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about one week apart. It’s important to note that shockwave therapy is not a “quick fix.” Instead, it works by stimulating natural healing processes, which continue even after the sessions are completed. Many patients report ongoing improvement for weeks or months following their last appointment.

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that helps relieve pain and speed up recovery from stubborn injuries. Popular in Singapore, it offers lasting results with minimal downtime. If pain persists despite other treatments, consult a qualified physiotherapist to see if shockwave therapy is right for you. Visit us today for a check-up at:

PhysioActive (Orchard)
Orchard Branch at Camden Medical Centre #11-05 Singapore 248649
+656235 2647
PhysioActive (CBD)
CBD Branch at 160 Robinson Road, #05-03 SBF Center Singapore 068914
+656438 0162
PhysioActive (Jurong)
Jurong Branch at 2 Venture Drive Vision Exchange #02-13/14 Singapore 608526
+656258 5602
PhysioActive (Novena Specialist Center)
Novena Branch at 8 Sinaran Drive Novena Specialist Center #07-12 Singapore 307470
+65 6734 4707