Shockwave Therapy
Focused & radial acoustic-wave therapy for stubborn plantar fasciitis, calcific tendonitis and chronic tendinopathy.
What to expect
Shockwave has the strongest evidence base for chronic tendon and fascial pain that has not settled with conservative care. A typical course is 3-5 sessions, one per week, with re-measurement at session four.
Plantar fasciitis patients struggling for more than six months are our most common case - many report meaningful change after just two sessions. We always pair shockwave with progressive loading exercises.
Is shockwave therapy right for you?
Common reasons patients come to us for this treatment. Not sure? Our assessment will tell you exactly what will help.
Techniques & modalities
Your clinician selects from these - sequenced to your stage of healing, never one-size-fits-all.
- Focused Shockwave
- Radial Shockwave
- Progressive Loading Program
Understanding shockwave therapy
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to treat persistent musculoskeletal problems that have not settled with rest or standard care. A handheld device delivers controlled pulses of energy through the skin and into the affected tendon, ligament or soft tissue. These waves create a mechanical stimulus within the area, which is thought to interrupt long-standing pain signals and encourage the body to restart its natural healing response. Because the treatment is non-invasive and does not involve medication or incisions, it is often considered when symptoms have become stubborn or recurrent and earlier measures have not delivered lasting relief.
Two main forms are used in clinical practice, and they suit different problems. Focused shockwave concentrates energy at a specific depth, which makes it well suited to deeper or precisely located targets such as a calcified deposit. Radial shockwave spreads energy across a broader, shallower area, which can be helpful for conditions that cover a wider zone of tissue. Neither approach relies on a single session working in isolation. Instead, a short course of treatments is usually planned, with each visit building on the last as your symptoms and tolerance are carefully reviewed and adjusted.
Who Shockwave Therapy Can Help
Shockwave therapy is most often used for stubborn soft-tissue and tendon conditions that have lingered for several weeks or months. At our clinics we commonly apply it to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, patellar tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis around the hip. These problems share a tendency to persist despite rest, footwear changes or earlier exercise programmes. By stimulating the affected tissue directly, shockwave aims to ease pain and improve function in areas that have proved slow to respond, allowing you to return more comfortably to the activities that matter to you.
It is not the right choice for everyone, which is why a careful assessment comes first. Shockwave is generally avoided during pregnancy, over areas of active infection, or where there are certain circulation or clotting concerns, and it may need adjusting if you take particular medications. It tends to suit people whose symptoms have a clear, localised source and who are willing to combine treatment with a guided exercise plan. If your presentation points elsewhere, we will say so honestly and suggest an approach that fits your situation, rather than recommending shockwave for its own sake.
Your Assessment And Treatment Plan
Every plan at Rehoboth begins with a thorough assessment rather than going straight onto the device. Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, daily demands and previous treatments, then examine the area and test how it moves and loads. This helps confirm whether shockwave is suitable and which approach, focused or radial, is likely to help most. You will leave with a written treatment plan that sets out the working diagnosis, the proposed number of sessions, the exercises that will run alongside them, and clear markers we will use to judge whether the plan is working.
A treatment session itself is usually brief. The clinician applies gel to the skin and moves the applicator over the target area while the device delivers its pulses, adjusting the intensity to a level you can tolerate. Many people describe a strong tapping or deep ache during the few minutes of active treatment, which typically eases soon afterwards. Appointments are often available within the same week, and for most cases no referral is needed to get started. We also offer direct billing with CINICO and major insurers, so the practical side stays as simple as possible.
Results, Recovery And Team Care
Shockwave works gradually rather than instantly, and changes often build over the course of treatment and the weeks that follow. It is normal to feel some soreness for a day or two after a session, much like the ache after exercise, and this usually settles on its own. We generally suggest keeping the area moving with gentle, ordinary activity while avoiding heavy loading immediately afterwards. Because responses vary from person to person, your physiotherapist will review your progress at each visit and adjust the plan, rather than promising a fixed result by a particular date.
Shockwave is rarely used in isolation. It usually forms one part of a wider programme, which is why we pair it with a progressive loading programme that gradually rebuilds the strength and capacity of the affected tendon or tissue. Our team-based approach means your physiotherapist can draw on colleagues across our five Grand Cayman clinics when a second opinion or a different skill set would help. If your needs change, your plan can shift with them, whether that means adding hands-on therapy, refining your exercises, or linking in with other care you may be receiving.
Frequently asked shockwave therapy questions
It uses acoustic pressure waves delivered to injured tissue to stimulate healing, and it has the strongest evidence for chronic tendon and fascia problems.
It can feel intense for a few minutes during treatment, but the intensity is adjustable and each session is short.
A typical course is three to five sessions, about one per week, with your progress reviewed around the fourth session.
It works best for stubborn plantar fasciitis, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, and calcific shoulder tendinitis that have not settled with rest.
There is no real downtime. We ask you to avoid heavy, high-impact loading for a day or two and to follow your progressive loading exercises.
What Our Patients Say About Us
“After months of chronic back pain, the team at Rehoboth helped me regain my mobility. Their personalised approach and modern treatment methods made all the difference. Highly recommend!”
“As an athlete, I needed quick and effective treatment. The physiotherapists here are exceptional - they got me back on the field faster than I expected with their advanced techniques.”
“The care I received during my post-surgery rehab was outstanding. The staff is professional, caring, and truly invested in my recovery. Thank you for everything!”
“I was skeptical at first, but after just a few sessions my neck improved significantly. The modern equipment and expertise here are top-notch. Very satisfied!”
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