Shockwave therapy

Many people are shocked by the name or think of ‘shock therapy’ as electric shocks. We can reassure you straight away: it is not. Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses powerful sound waves.

The device moves energy through a treatment head to the painful spot in your body. This energy is delivered to the tendon tissue. This may sound technical, but the effect makes perfect sense:

1. Stimulation: The sound waves shake up the ‘lazy’ tissue and stimulate blood flow (metabolism).
2. Recovery: The body's own repair process is activated immediately.
3. Pain relief: The stimulation often immediately reduces pain sensitivity.

In effect, we are giving your body a push to clear the inflammation or calcification itself.

For what complaints is shockwave suitable?

Shockwave is not the right solution for every complaint, but it is extremely effective for specific tendon conditions and calcifications. We often use this therapy for:

• Heel spur (Fasciitis Plantaris): Sharp pain under the heel, especially on first steps in the morning.
• Achilles tendon complaints: Pain and stiffness at the heel tendon, common in runners.
• Tennis arm or golfer's elbow: Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow due to overuse.
• Knee tendon complaints: Pain just below the kneecap.
• Shoulder pain: Especially effective if there is calcification in the tendons.
• Shin Splints: Shin pain due to overuse.

Treatment

At Fysio Fitaal, we work according to a clear plan. We don't just ‘shoot’ at the sore spot, but look at the overall picture.

1. Examination and diagnosis

Before we start, we want to know exactly where the pain is coming from. We listen to your story and do physical examinations. Often, we first make a ultrasound. This allows us to see exactly whether there is inflammation or calcification. This way, we can be sure that shockwave is the right choice and we can provide very targeted treatment.

2. Shockwave therapy

The physiotherapist applies a little gel to the skin and places the treatment head on the painful spot. You will hear a tapping sound. The treatment usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes at a time.

Does it hurt?

We won't beat around the bush: shockwave can be sensitive. After all, we are looking for the painful spot. Most patients experience it as a ‘spicy’ treatment, but it is easy to endure. Moreover, we always adjust the intensity to what you can tolerate.

3. Exercises and advice

Shockwave is a powerful tool, but not a panacea. For lasting results, we always combine treatment with targeted exercises to increase the load capacity of your tendon. Together, we make sure you come back stronger.

We often get the question, “What does shockwave therapy cost?” and “Is it covered by insurance?”.

At Fysio Fitaal, shockwave therapy falls under regular physiotherapy treatment. If you have supplementary insurance for physiotherapy, the treatment is fully reimbursed by your health insurer and we do not charge an additional fee.

Don't have supplementary insurance? Then our regular rates. Feel free to contact us if you are unsure about your compensation.