Understanding Your First Shockwave Therapy Appointment
If you have been referred for a shockwave therapy appointment, you might be wondering what the process involves, whether it is painful, and how soon you will feel results.
At Advantage Physiotherapy in Aylesbury, we aim to make every treatment session clear, comfortable, and effective. This blog will walk you through exactly what to expect from your first visit.
What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work?
Before your shockwave therapy appointment, it is helpful to understand what the treatment involves.
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves applied directly to areas of chronic pain or injury. These sound waves stimulate blood flow, break down scar tissue and calcifications, and promote tissue regeneration. It is most used for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles’ tendinopathy, shoulder calcifications and patellar tendon pain.
At Advantage Physiotherapy, shockwave therapy is always tailored to your specific condition and forms part of a wider treatment plan designed to get you moving comfortably again.
Initial Assessment at Your Shockwave Therapy Appointment
Your first shockwave therapy appointment will begin with a detailed clinical assessment. This helps your physiotherapist confirm the diagnosis and check that shockwave therapy is appropriate for you.
During this consultation, we will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and assess how the pain is affecting your day-to-day activities. You may be asked to perform some basic movements to identify the most affected area.
We will also take time to explain how shockwave therapy works, how many sessions may be required, and what results you can expect.
What Happens During the Shockwave Therapy Session?
Once the assessment is complete and you are happy to proceed, we will begin the treatment itself. During your shockwave therapy appointment, you will be comfortably positioned depending on the treatment area—whether sitting, lying face down or on your side.
A water-based gel is applied to the skin to help conduct the shockwaves, and a handheld device is used to deliver the acoustic energy into the tissues. The therapist will slowly move the applicator across the target area, adjusting the intensity as needed.
Most sessions last between 10 and 15 minutes and do not require any anaesthetic or injections. You might feel a tapping sensation or mild discomfort during the treatment, but it is generally well tolerated.
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
One of the most common concerns before a shockwave therapy appointment is whether the procedure is painful. While you may experience a pulsing sensation or slight discomfort, it is usually no worse than a deep massage or pressure point therapy.
The level of intensity can be adjusted throughout your session to suit your comfort levels, and our therapists will always check in with you during treatment. Any post-treatment soreness typically subsides within 24–48 hours and is a normal part of the healing response.
Aftercare Following Your Shockwave Therapy Appointment
After your shockwave therapy appointment, we will provide clear aftercare advice to support your recovery. You can usually resume normal daily activities straight away, but we recommend avoiding high-impact exercise or strenuous use of the treated area for 48 hours.
You may experience mild redness, tenderness or swelling at the site of treatment, which is completely normal. We advise against using anti-inflammatory medication or ice, as these can interfere with the healing process that shockwave therapy aims to stimulate.
If you have any concerns following treatment, the team at Advantage Physiotherapy is always available to provide guidance.
How Many Shockwave Therapy Appointments Will I Need?
The number of shockwave therapy appointments you require depends on the nature and severity of your condition. Most patients benefit from a course of 3 to 6 sessions, typically spaced one week apart.
Some individuals report noticeable improvement after just one or two sessions, while others find the benefits develop more gradually. Because shockwave therapy stimulates natural healing, your progress may continue even after the course is complete.
Your physiotherapist will monitor your response and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Combining Shockwave Therapy with Rehabilitation
At Advantage Physiotherapy, we rarely use shockwave therapy in isolation. Your shockwave therapy appointment will likely be part of a broader rehabilitation programme that includes strengthening exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and lifestyle advice.
This holistic approach helps address the root cause of your pain, reduces the risk of recurrence, and ensures better long-term outcomes.
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Who Can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain or tendon issues that have not improved with rest, manual therapy, or exercise alone. It is suitable for active individuals, sports players, and people whose jobs involve repetitive movement.
However, it may not be appropriate if you are pregnant, have a blood clotting disorder, or are taking certain medications. Your physiotherapist will screen for any contraindications during your first shockwave therapy appointment to ensure treatment is safe for you.
Book Your Shockwave Therapy Appointment with Confidence
If you are dealing with long-term pain, stiffness or tendon injury, shockwave therapy appointments at Advantage Physiotherapy could help you get back to the activities you love.
With expert guidance, a personalised treatment plan and a supportive environment, you will feel informed and at ease from your very first session.
Book your shockwave therapy appointment today and take the first step towards lasting pain relief and better movement.